So, the first thing I did was read the ProPublica article and then listened to the podcast. She was conceived via a sperm donor and raised by her mother, Georgia. Based on The Marshall Project and ProPublica Pulitzer Prize-winning article, "An Unbelievable Story of Rape," written by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong, and the This American Life radio episode, "Anatomy of Doubt," Unbelievable is a story of unspeakable trauma, unwavering tenacity, and astounding resilience. DANIELLE MACDONALD: When it first came to me through my agents, I hadnt heard about this case at all. A native of Bethlehem, Pa., she graduated from Georgetown University and holds a masters degree from New York University. Theres so much going on. DM: Eric Lange plays the cop in the first case, and I think of how her case would have been different if he handled it. Timberman & Beverly and Couric had been independently pursuing the rights to An Unbelievable Story of Rape and decided to join forces on the project. When you call your friend to see if you can stay with her, we dont see your face, but we hear your voice breaking. It reminds me of an email I wrote Vicky after she cast me. Danielle Macdonald: It was sort of a combination of everything. And thats so heartbreaking if you think about it, because being worried that someones going to see you differently because of something that happened to you against your will is horrifying. We want to hear from you! Honestly, learning the different types of traumathats because I did so much research on it. Eventually, it was revealed that Jeffrey and Jerry's interactions with Marie included "bullying" and "hounding," and were nothing short of the victim being coerced into admitting that she lied about the rape.. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. ), Michael J. "I'm watching #Unbelievable and the differences of approach in questioning rape victims by male and female cops is incredibly alarming. So my experience is not one of using this time to read the books that I havent read. Im holding this bubble inside me and I couldnt let it go. [The entirety of Wever's acceptance speech after winning the 2013 Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series] She doesnt have any official social media account. I dont think his character is a bad person, but these people arent trainedtheyre not taught. Vicky is really lovely and really wonderful and she believed in me throughout all this, even when I truly didnt believe in myself. Should this make sense? My whole life doesnt exist when Im on a set. In times of stress, I tend to go towards getting things done. I know everything this girl has gone through and I cant release it because she didnt. It was one of those strange things where you put something out and it comes back to you. For Nurse Jackie she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2013, for Godless she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie in 2018, and for Unbelievable she was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress Miniseries or Television Film in 2020.[4]. This site uses cookies to serve you better. It was honestly very fun to film and funny, and Jo is hilarious, and Hugh Skinner is amazing. As much as this is a return to Billy, I wanted it to also be a return to herself. I agree. Merritt Carmen Wever [1] (born August 11, 1980) [2] [3] is an American actress. I dont mean at all that you shouldnt. I know multiple people that have been, and it gives me a better understanding and maybe that means I dont understand what theyve been through, you know what I mean? After seeing the series, many Unbelievable viewers became upset with how the police dealt with Marie's case. Amber is very calm and very courteous to her. Merritt Wever is an American actress who got her big breakthrough with an important role in the medical drama TV series,Nurse Jackie. MACDONALD: Im not entirely sure how much Im allowed to say, but it was a fun role for me to get to come in and play. This content is imported from twitter. In 1997, Merritt Wever made her first TV show appearance as Myra in the Mad Dog episode of the crime drama TV series,Law & Order. Titles Unbelievable. Do you ever think of what it would have been like for Amber if the investigators were men? 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. I think everyone should go and look up the statistics, because thats where I was astounded. How did you convey that? MACDONALD: I guess I cant really either because that wasnt my experience. I cant imagine it otherwise. JOIN NOW. DEADLINE: Theres a scene where Ambers describing the rapist to Merritt Wevers character in absolute, calm detail. Emmys. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. What's more, of the sexual violence crimes not reported to police from 2005 to 2010, 13% believed the police would not do anything to help, according to Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). Once I heard who was behind it and got to talk to them about where they wanted to go with it, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. Speech. Joey is a writer currently living in Columbus, OH. Merritt Wever is an American actress, who earned an Emmy Award for playing the character Zoey on the Showtime series Nurse Jackie. She also starred in Ed Zwick's ill-fated pilot Quarterlife, with Rachel Blanchard, Austin Nichols, and Shiri Appleby. I think I was also interested in how somebody balances or manages extremities of their job with the demands of being a person. MACDONALD: Yeah. But theres something about the way that our business works, and the way that as actors were dependent on other people seeing us a certain way and choosing us, allowing us to do our work, that can sometimes make it OK for people to tell you those things very directly to your face. Why is Frank McCourt really pushing it? That shouldnt be something that even crosses someones mind, but it does. Thats all stuff from the outside. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. It was very easy to read that story [about a young woman wrongfully accused of making a false rape accusation] and care very deeply about it. In the pivotal role of Amber Stevenson, Macdonald manages to convey so much with little screen time. DM: Even just acknowledging that is a good thing, because we cant understand how people are going to react. The show finds the balance really beautifully. I prefer being able to go away and just dissolve myself into a character. Wever has also had supporting roles in other television series, including Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (20062007), New Girl (2013), and The Walking Dead (20152016). Danielle Macdonald 's portrayal of key witness Amber Stevenson expertly conveys the unexpected aspects of trauma response, in that many people dissociate and are apparently fine instead of. Is it the cop she has and how understanding she is? Her boyfriend isnt with her and she is asked about her assault while standing outside her home. "I was walking through base camp, going to a makeup trailer and Merritt comes out, sees me, and then rushes over and gives me a big hug. But complaining now feels wrong", "Best. Godless: With Jack O'Connell, Michelle Dockery, Scoot McNairy, Merritt Wever. The truth is when the world was different and promoting a show like Run was going to involve talk shows and stuff like that, theres a a funny version of this story of how I got flustered and scared and tried to get out of the audition. And I think that that was really key in me wanting to do this. Shes also set for Netflixs Bird Box with Sandra Bullock. Danielle Macdonald 's portrayal of key witness Amber Stevenson expertly conveys the unexpected aspects of trauma response, in that many people dissociate and are apparently fine instead of. That meant a lot to me, to have that trust placed in me, and a lot to hear someones story, and just know that people listened to her and she did get justice. Obviously, I have no idea when anythings coming out right now because were in a very interesting time period essentially. Amber is courteous while she answers Wevers questionsthe trauma hasnt hit yet. And that was the best thing I think I could have done, because I went into the role after that saying, Okay, this is exactly whats going through Ambers head. And I made that choice and I spoke to everyone involved. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um4P4b3i-eI&embeds_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiewire.com%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&feature=emb_title. The person screaming, I cant get cast in this was me and not them, but I dont know. I finally found myself in a room of people who werent telling me that I couldnt do this or couldnt be that. It's based on a true story about a young woman named Marie who was sexually assaulted and pressured by the police into recanting her story. It did. She also had a recurring role on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip as Suzanne. I thought that was something amazing. that you love and care about and being worried about their reaction of you is something that people really do face. Wever played a lead role in 2017's miniseries Godless as Mary Agnes McNue, a tough leader of a female-dominated town. Synopsis: Inspired by real events, a teen reports (Kaitlyn Dever) and eventually recants her reported rape, while two female detectives (Wever and Toni Collette), states away, investigate evidence that could reveal the truth. I figure well just find our way together, but I almost feel embarrassed.. If you or someone you know needs help or has been affected by sexual assault, call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. What's more, Stacy's partner on the greater sexual-assault investigation, Sgt. AD: I like how you said that trauma isnt a blanket experience for everyone. AD: Other than that aspect about the show, what do you want people to take away most from Unbelievable? Shes not fine, but she seems finehow do I figure out whats going through her head that is making her react this way? As much as she wants Billy, I think that she also wants to feel like that person again. You just have to work a little harder. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. They sent me the pilot script, which Im not in. And thats another level of what people have to deal with after a sexual assault. Merritt Wever is an American actress, who earned an Emmy Award for playing the character Zoey on the Showtime series Nurse Jackie. She was a feminist and a political activist and a caseworker for the city of New York and did not subscribe to a lot of what mainstream culture is. Danielle Macdonald, left, and Merritt Wever in Unbelievable on Netflix. The sheer volume and the fact that nothing really happens. And Just Like Thatwill return to Max in June. Merritt Wever - Bio, Age, Parents, Siblings. Starred in "Cavedweller", off-Broadway, with Dee Dee O'Connell. [10], She has guest-starred on a number of TV shows, including New Girl, The Good Wife, Conviction, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and The Wire. I know what its like to be in a relationship with someone and feel like your best self with them. I kind of used that aspect, as in these are the things I remember because if I remember everything that needs to be said to catch this guy, thats the right thing to do. DM: That moment crushed me. I loved seeing that aspect of it, because evidence might not be apparent and handed to youyou can still find what youre looking for. Merritt Wever's birth took place on August 11, 1980, in Manhattan, New York City, USA. When I read the pilot, and I thought it was incredibly well-written. Thats where I had to go since I had limited information. I'm torn all over again . Performances like these are difficult to watch but essential, and Macdonald will make you listen and take action. Everyone experiences very different reactions, and this show does that beautifully. There are a lot of sirens, and I cant pretend Ive been out of the house recently, she says by phone from her Brooklyn apartment. It gave them some kind of peace or some kind of voice in it. 5 of 88. It feels like another time.. It was crazy because when youre filming on set, youre surrounded by the same people every day. It helps with having compassion and what people have going on in their lives. [24], Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, Golden Globe Award for Best Actress Miniseries or Television Film, Best Actress- Miniseries or Television Film, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, Best Supporting Actress Series, Miniseries or Television Film, Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, Best Actress Miniseries or Television Film, "PLAYBILL.COM'S CUE & A: 'Nurse Jackie' and The Illusion Star Merritt Wever", "Merritt Wever brings undoctored flair to 'Nurse Jackie', "Merritt Wever Transitions From Loopy Nurse to Frontier Toughie in Godless | The Credits", "Merritt Wever knows showbiz can be 'poison' for women. I move with ease. Her character's death toward the end of the sixth season of the series was controversial and sparked outrage on social media with many fans, most notably members of the LGBT community.[15][16][17]. If I can keep this together, maybe they can catch him. I heard the rest of the series would be more about the investigation. And I loved having that energy there. You know this actually happened to people and I instantly wanted to see where this was going. He is a proud member of GALECA, Critics Choice, and HCA. Details of Macdonalds character are not being revealed. Merritt Wever is an American actress who got her big breakthrough with an important role in the medical drama TV series, Nurse Jackie. MACDONALD: Yeah. People cope differently, react differently," Kaitlyn says. Witnesses offer conflicting accounts, Mars Voltas lead singer broke with Scientology and reunited with the band. They were able to talk through a counselor to her about her experiences. Patti Cake$ star Danielle Macdonald has been cast opposite Toni Collette, Merritt Wever and Kaitlyn Dever in Unbelievable, an eight-episode Netflix limited series from Erin Brockovich writer . A full body orgasm at the L.A. Phil? It goes back to really me hitting up against a wall during the audition process of realizing how much I was like, Are you mistaking me for someone else? [11] Zoey is described on the official Nurse Jackie website as "an irrepressibly bubbly trauma nurse, who serves as a comic foil to Edie Falco's hard-bitten (and prescription drug-addicted) titular character". Parker and Pruitt portray real-life investigators Sgt. If you believe enough and try hard enough and work hard enough, you can find an answer. (Laughs). We know people that this has happened to. [13], Wever was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2012 and 2013 for her role in Nurse Jackie, winning the award in 2013 and delivering a memorable speech that consisted only of her stunned reaction: "Thanks so much. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. She almost seems to be apologetic for making a fuss and it feels like such a thing thats been ingrained in women, to downplay their pain, to always be helpful. Thats really scary. It was interesting to film something like this and just come in for small parts. Its such an exceptional premise and was almost overburdened with possibility and potential. Beth Dubber/Netflix We will all become more compassionate and learn how this can happen. I think its a mix. DEADLINE: What made you really want this role? I just remember that was my first day on set shooting that scene, and it was like 105 degrees in the valley. I love and admire the courage of these women. DM: Its strange. Honestly, yeah. She knew I was shooting a show, she didnt know the subject matter. Unbelievable 's Detective Karen Duvall, a.k.a. I need to do this and this and then thisits the only way I know Ill be on top of my own stress. amount of emotions that brought up truly had me hooked instantly, because you know its a real story. The team behind Netflix's upcoming limited series 'Unbelievable,' based on a ProPublica story and a 'This American Life' episode about intersecting rape investigations, talks about how the TV show . You cant have someone who was in narcotics work on that. Makes my blood boil the way the cops treat her is exactly why many other survivors would rather suffer I silence #Unbelievable, I'm watching #Unbelievable on #Netflix #UnbelievableNetflix and the differences of approach in questioning rape victims by male and female cops is incredibly alarming. I think that when you do this kind of subject matter, it is really difficult to make sure that youre telling the story in the right light, and youre really giving a voice to the survivors and not trying to put your own opinion on it.