En Brazos De Un Asesino, based on the adult suspense novel Killing Sarai, tells the chilling tale of a young woman seeking to escape her decade-long captivity only to find herself in the clutches of a man who may be even worse. Alicia Sanz takes on the role of Sarai in this Spanish-language adaptation, and she navigates genres between thriller and romance with ease. The actress sat down with Screen Rant prior to the film’s release on December 6th to discuss working with costar and writer William Levy, as well as the possibility of further installments based on the novel series.
Congratulations on this film. So much action; it's also a bit of romance and even a tiny bit of comedy. But you play a very unique role, where you start off as a damsel in distress, then you become a lover and an assassin in your own right. Can you talk to me about Sarai's evolution?
Alicia Sanz: Well, she's just trying to escape that world that she's living in. She's been kidnapped for 10 years, so she sees an opportunity in Victor. But what she doesn't know is that he's a killer. So, there's a little bit of a conflict. Because she doesn't want to get into this world, but she sees herself like she's just there. It's happening and she has to become this woman; this powerful woman. That's the evolution of her character.
Before she escapes, you touched on it, she does live in captivity for a bit. Can you talk to me about how you mentally prepared for that anguish that she has to go through?
Alicia Sanz: Yeah. You know, I was lucky enough that I worked with a few associations in LA that help victims of sex trafficking. So I was really aware of all of that; that's actually happening here everywhere. For me, that was easier to get into the mind of someone that has gone through that and that had escaped that world, because it's pretty intense. So, that helped me to get in that headspace
You also go through quite a physical transformation in the film, too. Can you talk to me about the preparation for all the stunt scenes that are required with an action movie like this?
Alicia Sanz: I would say that, for me, it was easy. Because she doesn't know how to handle weapons, you know? She learns as she goes, so for me, I learned with her in the movie. When I had to shoot, I shot for the first time - me myself. So it was scary for me, for the character [of Sarai] and for Alicia as well.
William wears a lot of hats on this project: writer, producer; he did a ton of things. Can you talk to me about working with him and his collaboration style?
Alicia Sanz: It was actually great, because anytime I had a doubt or I needed anything, he was there for me. Because we were together and most of the scenes. It was just easy, when we were rehearsing; he created the character, he knew everything. You know what I mean? He was pretty open as well to my ideas or what I wanted to do. If I want to change something, he was pretty open. So, it was pretty easy.
IMDb has it listed that in development is the Killing Sarai series. Are you going to be working on that? Is that going to be up next for you?
Alicia Sanz: I didn't know that. I wasn't aware of that. I know that there's six books out there, so hopefully we get to do more movies.
Have you read any of the other books to see what your character goes?
Alicia Sanz: I read two more books, and it's crazy. It's amazing. I would love to continue with Izabel, because she becomes this person.
If you had it your way, where would you like to see your character go in future installments of this franchise?
Alicia Sanz: Well, you know, I would love to see her as an independent. Because she starts learning this new job, and I would love to see her becoming her own person.
En Brazos de un Asesino is now out.