WARNING: Spoilers for The Crowded Room episode 7.AppleTV+’s The Crowded Room stars Tom Holland as Danny, a man who is in the process of uncovering his past in the aftermath of a horrific crime. That past turns out to be a lot more complex than it initially appears as he struggles with the realization that his hazy memory may be the result of something much darker.
This includes the reveal that Sasha Lane’s Ariana, one of Danny’s closest friends, has been a figment of his imagination all along. How that will impact the rest of the show remains to be seen, but the twist is one that’s been a long time coming and that will continue to shift Danny’s perception of himself.
FilmmakerFocus caught up with Lane to discuss The Crowded Room episode 7, including the big revelation that Ariana is all in Danny’s head, imagining Ariana’s backstory, and working with Holland.
Sasha Lane on Ariana’s Big Secret in The Crowded Room
FilmmakerFocus: Your character Ariana is an interesting one — how did you find your way into [her]? What did you search for when bringing this character to life?
Sasha Lane: I think a balance rnrnSasha Lane’s character, Ariana, is a fascinating mix of confidence and confusion. She exudes intimacy and confidence in her relationship with Danny, but also shows moments of vulnerability and uncertainty. It’s a wild journey to bring all these aspects together, but I love the challenge it presents.
When it comes to Ariana’s backstory, I didn’t delve into specific details. Instead, I focused on the trauma and attachment issues that make her detached yet yearning for connection. I combined various histories to inform her actions and motivations.
In this show, everyone revolves around Danny, and it’s the dynamics between him and Ariana that drive the plot. Tom and I worked on establishing their unique dynamic, especially in the early episodes where the true nature of their relationship isn’t revealed. We found that they rarely face each other directly, communicating with a mix of caution and deep connection.
Overall, Ariana doesn’t see herself as an alter, but rather as an individual. Despite knowing she’s not real, it’s not a significant concern for her. Their communication is filled with unspoken boundaries, but they still manage to be deeply connected.You and Tom have something in common: you’ve both been in the MCU. Was that something you guys bonded over? And was it a relief to be like working so directly together on something much more grounded, like The Crowded Room?
Sasha Lane: I feel like I’ve had my dip in the pond of it. It’s definitely not to the extent of Tom. I think that I’ve been more in the grounded work, and that’s my little exciting thing. For me, it was kind of exciting to see him in this world and do it so well. I’m excited for people to see his range. I’m so thankful for this project. It was really nice to be a part of.
About The Crowded Room
Starring and executive produced by Tom Holland, The Crowded Room is a gripping, 10-episode limited series that stars Holland as Danny Sullivan, a man who is arrested following his involvement in a shooting in New York City in 1979. A captivating thriller told through a series of interviews with curious interrogator Rya Goodwin (Amanda Seyfried), Danny’s life story unfolds, revealing elements of the mysterious past that shaped him, and the twists and turns that will lead him to a life-altering revelation. Hailing from Academy Award winner Akiva Goldsman, The Crowded Room is a coproduction between Apple Studios and New Regency.
Check out our other coverage of The Crowded Room here:
- Tom Holland
- Amanda Seyfried
- Emmy Rossum
The Crowded Room‘s latest episode is now streaming on Apple TV+.
Source: FilmmakerFocus Plus
