For Madelyn Cline, acting provides an unrivaled catharsis and inhabiting the intricate psyche of the quick-witted it-girl Sarah Cameron in Netflix’sserved her with a mental purging like no other. “It was almost like a therapy session in a way,” the 22-year-old starlet explains. “With Sarah, I really started with her insecurities because one of her core [attributes] is this whole insecurity she has about getting close to people.
Upon initially reading the script, Cline recognized a complacency with Sarah’s one dimensional and untouchable aura in the first draft and sought to add a lovable factor to the then-standoffish, rich girl’s personality before filming. “I really wanted there to be something about her that was endearing, something that made you feel like maybe she doesn’t quite belong in this world,” she says. “I wanted to add some depth and some quirkiness to Sarah to make her feel not so stereotypical.
Sarah’s character development finds a focal point in her romantic endeavors, and one particular relationship with John B, a daredevil Pogue played by, provides an eye-opening turning point for the young lover. Paramount to the show’s success, Cline attests to her and Stokes’ dedicated preparations for portraying their love affair as authentically as possible. “Our goal from day one was to really sell John B and Sarah’s relationship,” she says.
On a more personal level, filming the show on location in Charleston presented Cline with an overwhelming, full-circle sensation, one so euphoric that the actress actually gained a newfound appreciation for her hometown in South Carolina. “I think personally, I fell back in love with where I’m from, Charleston,” she says.
With the series’ roaring success, Cline grounds herself in her ultimate life goals. “Whatever I want to do, I want to make a difference,” she affirms. “Whether it be to five people or five thousand people, I want to try and make a difference. Whether that be starting conversations about environmental conservation or taking part in being a voice for people who don’t have a voice, I just want to help people however I can.