Synopsis
Elizabeth Hurley and Georgia Lock star in Strictly Confidential, a sensual thriller with a devilish twist. On the anniversary of Rebecca’s (Lauren McQueen) death, Mia (Lock) returns to the Caribbean paradise where she and her best friend shared her final days. As Mia sets out to unravel the mysterious events of her passing, old passions rise, new secrets are uncovered and Mia is pulled into a seductive world of sex, betrayal, and murder.
Georgia Lock
Interview
Cinema Scholars’ own Glen Dower sat down with star Georgia Lock to discuss her new feature film Strictly Confidential. They spoke about working with the mother and son team of Elizabeth and Damian Hurley, Georgia getting her start on children’s television on the BBC and channeling personal experiences to nail the scene, among other topics.
(Edited for content and clarity)
Glen Dower:
Georgia, how are you?
Georgia Lock:
I’m good, how are you?
Glen Dower:
I’m good, thank you so much for talking to me today. Now, some of our British readers might know you from your time in CBeebies.
Georgia Lock:
Yes, CBeebies, yes! Back in the day.
Glen Dower:
That’s right, do you think being in a film like this is a good transition for you into more mature work and will take your career in a new direction?
Georgia Lock:
I had a wonderful time on children’s television. It’s something that I’ve always enjoyed, but I think it’s nice as you age in life that your career follows that same trajectory, and it’s really exciting to be working on films like this.
Glen Dower:
Like Strictly Confidential, so let’s talk about Mia. You are the lead and poor Mia! She goes through so much in this film, and we’re with her every step of the way. So, Georgia, you are pretty much in every scene, in a state of angst. Was that exhausting for you?
Georgia Lock:
It was a very quick shoot like we got this film done! So yes, it was very intense, but that’s sort of the way I like it. You know, you really can get into the film that way when you work like that. Although I have to say, when it finished, I did sort of have a moment of, gosh, what am I doing with my days now, now that I’m not constantly thinking about what happened to my friend, you know? So it was sort of an immersive experience if you will, but all the more fun for it.
Glen Dower:
We don’t want to give too much away, of course, but Mia is on this island. She’s there to commemorate the loss of her best friend, Rebecca, and she is at odds with the situation. You play her just knowing something is wrong. Did you have to dig deep to find empathy with Mia’s situation?
Georgia Lock:
I think when you’re doing emotional scenes about that, you do think about things in your own life, you know? You take the script for what it is, and I was thinking about my lovely friend, and God forbid if anything happened to her and how that would feel, you know? And I think then in emotional scenes as well, you can draw on things in the past that have been difficult. I’m no stranger to a mental health struggle, and you know, as painful as that is, it does make you cry quicker!
Glen Dower:
And you play it sublimely. We have to talk about Ms. Hurley. What was it like meeting her and being on set working with her?
Georgia Lock:
Oh, what an icon. You never know when you meet people that have had such success, how they’re going to be, you know? And she’s just, she’s just radiant, man. Like, I just don’t know how else to say it. She has this presence about her, but she’s so considerate and phenomenal to work with. It was a real blessing, and there are not many other words I can put on it. She’s just an absolute pro and a lovely person. It was a fantastic experience.
Glen Dower:
She’s literally a mother figure on the set behind and in front of the camera. Was she like that for the whole cast? Because she was pretty much the only adult, if you like, with all your kids running around. Did she play that role also with you?
Georgia Lock:
Ha! I mean, definitely. Very considerate, and definitely always wanted to make sure that everyone was okay. She’s so at ease on set, you know, she knows her way around a film set. I did feel like if I needed some advice on something, she would be someone that I could go to.
Glen Dower:
Her son, Damien, of course, is the film’s writer and director. Were you conscious that he was a first-time feature director? Because we know he’s been making short movies since he was five years old. I mean, he’s been around icons all his life. What was it like as a director?
Georgia Lock:
I thought he was brilliant! I really did. Directors have different styles. But I felt like I really liked Damien’s way of working because you can see that, or I felt that he thinks about each shot so artistically. And I really love that. That’s why I think the movie looks so beautiful because I feel like you could sort of pause it anywhere. And you could paint it in watercolor, and it would look beautiful. There’s not really a shot that doesn’t look stunning. And aside from the fact that I think he’s very talented, from meeting him on this film, we’ve become really good friends. He’s very dear to me. And I’m just really excited and happy for him. And it was fantastic being able to work with someone that you love so much, you know?
Glen Dower:
That’s fantastic. Now let’s discuss what my readers can expect from this film. I noted down some areas that piqued my interest I thought I’d share: I thought it was cross a between an Agatha Christie story and a dark Mamma Mia! So how would you describe it to people who want to see the film?
Georgia Lock:
I mean, I do love a bit of a whodunit myself! I’m not gonna lie and I like I like when there’s some mystery and like not quite knowing what’s gonna happen. I like a good twist. And the film has a few of them. I quite like your description, Glen!
Glen Dower:
And what part do you think the location plays in the story as well?
Georgia Lock:
I think it adds. It’s such a beautiful space. And it almost doesn’t look real. So I think that that adds a bit of mystery as well because it just looks so picturesque. And, because a lot of the film, you’re not quite sure what’s real and what’s not, as it were, having a setting that’s so beautiful that you don’t know if it quite exists. It definitely helps add something to the film.
Glen Dower:
Perfect. I also would your opinion, no spoilers, but do you think Mia gets back on the plane at the end, upon her discovery?
Georgia Lock:
Oh! I don’t want to give anything away. Personally… there are so many ways it could go. I might keep that under wraps!
Glen Dower:
Keep it for the sequel, perhaps?
Georgia Lock:
Exactly. I don’t want to put my foot in ruining a sequel!
Glen Dower:
That’s fair. So, as I said, I’m meeting the Hurleys later. Can you give me a question that you would like to have them answer for you?
Georgia Lock:
Well…let’s throw them the sequel one!
Glen Dower:
‘Georgia demands to know when the sequel is happening!’
Georgia Lock:
Yeah! Keep the ‘she demands’ in there! Ha!
Glen Dower:
Okay, and finally Georgia, please give me your elevator pitch for Strictly Confidential…
Georgia Lock:
Sure. So Strictly Confidential follows a haunted young lady who is really trying to come to terms with some unfortunate circumstances surrounding, well, horrific, tragic circumstances around her friend’s death. And she just doesn’t…something feels wrong. She’s looking for answers. She’s drawn into this world of betrayal and enchantment, and things get more and more thrilling as the film unfolds.
Glen Dower:
Sold. Georgia, thank you, it’s been a real pleasure to meet you.
Georgia Lock:
And thank you so much for your time today! Bye!
Strictly Confidential, the feature directorial debut of Damian Hurley, from Lionsgate, is in theatres and available on Digital On Demand now.
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