Actor Tom Hughes Dishes About His New Movie Shepherd, The Horror Film Genre, And More - Exclusive Interview

Raise your hand if you’ve felt as though the last two years of COVID have been a bit like living through a horror film. We’re right there with you! Ahead of his skin-crawling film, “Shepherd,” dropping in theaters May 6, actor Tom Hughes is the perfect person to weigh in on the topic. Hughes, a charming British actor, is known for his roles in projects such as “Victoria,” “Red Joan,” and “Cemetery Junction.” However, his foray into the horror genre has taken shape as “Shepherd,” a chilling thriller that follows his character Eric Black’s descent into paranoia.

The film is an intimate portrait of a man's battle with internal and external demons, and Black's isolation and faltering mental acuity is incredibly gripping. To gain better insight into just how demanding the role was, Nicki Swift sat down with Hughes for an exclusive interview, where he discussed the film’s challenging dynamics, production, and more. Hughes, in person, doesn’t strike you as someone who would bring such a dark and deeply disturbing performance to the screen. A self-described social butterfly, he went to great lengths to prepare for the role, providing fascinating insights into the movie that only he could.

So, what attracted Hughes to this particular project? In our conversation, he highlighted the 'honesty' in the film and how it resonated with him. He shared that he was on holiday when he read the script for the first time, and despite being in a very different world, he felt completely drawn into it. Hughes expressed his empathy for Eric Black's character and the thrilling realism at the heart of this horror film, which makes it a unique viewing experience.

Tom Hughes was attracted to the 'honesty' in the film Shepherd

When discussing the movie, Hughes expressed the need to dive into the character's profound personal strife. He noted that while he was on holiday, he was completely immersed in the story and felt a connection to the character's journey. Reading the script revealed a delicacy and bravery that resonated deeply with him, even though horror isn’t typically the genre he gravitates towards.

The character Eric Black undergoes a significant transition throughout the film, and Hughes felt there was a clear mapping out of that journey. The thrill of having social realism at the core of a horror film compelled him to bring Eric’s story to life. Hughes returned from his holiday determined to take on the role, meeting with director Russell Owen and starting the project just three weeks later on an island off the coast of Scotland.

Hughes reflects that while he was aware of the challenges involved, he felt a sense of duty to portray the character’s emotional landscape with honesty. He immersed himself in the role, which required him to dig deep into the emotional complexities of his character, and he embraced this challenge wholeheartedly.

The actor dug deep in order to convey the emotional complexity to the audience

Playing a character like Eric Black comes with its own set of challenges, and Hughes feels a responsibility as an actor to make that character relatable and emotionally tangible. He emphasized that the role required a lot of sensitivity, especially since he spent most of the time alone trying to convey the story. This added layer of isolation made it a unique experience for him, and he had to trust that the audience would connect with his portrayal.

Hughes shared that it was often difficult to watch his performance back, as he worried it might be too subtle. It was a thrilling challenge for him, and he felt fortunate to explore such a complex character, especially since not every actor gets an opportunity to tell a story in solitude. He believes that the essence of the character must be conveyed through gestures and internal thoughts, allowing the audience to engage emotionally with the performance.

In preparing for the role, Hughes took steps to immerse himself in the character’s world. He moved to a hotel far from the crew to experience isolation, which he felt was vital for understanding Eric's mindset. He also found inspiration in nature, using it to reflect the character's emotional state. Hughes believes that nature can be uplifting but also oppressive, mirroring the internal struggles of Eric Black.

What does Tom Hughes want audiences to take away from Shepherd?

Reflecting on the film, Hughes shared his biggest takeaway: “Don’t shoot a film on the Isle of Mull in February!” The weather was a significant challenge during production. He hopes that while the film contains horror and shock elements, audiences will also experience a profound sense of empathy towards Eric. He believes that if the story is told right, viewers will leave with a different perspective on life.

Hughes draws comparisons between Eric’s isolating journey in the film and the experiences many faced during the pandemic. He expresses how isolation was not something he enjoyed during that period, and he knows it impacted many people in various ways. He hopes people resonate with Eric’s story and enjoy stepping into his world, even if it’s not the most optimistic.

“Shepherd” will be in theaters on May 6 and available On Demand and Digital on May 10. This exclusive interview has been edited for clarity, providing insights into Tom Hughes’s approach to his character and the film's thematic depth.