ROCÍO DE LA GRANA TALKS FRANKIE, MANIAC WOMAN

Behind the Coastline

You are reading an independently published interview-series published and carefully curated by Swedish pop-culture journalist Daniel John. Ever since its start in 2015, the core curiosity remains the same, surfing the creative currents of music, film, fashion and everything else on the pop-radar, catching the waves of culture as creative

Culture Coast TalksDaniel John

‘Frankie, Maniac Woman’ is not the first time you have found yourself in a horror film-situation, what keeps bringing you into them?

I’ve always been drawn to the idea of putting myself in situations I’ve never experienced and probably never want to in real life. Horror lets me explore those “what if” moments in a world that’s safe, but still feels incredibly real while you’re in it. You get to experience fear, adrenaline, chaos, and then step out of it when they call “cut.” What I especially love about 'Frankie, Maniac Woman' and projects like this is that the story could happen to anyone. It starts from such ordinary circumstances that suddenly take a dark, unexpected turn, and that’s what makes it so relatable and real, and on a more playful side, I love the physical side of it, running, fighting, fake blood, prosthetics, making a mess on set. It’s intense but also like being a kid again. Suspense, drama, and thrillers have always been some of my favorite genres, and getting to live inside them as part of my work feels both rewarding and challenging in the best way.

Any notable moment on this set that stands out to you?

I really enjoyed the bloody part! We got to play with a lot of fake blood. It was literally everywhere. On the clothes, props, furniture, everything, it was so much fun to fight covered in it too. The fight scene was really well choreographed, especially considering that we had to do it in a tight space while breaking and throwing things around. We were completely in the moment, the atmosphere on set made it feel so real.

Performance wise, do you prefer to be fully prepared before stepping on set, or to be able to play around and try out different things in front of the camera?

I like to be prepared, that’s something I always do for every project, but I’m also very open to changes on set, it really depends on what the director wants. Sometimes they ask you to come fully prepared but stay open to improv, and other times it’s about sticking exactly to what’s written. Personally, I enjoy being well-prepared, knowing my lines, understanding my character, but also staying flexible and ready to adapt to whatever comes up. That balance keeps the work fresh and alive.

How did you want make sure to play Lola?

I wanted to keep Lola grounded, not overly sweet or shy, but more innocent, with a bit of spiciness. She’s someone who can be vulnerable and kind, but also knows who she is and what she deserves. Lola knows she’s a good person, and maybe even that she’s a little charming, and that can sometimes trigger envy or jealousy from others. If someone, a friend, a boyfriend, anyone says something she doesn’t like, she will stand up for herself in a calm, polite, but firm way.

Amid the over the top carnage there is a theme and message that unfortunately rings all the more true, about the misogyny and superficial standards that women face in the entertainment industry. Is there anything you yourself think important to remain positive and in power?

I think this is a great time for women to feel empowered and to speak up without fear. I personally feel supported and secure that my voice will be heard, both on and off set. For me, staying positive and in control depends on respect and good communication, being clear about what you want, how you see things and expressing that with confidence and kindness. The industry still has a long way to go, but I do feel there is a real shift happening and it’s exciting to be part of that change.

Do you enjoy the audition process?

Yes, very much! Having the chance to get an early insight into the project and the characters’ relationships really helps. It gives me a sense of the world I am stepping into and it helps me understand where the director wants to go with the story.

How early can you look back and see that you have had this love of performing?

I’ve loved performing since I was a little girl. I would always take part in school performances. I also used to dance on stage, and that’s when I realized how much I loved expressing myself through movement and music. As I grew up and started thinking about what I wanted to do, little by little I found my way into this magical and fascinating world of storytelling and filmmaking.

Are there any other roles you’ve worked on that you are looking forward to audiences seeing next?

Yes! There are a few projects I’m really excited about. Each role I take on teaches me something new, and I can’t wait for audiences to see different sides of me as an actress. Some of the upcoming work dives more into drama and psychological elements. Genres I truly love exploring. I’m also interested in stepping into something musical one day, where I can combine acting with music and movement. I think that mix would be such a beautiful challenge.