If you like Sci-Fi/Thriller movies, then you might want to check out the new film from director Craig Moss, ‘Let Us In’, starring Makenzie Moss, Sadie Stanley, Mackenzie Ziegler, Siena Agudong, O’Neill Monahan and Tobin Bell. The synopsis for the film reads: ‘A spirited twelve-year-old girl and her best friend look to uncover the sudden disappearances of several missing teens in their small town. Realizing there might be something deeper happening, Emily and Christopher might be up against forces they can’t even imagine. Based on the urban legend “The Black Eyed Kids.”’

Ahead of the film being released via on demand and digital on July 2^nd, PopWrapped caught up with Makenzie Moss to find out how she got involved with the project, the actress and director she’d most like to work with and what advice she’d give to young people looking to make it in the acting world.

What was it that made you want to try your hand at acting? Was there a particular film you saw or an actress/actor whose work you admire that made you think: “That film really affected me – I wanna star in something like that”, or “He/she is amazing, I’d love to follow in their footsteps”?

Well, actually my dad is a filmmaker and he put my sister and me in a movie when I was like four and I really loved it. So, we did a bunch of commercials which lead to movies and then more movies and TV. It’s been a lot of fun and I’ve been really fortunate to have been a part of all of it.

Tell me a little about your new film ‘Let Us In’. What drew you to the project? Can you recall your audition?

It’s inspired by the urban legend the Black Eyed Kids and I play Emily who’s kinda a loner in a small town who suddenly starts to notice that other teenage kids begin to go missing so she, along with her best friend Christopher, go in search of them. It’s a really cool fun movie that has some creepy moments but you can’t take your eyes off the screen. I loved the screenplay when I first read it because the hero was a twelve-year old-girl who held her own which was something I hadn’t read before. As far as the audition process, I didn’t have to audition because the role was written for me by my dad. 

How would you say this film differs from the many that have been released over the years? What is its unique selling point?

I think what makes ‘Let Us In’ different is that it comes from this very popular online urban legend is one thing that sets it apart in addition to the fact that the movie’s hero is a twelve-year-old girl who kicks butt and goes out to save the day. We really haven’t seen a film in this genre where a twelve-year-old girl is the lead in a very long time.

How does this film differ from your past projects such as The Unicorn and Do You Believe? How important is it to you that you take on a variety of roles and not find yourself pigeonholed?

I’ve been very lucky to have been involved with some really great movies and TV series in various genres. ’Let Us In’ is a really cool Sci-Fi thriller while ‘The Unicorn’ is a comedic TV series so they couldn’t be more opposite not just in genre but in the nature of each of the characters I play. I think because I’ve been lucky enough to play in the various genres it’s kept me from being pigeonholed in just one of them.

Are there any favourite or funny moments from your time on set you can share?

We had so much fun making this ‘Let Us In’ that it’s hard to pin point one moment. Being able to hang out on set with Sadie Stanley, Siena Agudong, O’Neill Monahan, Seneca Paliotta, Mackenzie Ziegler and my sister Olivia was the best. This is where I wish this was a TV series so I could hang out with these people every-day!

What would you like those who see the film to take from it? Is there a particular message to/behind the movie? 

Stay true to who you are and hold on to your core values regardless of what other people think of you.

What would your dream role be? Who would you most like to work with and why? 

I think it would be cool to play a superhero… some really cool empowered female superhero. On the acting side I would love to work with Meryl Streep and as far as directors, I would love to work with Steven Spielberg.

Given that you’re only 14 and work in such a high-pressure environment, how do you handle all the highs and lows that come from being a part of the Hollywood entertainment scene/industry? What advice would you give to young people looking to follow in your footsteps and pursue a Hollywood career as a child/teen star? What skills or attributes would you say they need the most?

I’m lucky that I come from a very close family who has always kept me grounded.  My parents who are both in the business have always given me great advice and support on how to deal with the pressures and rejection from jobs. I also have been fortunate to have good balance in my life as I’ve always gone to regular school and have been able to take off time to work and then return to school creating more normalcy in my life. As far as advice to others who want to pursue this business, I would say you need to have thick skin…there’s a lot of rejection that happens before you’re able to gain success.  You literally might go on 100 auditions until you finally land a job. But if you’re truly passionate about it and you work hard then go for it.    

Finally then, are there any future projects, on or off screen that you can tease? What does the remainder of the year and beyond have in store for you, and for your fans? 

There’s some really cool things I’m looking at right now but won’t know which one’s first until later this month. Once I know I will definitely let you know.

Check out the trailer for ‘Let Us In’ below and you can keep up to date with Makenzie by following her on Instagram.