Human trafficking is profoundly dangerous for society as it perpetuates a cycle of violence, exploitation, and inequality. It preys on the most vulnerable populations, often targeting marginalized individuals, which fosters a culture of fear and helplessness. Howard J Ford’s gripping thriller ESCAPE joins the ranks of films tackling the harrowing issue of human trafficking. Starring Sarah Alexandra Marks and Sophie Rankin in key roles, the film follows the harrowing story of ten young women who are abducted from an island resort by a ruthless gang. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that these women are destined for an international trafficking ring. However, their spirit remains unbroken; they refuse to accept their fate. Determined to regain their freedom, they devise a clever plan to outsmart their captors and take back control of their lives.
Sophie Rankin Talks About Her Experience Filming ESCAPE
The film captivates audiences primarily with its gripping storyline, but it’s the performances that truly elevate the film and highlight the severity of the situations depicted. Among the cast, Sophie Rankin stands out with her nuanced portrayal of Lucy. Her character serves as a beacon of hope for the other captives, constantly finding a way to get out of the dangerous situation. With years of experience in the industry, Sophie has delivered many strong performances, yet this role presents one of her most demanding challenges to date. I recently had the opportunity to chat with Sophie about her experience filming ESCAPE, her approach to embodying Lucy, and how she overcame all the odds to do her stunts in a terrain that was so harsh to shoot in. She also shared her opinion about her character’s resilience and how it can inspire others.
A Conversation with Sophie Rankin
Aayush Sharma: Congratulations on the movie ‘Escape’ but before we talk about the film. I would love to know how your journey has been in Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
Sophie Rankin: My journey began around 14 years ago. I initially took the standard route through drama school, followed by a short course in New York, where I studied film and TV acting. Gradually, I started working as an actor in London, appearing in a few films and TV shows and eventually got an agent. Then, in a rather unexpected turn, I emigrated to the Philippines and lived there for five years. During that time, I worked on numerous films and TV shows, with my films making it to the cinema, which helped put me more on the map and led to more TV work in the region. I returned to the UK about three years ago, and since then, I’ve completed 12 feature films back-to-back, which has been incredibly exciting. I’d say the last three years have been the most significant for my career so far.
Developing Lucy’s Character
Aayush Sharma: What was that first moment or instance where you thought this was it and I want to pursue a career in acting?
Sophie Rankin: I think my journey really began around age 17 when I was in college. Academic subjects never quite held my attention the way dance, drama, and P.E. did. With a background in gymnastics, I was already used to performing, so although I did well academically, I found much more enjoyment in drama. That’s when I realized acting was my true passion and decided to pursue it, even though I had little idea of how to make it happen at the time. Since then, every job has led to the next, and my training has been a big help along the way. I also have a background in modeling, which I still do, and all these experiences have gradually come together to help shape my acting career. It’s definitely been a gradual process.
Lucy’s Resilience
Aayush Sharma: The film deals with themes of empowerment and resilience. How do you think Lucy embodies these themes, and what do you hope audiences take away from her journey?
Sophie Rankin: I think Lucy’s character is powerful in itself—she’s determined and incredibly feisty. Her background of surviving an abusive relationship and coming through it gives her a compelling depth. Her ability to express vulnerability after everything she’s been through is empowering; it shows both women and men that, no matter what they’ve endured, they can still be vulnerable and strong at the same time. Despite memories that may haunt her, Lucy has this inner strength that drives her to fight back, no matter the obstacles. It’s a message of resilience: no matter what you’ve been through, you can still come out the other side, hopefully with newfound strength.
Stunts and Filming
Aayush Sharma: You’re known for performing your own stunts, which is impressive! Does that give you an adrenaline rush that motivates you to perform better? Have you always been someone who prefers to take on these challenges yourself rather than relying on others for assistance?
Sophie Rankin: Absolutely! I love doing my own stunts because it allows me to showcase all those years of gymnastics training and stage combat. If I’m given the opportunity, I enjoy fully immersing myself in the role and truly becoming that character. It was fantastic to perform my own stunts in Escape—I loved every moment of it! We did have a stunt coordinator to help choreograph the scenes, but we didn’t use stunt doubles, so we really were thrown around and thrown off the ground. I appreciated every aspect of that experience.
Working with Howard J. Ford
Aayush Sharma: What was your experience working with director Howard J. Fox and your co-star Sarah Alexandra Marks?
Sophie Rankin: Oh, that’s so lovely! I truly had the most amazing time working with Sarah. She’s incredibly talented and one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. We really became a support network for each other on set, helping each other out whenever needed. Everything she’s said about me, I’d say right back at her. If I ever felt a bit insecure—like wondering if a line sounded okay—she was always the first to reassure me. She’s such a lovely person, and we formed a really special friendship that we still share today. We’re both very supportive of each other’s careers and have even worked together on a few other films now, which has been fantastic. It’s truly a dream when you arrive on set and immediately connect with the other actors, especially with Sarah, as we were like partners in crime, doing so many scenes together. I absolutely loved working with her.
Conclusion
Sophie Rankin’s portrayal of Lucy in ESCAPE is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Her character’s unwavering spirit and refusal to accept her fate serve as a beacon of hope for those who have been affected by human trafficking. The film is a testament to the strength and courage of those who have been through such experiences and a reminder of the importance of raising awareness about this critical issue.
FAQs
Aayush Sharma: Your Top 3 films of all time?
Sophie Rankin: Mean Girls, Avatar, and Tomb Raider
Aayush Sharma: Three directors you would want to work with?
Sophie Rankin: Greta Gerwig, Alfred Hitchcock, and Howard J. Ford (again).
Aayush Sharma: If you weren’t an actor or a part of the entertainment industry, which profession would you have chosen?
Sophie Rankin: Before I chose a creative path, I actually wanted to be a vet because I love animals and loved the idea of helping them. But then I realized I’m squeamish and afraid of blood, so that wasn’t the best career option for me! I think my next choice would have been psychology. In college, psychology was one of the few academic subjects that really fascinated me, and my mom is a counselor, so maybe that interest runs in the family. I find human behavior absolutely fascinating, and I think I’ve always been perceptive and fairly good at reading people, which really helps me get into character as an actor. Plus, spreading awareness about mental health is so important to me. So, if I weren’t acting, I’d probably want to be a psychologist or counselor for sure.
Aayush Sharma: After playing a role as intense as Lucy, how do you see this experience influencing your future choices in acting? Are there particular themes or characters you’re drawn to exploring next?
Sophie Rankin: Playing Lucy has been such a rewarding experience, and it’s definitely inspired me to pursue similar roles. I’d love to play more characters that empower women—ones who fight back, show strength, and have that same determination. I also really enjoy roles that allow me to perform action scenes and fight moves. That said, I also love comedy! I did a few comedy films in the Philippines, which I absolutely enjoyed, and I feel comedy comes quite naturally to me. So, for my next role, I’d love to play a lighthearted, carefree character