Interview by Madeleine Ringer
At just thirteen, Billy Barratt showed the world exactly what the future of talent looked like, winning an International Emmy for Responsible Child - the youngest actor to do so. Today, his portfolio is stacked full, having ventured into film, TV and the West End, all before his eighteenth birthday.
Directors Danny and Michael Philippou bring new talent and new horrors to light in Bring Her Back, an A24 production where two siblings uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their foster mother. Starring as the brother, Andy, alongside his time as Caspar in sci-fi drama series Invasion, it’s no doubt Barratt has, and will, continue to steal the spotlight this year.
You’ll be starring in A24’s new horror, Bring Her Back, this year. What was the audition process like?
Danny and Michael had seen me in Responsible Child, while I was shooting the first season of Invasion, and when I heard they wanted me to be in their debut film, Talk to Me, quite honestly, I didn’t know what to do with myself. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do Talk to Me due to my filming schedule, but I got another call from them after the movie had come out, asking if I’d be happy to read for the character Andy in Bring Her Back. Of course, I was quick to say “YES”, and after one or maybe two auditions, we were on our way to Adelaide to film.
Bring Her Back is sure to terrify us all - in the best way. What can you tease about your character, Andy?
He feels a responsibility to protect his sister, Piper, and play the role of her eyes - for those who don’t know, she is visually impaired. Andy, like most teenagers, is a deeply emotional kid, yet seems to bottle his feelings up. Whether that’s for his sister or not, it’s for you to interpret, but knowing this, Laura (played by Sally Hawkins) uses this to her advantage. The rest you’ll have to watch the movie for.
Do you have a favourite horror film recommendation?
Yeah… this Bring Her Back film is pretty f***ing good.
In another world, Invasion is teasing its third season and we’re so ready. How do you think pre-invasion Caspar would react to season three Caspar?
By season three, Caspar is almost a totally different person. I think shy, geeky, outcast season 1 Caspar would be terrified of the older him. I can relate…
Watch Bring Her Back in UK Cinemas from Friday 1st August
