Hiam Abbass reflects on her significant collaborations with Kenneth Branagh and Boyd Holbrook while discussing her role in the film ‘Atonement’ at TIFF.
Hiam Abbass, known for her role in HBO’s acclaimed series ‘Succession,’ recently shared insights into her experience working with Kenneth Branagh and Boyd Holbrook on the film ‘Atonement’ during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). According to Deadline, Abbass emphasized the authenticity of her connections with her co-stars and the emotional weight of themes such as suffering and loss in the film.
In her remarks, Abbass stated that speaking out against injustice is integral to her identity, shaped by her upbringing as the fifth of ten siblings in Nazareth. She expressed the significance of her role in ‘Atonement,’ where her character, Mariam, represents the struggles faced by innocent civilians during conflict. Abbass noted, “It’s impossible to remain ‘silent’ about ‘the suffering of innocent people,’ whether in Gaza, Kyiv, or anywhere.”
‘Atonement,’ directed by Reed Van Dyk, is set against the backdrop of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq and focuses on the tragic story of the Kachadoorian family, members of Iraq’s Armenian Christian minority. Abbass plays the role of Mariam, whose family suffers grave losses in a moment marked by chaos. This poignant film has garnered attention from audiences and critics, having premiered at Cannes before its TIFF showcase.
Abbass explained her approach to portraying Mariam, emphasizing the need to respect the individuality of real-life victims while conveying their universal experiences. She refrained from meeting the actual family on which her character is based, believing that this distance allowed her greater creative freedom, underscoring her commitment to authenticity.
Describing her working relationship with Branagh as fulfilling, Abbass highlighted their chemistry on set. She outlined a mutual understanding that fostered a supportive environment, stating, “It was like being with a friend on whom I can count.” Abbass also expressed appreciation for Holbrook’s performance, mentioning their underplayed scenes together that required delicate emotional exchanges.
Abbass’s reflections extend beyond the technical details of filming, shedding light on the emotional labor involved in acting. She conveyed, “The act of acting is basically that awareness of who you are as a person and who you're serving as a character.” This articulation reveals her dedication to embodying her character while enriching the narrative’s emotional depth.
Looking ahead, Abbass is enthusiastic about promoting ‘Atonement’ and hopes to engage audiences with its powerful message. While she mentioned a potential collaboration with her ‘Succession’ co-star Sarah Snook, no specific plans have been confirmed at this time. Abbass’s upcoming project, ‘French Family,’ is in the works, focusing on significant themes in Algeria and France, according to her comments.
Her commitment to social justice through art emphasizes the importance of narratives addressing suffering on both individual and collective levels.
Hiam Abbass’s insights into her work on ‘Atonement’ spotlight her prowess as an actor while emphasizing the film's relevance in discussing global humanitarian issues. With its compelling story rooted in real events, ‘Atonement’ serves not just as entertainment but as a vehicle for discussions about the human toll of war and the shared experiences of suffering, positioning Abbass as a key voice in these conversations.
For more on the latest festival updates and projects, check out our coverage on Madonna's comeback at the VMAs and Netflix's acquisition ahead of TIFF.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: Deadline. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
