VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: Alia Shawkat On Holding Hands With Cynthia Erivo On ‘Drift’ Set

Alia Shawkat spoke to uInterview about her new film Drift, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah this week.

Cynthia Erivo plays Jacqueline, a war refugee who seeks to make a new life on a Greek island. From a wealthy Liberian family, Jacqueline now finds herself stealing food and squatting in caves to survive while still dealing with the trauma of her past. Jacqueline decides to take a chance and form a friendship with Callie (Shawkat), an American tour guide.

Shawkat discussed the film’s message on refugees. “I think the film does a great job of not preaching about politics but more focusing on a human story and about how we are learning to trust each other and maybe not assume someone’s story. And maybe be a little kinder to someone who is a stranger,” Shawkat said.

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Shawkat revealed the touching moment the two shared while filming. “There was one day when we’re at the abandoned house. It’s a heavy scene,” Shawkat said. “There’s no dialogue but it’s the last moment of our characters, when I finally see her and know her truth now. And we just sat there and held hands for like an hour while they set up in silence. And we just sat there and quietly held space for each other. It was one of the greatest moments I’ve had on set, honestly.”

Shawkat continued, “We just shared energy, it was really beautiful.”