Imogen Faith Reed Reveals Heartbreaking Truths from ‘Good American Family’ Episode 5!

⚠️ WARNING: This discussion reveals plot points from the fifth episode, “Too Hurty Without It,” of the series “Good American Family” which is currently available on Hulu.

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Residing in England, “Good American Family” actress Imogen Faith Reid had no prior knowledge of Natalia Grace. During her search through the UK’s media before her audition, there was only one mention she found about her. It wasn’t until after landing the role that Reid became aware of Natalia’s story and all the events surrounding it.

The Hulu series narrates the true-to-life experiences of Kristine (Ellen Pompeo) and Michael Barnett (Mark Duplass), a couple who adopted Natalia, a Ukrainian orphan suffering from a rare and severe form of dwarfism. Each episode unfolds in flashback format, examining what transpired post-adoption. The latest episode, titled “Good American Family,” changes perspective to depict events from Natalia’s point of view. For an excruciating hour, viewers witness Natalia living in the apartment the Barnetts abandoned her in, under the false belief that she is an adult and has tricked them into taking her in. The cramped studio apartment lacks necessary accommodations for Natalia as she struggles to live independently while also grappling with the emotional turmoil of being deserted by her “family.

For 27-year-old Reid, who is originally from London, “Good American Family” marked her first acting role. She worked with numerous coaches to master her movements and perfect an American accent, while also learning to navigate the emotional turmoil that Natalia experiences, as she poses a threat to the Barnett family according to Kristine. The cast, including Pompeo, Duplass, and director Liz Garbus, were incredibly supportive of Reid during this process. At one point in filming, Duplass offered advice to help Reid achieve the emotional intensity required for the scene: He suggested she approach it as if it were a breakup. In this episode, Michael (Duplass), whom Natalia still views as her father, pays her a visit, and she doesn’t want him to leave.

Here, Reid discusses her involvement in the production, outlining her approach and the message she wishes the genuine Natalia Grace recognizes in her portrayal.

Episode 5 shifts to Natalia’s perspective. Can you talk about shooting that, and what it was like?

In the movie, there were numerous touching moments. One particular scene I shared with Mark stood out for me because he offered invaluable advice during our performance. This is when Michael goes to visit Natalia, who longs for him and seeks comfort. However, Michael finds himself confused about the situation. He expressed his bewilderment by saying, “It’s almost like a breakup.” The scene was deeply emotional, and working with Mark was truly rewarding because he was attuned to my acting emotions.

In the movie, there were many heartwarming moments that caught my attention. One specific scene I performed with Mark left a lasting impression on me due to his helpful guidance throughout our performance. This took place when Michael visited Natalia, who desperately wanted him back and needed someone. However, Michael was perplexed by the situation. He explained, “It’s almost like a breakup.” This scene was incredibly moving, and working with Mark made the experience even more special because he was in tune with my emotions as an actor.

There’s the scene on the bus with Natalia and a neighor kid she’s befriended. What is Natalia going through at that point, and what does she want?

In that pivotal scene, Natalia is genuinely portrayed as a child, reflecting her true age. Until then, the show hadn’t provided her with a character she could identify with. This scene, therefore, depicts her making a friend for the first time and discovering more about herself. When she says, “No, I’m eight years old,” it’s endearing. It’s a delightful moment that brings a touch of fun to the show, but trouble soon follows from there.

What was the most challenging scene or sequence for you to shoot in that episode?

There were numerous dramatic instances as everything was quite emotionally charged. The interaction between Mark and myself was particularly intense. The encounter with Ellen was filled with tension, yet once more, Ellen demonstrated incredible empathy, frequently checking on my well-being. Her performance during that scene was exceptional.

The task was also challenging on a physical level, particularly during Natalia’s outbursts. However, it was rewarding to help her express her feelings. I must say, the entire team was incredibly supportive throughout the process.

It’s fascinating to watch, because in some scenes, Kristine has the power, and other times it’s Natalia. In that scene between the two of them, who are we believing?

It seems to me that she was simply trying to connect with her, but was petrified by Kristine. In essence, Michael had been influenced, almost indoctrinated. The moment showcased a desperate plea: “Don’t abandon me! I’ll do whatever you ask!” She was like an innocent child unaware of the consequences, and it is truly heart-wrenching. Natalia yearned for Kristine’s affection because that’s all she had ever known.

Natalia Grace is a real person and still alive, and you’re telling her story. What was important to you?

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I couldn’t help but pour my heart into Episode 5. I felt compelled to shine a spotlight on her struggle, to give voice to her experiences that often go unheard. The weight of her solitude and abandonment in the story was overwhelming, yet it was essential for me to portray her pain authentically.

I can’t say for sure if Natalia will see my work, but I hope she recognizes the sincerity and dedication I put into crafting her character and fighting for justice on her behalf.

Going back, what was your process in preparing to play Natalia?

I worked with exceptional mentors during the preparation for my acting debut, which was a speaking role. My acting coach broke down the script, clarified the character’s motivations, and explained her emotional journey. This guidance proved invaluable as I had no prior experience in this area. I also benefited from an outstanding movement coach who assisted me in portraying my unique interpretation of Natalia’s movements. As a little person, I aimed to avoid mimicking Natalia’s specific movements because we have different forms of dwarfism, but rather to make the character more authentic within my own body. A dialect coach was also crucial for mastering the accent, and collaborating with the show’s executive producers helped me shape my portrayal of Natalia.

You mention your movement coach. How much time did you spend working with them?

During the entire filming process, I collaborated with Ana Karneža. While navigating the room, I would embody my character, and together we’d brainstorm ideas. She often posed questions like, “What if you were walking amidst mud?” or presented situations such as, “Imagine there are pebbles beneath your feet, how would that alter your movements?” These prompts aided me in understanding Natalia’s physicality and movement patterns. We experimented with various aspects of her gait, her running style, and more, to find the perfect fit for my body. It was not only an exercise in discovering my character but also a thrilling adventure, as it required a great deal of physical exploration.

As your first leading role, it’s a lot to take on. You’ve got a true story, you’ve got Ellen Pompeo and Mark Duplass, and Liz Garbus directing. What was your first day on set like?

Overwhelmed by a mix of anxiety and anticipation, I couldn’t wait to dive in. The cast immediately made me feel right at home and relaxed. That initial day was electrifying for all of us, and I vividly recall the applause as it was my inaugural day. However, nothing could have prepared me for the sheer awesomeness of that experience.

What are you hoping audiences take away from this?

It’s my wish that folks avoid jumping to conclusions about others so swiftly. After all, everyone is unique with their own distinct features and ways of speaking. We each follow our separate paths in life, shaping us into who we truly are. I believe we’re incredibly fortunate to be part of a production that emphasizes inclusivity and shares diverse stories, making it special indeed.

So, how do you let go of playing someone like Natalia — this part that was emotionally challenging, but physically too?

The weight was immense; it made staying in Natalia for extended periods challenging. Kudos to actors who perform method acting. I’m quite a jovial soul and require laughter at times. As the evening approached, I’d insert my earphones, activate my playlist named “Immy’s Chill Time,” where I would unwind, engage with friends, let go of Natalia, and ultimately, rediscover myself. That moment was crucial in each day’s routine.

Who was on your playlist?

I’m completely captivated by Ariana Grande and her latest hit, “We Can’t be Friends.” On set, you’d often hear me humming along to it. In my free time, I love listening to Pentatonix’s rendition of “Sound of Silence.” It was a constant in my playlist, providing the perfect relaxation after a busy day.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-04-10 01:17