We spoke with Nadine Crocker leading up to the release of Continue, an emotionally raw drama film that sees the talented writer-director in front of the camera as well, playing the harrowing and complex lead character. “I think the girl who started that journey and thought she could wear 33 hats was, like, very naive, but I’m really happy she was because it was a fun experience,” Crocker recently told MovieWeb.
Crocker plays Dean, an emotionally troubled young woman who is already suffering a self-destructive mental health episode as Continue kicks off. The overall story spotlights mental health struggles and suicide prevention, and the finished product was released Sep. 6 at a pertinent time. “[The producers and I] unanimously were like, ‘We need to let this film sit for a little bit until we get to September because that’s World Suicide Prevention Month,'” Crocker said. “I knew that that was the time to put this film out. We all did. So yeah, that’s why we waited for September, and now it’s finally coming into the world.”
“I’m hoping that it really sparks a conversation, especially during this month, for suicide,” continued Crocker. “And also, part of the proceeds from this film go to charity. You know, I took my points from writing the film and put them in to go to charity. I created my own nonprofit, Continue On.” She elaborated:
“My goal with the nonprofit is to create a subsidy
to pay for mental-health services for underprivileged youth that can’t afford these services
. But we also chose other pre-existing nonprofits to share the proceeds with. So, I’m really hoping that this film does more than just inspire with the message,
that it’ll actually also save lives with the donations that come in from it
. So that’s why it was also really important to do this during September.”
Cinematic Therapy with Emily Deschanel: ‘Such a Pro’
Continue benefits from a talented cast that also includes household name Emily Deschanel (Bones), who plays Dean’s tough-loving but caring doctor Janet. Crocker’s vulnerable scenes opposite the sublime Deschanel are some of the strongest in the film.
“The person who checks in on me the most and, like, reaches out with love and support the most is Emily,” Crocker told us. “She is such an incredible human being, not to mention a ridiculously talented actor who’s just such a pro, you know? And nothing shakes or rattles her, and she’s just so game to play. And that is just such a gift to the person across from her. I felt like I went through an acting school, just getting to collaborate with her and be across from her and see how she works and operates from so many years of being a huge star? So yeah, she’s just an incredible human being.”
From Lionsgate, Continue is now available on demand and on digital platforms like YouTube, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and on Prime Video through the link below:
Watch Continue
