As a professional boxer and actress, I can say that working on True Detective: Night Country was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One day that stands out in my mind was when we were filming during one of the colder nights. The wind was howling, and it felt like my teeth were chattering, but everyone was outside together, braving the cold. And then, suddenly, we looked up to see the most breathtaking display of the northern lights. It was a magical moment, with everyone standing still, taking in the beauty of the greens, blues, and pinks dancing across the sky. I never thought I’d have that moment on set with such an incredible cast and crew.
[This story contains spoilers from True Detective: Night Country.]
Kali Reis and her team at Night Country had a big responsibility on their hands, taking over the management of the True Detective series.
In the aftermath of series creator Nic Pizzolatto’s departure and following five Emmy awards, Reis – alongside showrunner Issa López and two-time Oscar winner Jodie Foster – decided to steer HBO’s acclaimed crime anthology in a fresh direction. On a more intimate note, the boxing veteran-turned-actor, who was relatively new to the entertainment industry, sought to demonstrate her prowess. Her Indie Spirit-nominated debut in 2021’s “Catch the Fair One” caught López’s attention during casting, resulting in an audition that Reis seized to secure the role of Alaska State Trooper Evangeline Navarro.
Partnering with Liz Danvers, the local police chief on Foster’s force, Reis recognized the challenge of living up to the outstanding performances of past cops portrayed by Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Stephen Dorff, and Mahershala Ali. However, she approached this new role with the same determination and dedication that made her a six-time world champion boxer in two different weight classes.
Under the spotlight, I found myself needing to give my best performance, and whatever ‘best’ meant, I knew I had to put in more effort. It reminded me of how I approach my boxing career. You don’t get a break just because you’ve achieved something big. So, with Jodie Foster present, the pressure was heightened, yet it was thrilling to learn from her. However, I couldn’t afford to let my guard down.
The effort put in has certainly been worthwhile, as Reis joins Lily Gladstone from “Under the Bridge” in making history as the first Native American women to receive Emmy acting nominations. Notably, this isn’t the first time Reis has forged a new path on HBO; she was part of their inaugural broadcast of a women’s boxing match back in 2018.
Born in Rhode Island, López received an Emmy nomination that was one of a remarkable 19 for the six-episode season, and this recognition holds significant importance for several reasons. Among them is the fact that it acknowledges Pizzolatto and his dedicated fanbase who expressed some criticism on Instagram regarding the creative choices made in Night Country. (Following these fan-led criticisms, Pizzolatto chose to delete his responses.)
“For Reis, the most significant recognition comes from the pride shown by the Indigenous people of Alaska at seeing themselves represented. These Emmy nominations are simply a delightful extra. Yet, if I were to be honest, 19 nominations is quite a powerful statement, almost like setting down a mic. Of course, everyone might not feel the same way about these accolades, but it’s an honor to receive such distinguished nominations.”
To add to that, the series titled “Night Country” attracted more audiences than the preceding three seasons of “True Detective”. An impressive 12.7 million viewers tuned in for each episode, leading to an immediate renewal for a fifth season, with López resuming his position as the showrunner.
In a recent discussion about upcoming shows (FYC), Reis discusses her collaboration with Foster and subsequently shares her interpretation of the enigmatic final scene from the fourth season.
***
Given that you were part of a fresh creative team working on the fourth season of the highly acclaimed HBO series “True Detective,” it’s understandable that there was a significant amount of pressure due to the show’s popularity. As the episodes aired, there were vocal critics. However, with 19 Emmy nominations coming your way, does this validation make the accolades feel even more deserved considering the circumstances?
In essence, being a part of such a captivating tale under the esteemed label of “True Detective” was truly an extraordinary journey, filled with its own challenges as expected. With every project, opinions will vary, but receiving 19 Emmy nominations amidst the critics only underscores our dedication to telling this compelling story we cherished. These awards aren’t about validation; rather, they serve as a confirmation of our commitment and passion for delivering the best possible narrative.
For us, the most significant achievement is the sense of pride our Indigenous Alaskan community felt upon seeing themselves portrayed authentically. These Emmy nominations are simply a delightful extra, but honestly, if I were to be like any human, I’d react with a “Wow, 19 nominations? That’s quite the exclamation point!” So while opinions may vary, there’s no denying that these recognitions hold immense honor.
In the introduction of “The Simpsons,” Bart Simpson is shown repeatedly writing the same message as a punishment during detention. Similarly, before securing the role of Evangeline Navarro, did you also practice a non-punitive version of this behavior?
(Grinning broadly) Admit it, the casting process was beyond my grasp. I delivered my audition with all my might, yet this role in “True Detective: Night Country” seemed tailor-made for me. So, I penned down, “I will secure the part of Evangeline Navarro in True Detective: Night Country,” repeatedly. Guess you could say I channeled Bart Simpson there. Maybe it’s time to trademark that! (Chuckles)
In the role of a police officer, you found yourself joining the ranks of actors like Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Rachel McAdams, Colin Farrell, Stephen Dorff, and Mahershala Ali. You were also teaming up with two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster. Given the impressive legacy these performers carry, did you find their collective history putting pressure on you during filming, or were you able to disregard it?
Working on True Detective, a renowned HBO series, alongside the esteemed Jodie Foster brought about an overwhelming sense of anticipation. Collaborating with seasoned writer-director Issa López and Hollywood icon Jodie Foster was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. The weight of expectation was heavy as I strived to deliver my best, knowing that my performance would be under the scrutiny of these industry titans. I approached the challenge much like I do with boxing – even after winning a world title, there’s no room for complacency; you have to keep pushing harder. Working alongside Jodie Foster only amplified this pressure, yet it was also an incredible opportunity to learn from her. So, while I was thrilled at the prospect of gaining insight from her, I had to remain focused and vigilant throughout the process.
Given that big names such as Jodie tend to be conscious of the impact they have on others, was there something she did to make you feel more comfortable or less intimidated by her presence?
Her charm as a person is overwhelmingly endearing. She’s an exceptional individual who exhibits kindness towards everyone without any distinction of rank. The atmosphere wasn’t formal like “I’m the teacher, you’re the student.” Instead, she illuminated every space with her radiant smile and warm embraces, leading us directly into our tasks. Moreover, she was genuinely invested in understanding everyone else’s progression. It wasn’t a situation where she dictated our actions; rather, it was a collaborative effort that felt invitingly disarming. Lastly, she has a great sense of humor and is an extremely dedicated worker. Using the analogy of boxing, we both put in months of preparation, then fight night was fight night – there’s no room for more work. True Detective had a similar approach: we prepared together, shared our preparations, and when it came time to film, we gave our best in the cold weather.
In “Night Country,” Navarro and Danvers (Foster) initially clash, but they eventually thaw their relationship. As your characters grew closer, did you and Jodie find yourselves getting closer as well, or did the boundaries between reality and work become blurred?
Our bond with each other intensified rapidly into a very intimate friendship, yet the more we uncovered about our individual personalities, the stronger that connection grew even further. Beyond our time together as Danvers and Navarro, we always made room for Kali and Jodie moments. She was fascinated by my life as a boxer, while I was captivated by hers as Jodie Foster. Consequently, we shared a strong bond, and as we continued to explore our characters, that closeness deepened further, which was quite fascinating too.
Ultimately, Navarro manages to solve both Annie K’s long-standing case and the Tsalal case simultaneously. However, during this time, her sister (Niviâna) took her own life. One might wonder if Navarro vanished afterward in search of the inner tranquility that has continually evaded her.
There are questions that everyone has pondered: “Did she vanish? Did she join her sibling? Is she alive? Or is she dead?” I think the bond with her sister provided some semblance of stability for Navarro, but when her sister was no longer around, she became determined to solve this mystery. It’s a matter of life or death for her. Once she uncovers the truth, she finds a sense of tranquility that allows her to finally close that chapter and move forward without fear, whether she is in this world or the next. Navarro had quite a tumultuous journey, but I believe she has found peace now. Whether you think she joined her sister in death or continues to exist in this 3D reality, she is at peace today.
Absolutely, the finale of the series seems to conclude with a sense of uncertainty since Navarro is seen on Danvers’ deck, but it’s unclear if she’s in her physical or spiritual state. Was the script intentionally left ambiguous as well?
Yeah, it did keep it open-ended. It was very ambiguous, and I love that about the ending.
Have you ever found yourself wondering if it’s a pity that Navarro’s friend and on-again, off-again partner, Qavvik (Joel D. Montgrand), was so patient and compassionate with her, given that you wish things could have turned out differently for them?
As a gamer, I must say, the dynamic between Navarra and Qavvik is simply unparalleled – it’s the sweetest, most intriguing romance I’ve ever seen on screen. In her current chapter, he’s just right for Navarra. He provides the patience she requires to navigate her journey, offering the support she needs to grow. While some may yearn for a spin-off exploring their origins, in Navarra’s life at this moment, it fits perfectly. So, I wouldn’t alter a single thing about their story. A picket fence and a fairy tale ending? Not my wish for them. Their journey is just right as it stands.
After her sister’s passing, she picks a fight with a group of men. She was seeking a way to express her grief and perhaps receive some retaliation in return. Since you’re a boxer, did you observe the actor who seemed to be rehearsing his punches, trying to catch your attention and impress you?
(Chuckles) Thankfully, we’d practiced plenty of stunts beforehand, and he even sought my advice on how to throw a convincing punch. He questioned if his technique was right. It was quite enjoyable, and that ranks among my most delightful experiences. The stunt team was incredibly cooperative, particularly the lead performer. He was in the corner attempting to box, and I couldn’t help but say, “Hey, I’m the expert here!” (Chuckles)
In the opening scene, Navarro reminisces about her time in the military, and there’s a quick glimpse into the past where she’s conversing with a comrade who sadly lost half of his head. Have you ever inquired as to what Issa meant by this image?
That is a very interesting sequence, and we did have a conversation about what that memory actually means for her. If you recall the conversation she was having with Annie K’s brother, Ryan, he asked, “Do you believe in God?” And the first thing she goes to is that memory, so we talked about how unexpected that moment is. You expect to see God in a church or hear God while you pray, but that was one of the first out-of-nowhere times where Navarro is like, “Okay, there is something else. I’ve got to stop ignoring it.” So we had those conversations as to what that actual memory meant, but not in so many words.
Eventually, as you look back on the production of “True Detective: Night Country”, which day do you think will stand out most vividly in your memory? Which day encapsulates the overall experience for you?
For 122 days straight, we endured (laughs), including one particularly chilly night shoot when the wind howled and my lips felt like they might freeze solid! But despite the cold, we all braved the outdoors together. Suddenly, our eyes were drawn upward to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of the northern lights dancing above us. A collective silence fell upon us as we marveled at the shimmering greens, blues, and pinks illuminating the night sky. Even amidst our shooting schedule, everyone paused for a moment to appreciate this incredible sight alongside such an extraordinary cast and crew. I never dreamt that I’d experience such a magical moment with them!
True Detective: Night Country is now streaming on Max.
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2024-08-23 18:55