Half a season in and SYFY’s newest horror series Revival continues to breathe life into late-night television.
Revival is a live-action adaptation of a comic series of the same name with a captivating story enriched by thoughtfully written characters. Of the many enthralling characters there is a protagonist who has notably captured the attention and admiration of viewers: Martha “Em” Cypress portrayed by Canadian actress Romy Weltman.
Before Em’s death and subsequent resurrection on Revival Day, she faced unending adversity. Now, Em navigates a second chance at living, a newfound zest for risk, and an unrelenting quest for answers about her death.
PopWire recently connected for an exclusive interview with rising star Romy Weltman who dove deeply into the details of Em Cypress’s transformation, sharing scenes with co-star Maia Jae Bastidas, and what to look forward to in the horror drama’s 6th episode, “Bloodlines”.
PopWire: Em Cypress has one of the more intriguing character arcs in Revival, having made an epic transformation since the premiere episode of SYFY’s latest hit series. How does her new look reflect her growth and journey in life after death? Did you have creative liberties in developing Em’s transformation?
Romy Weltman: The line, “I had to die to feel alive,” from episode 103 reflects the journey Em goes on throughout this season. She really finds herself throughout the season and recognizes that she doesn’t identify with the identity she’s been given by those around her. The iconic sweater, coming from Dana’s donation box, reflects their duality in so many ways. Em finds safety being in her big sister’s clothes and hiding in something baggy. When it comes to her hair, Em is literally cutting off the bad memories associated with who she has been over the last two years. She is also taking ownership of her identity and her past.
Revival was one of the most collaborative projects I have ever worked on. Aaron B. Koontz and Luke Boyce said to me on day 1, “Em is yours now.” I cried and journaled about it… a lot. Everyone on the team was open to hearing my ideas and opinions, but truthfully, I didn’t need to give any. The writers on our show put so much care into how these characters’ stories are told, and that is evident throughout the season. Our incredible directors, Amanda Row and Samir Rehem, were also very open to collaborating with me and the other cast members when the cameras were rolling.
When it came to the final shaved look, I got a couple of reference photos before officially getting the role. I went in knowing what we were doing, but there was still a discussion between Dann Campbell and me. The main thing we wanted to convey with this haircut is that it was more than just a new look. It is a shift in her capability, confidence, and acceptance of the reflection she sees in the mirror. We will also discover later in the story why this look is even more important to Em than we initially realized.
Lavivier Productions/SYFY
PW: Revival does not shy away from the darker sides of humanity, so when we see Em and her housemate Kay team up in Episode 5, “Triage”, it was a hilarious and much-needed comic relief. What was it like acting alongside co-star Maia Jae Bastidas during the scenes you shared in the 5th episode?
Romy: Maia Jae is such a joy to work with; she is so creatively intuitive. Maia Jae has brought Kay to life in ways I didn’t expect, which was incredible to witness. She is also always willing to play around which allowed me to be open to seeing a new side of Em around her roommate, and now confidant. The surgery scene was a blast to film, and there were as many (professional, of course) laughs as you’d expect and that pretty much sums up all of our fun scenes. The constant smoke we have when Kay is around also gets me good. I appreciate Kay bringing out a lighter and more outgoing side in Em throughout all the intensity she faces.
PW: Co-creator/showrunner Luke Boyce listed Episode 6, “Bloodlines”, as one of his favorite episodes of the season. Can you give us a preview of what’s to come in the 6th episode of Revival?
Romy: I’d have to agree with Luke. Episode 6 really answers a lot of the questions viewers have had, while also highlighting some unique relationships. The fun of episode 6 is that it is action-packed, and we get to learn more about the other characters in the show.
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PW: What can viewers expect to see from Em Cypress in “Bloodlines”? Will she get any closer to learning her cause of death?
Romy: Viewers can expect to see Em continuing to learn about herself. “Bloodlines” highlights Em’s new sense of self and learning what she is capable of both emotionally and physically. Fortunately, every episode, she’s getting closer to answers from the audience’s perspective. However, I think the Em we’re watching is starting to realize that many of her leads aren’t adding up as well as Lester’s math.
Revival “Bloodlines” was written by Aaron B. Koontz & Luke Boyce and directed by Samir Rehem. The episode airs Thursday, July 17 at 10/9c on SYFY. See for yourself why Episode 6 has been dubbed a favorite by Romy and Co-Showrunners Koontz an Boyce.
Join us for PopWire’s WitchSlapped after-show on YouTube immediately following for an in-depth discussion on the episode. See you there.
