In Apple TV’s new thriller The Last Frontier, Haley Bennett and Dominic Cooper play Sidney and Havlock, two characters at the heart of a sprawling conspiracy that unfolds in the remote Alaskan wilderness. Their performances are defined by what is often left unsaid, communicating through intense action and subtle glances.
We at FandomWire spoke with The Last Frontier‘s stars Bennett and Cooper about their character-driven action sequences, building complex on-screen dynamics, and finding the truth in a story filled with secrets. Check out our conversation below!
Haley Bennett and Dominic Cooper The Last Frontier Interview
FandomWire: The Last Frontier‘s action is very visceral and character-driven. How did that grounded, physical style of filmmaking help you connect with characters who often communicate more through their actions than their words?
Bennett: The action was crafted so brilliantly by Sam Hargrave, and he’s known for his incredible, visceral kind of one-shot sequences. The action is so alive, and I feel like the brilliance of all of the actors that are a part of this series is that these performances are so alive. You have to be able to tell a story without words, and that is an exciting challenge, at least for me. And then, having someone like Sam directing these sequences, who has such confidence, and having the world’s best stunt teams be a part of it, you’re just able to put all of your trust in these people and play.
Cooper: You made a really good point there. I really do remember this moment; it was our first day together, a kill sequence, but it wasn’t about a big action physicality. It was a look between us, and it happens very early on. If you’re really paying close attention, it will be very confusing, but it says so much about who they are and it gives away nothing.
But there’s a story just in that look through the window of the tundra buggy. There’s so much going on in your face when I was looking at you; it was really helpful because I couldn’t believe what was happening. And the more I got to know the character, because this was day one.
Bennett: It grounds you. With a show like this, you have to work really hard at bringing the material to Earth. You have to have such confidence and conviction in what you’re saying and what you’re doing. It’s not an easy task.
Cooper: You think sometimes when you’re doing an action film, it’s all action. But this is quite a complex version of an action film. We both had a difficult time when you’re trying to make something natural. We had to be really on top of it and sound like we were saying this kind of CIA chat with ease. And it’s not easy, and there’s a lot of it. They need to be able to say it quickly, make their points, and get their point across with efficiency.
Bennett: It’s a different kind of craft. It’s a different skill set that you have to learn. I felt like after I did this, I could take on anything.
Cooper: You don’t have seven weeks to rehearse it like a play. And in a way, that’s sometimes helpful because you just go on set and you don’t know it too well, so you kind of get through it. But this, and John Bokenkamp was brilliant to say, “No, it’s got to be this way.” You just have to say this very complex line, and you have to say it quickly, directly, and make your point.
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FandomWire: Haley, Sidney, and Frank are foils to one another with completely opposite worldviews. Beyond the dialogue, how did you and Jason Clarke build that dynamic of two opposing forces constantly circling each other?
Bennett: It was such a delicious dynamic between Sidney and Frank. They are two sides of the spectrum. Frank is all about order. And Sidney, even though she seems to have control, inside is a storm and a lot of chaos. The secrets that she contains could destroy Frank and this whole community. And I really love how the show, even though itis an epic action series, also has intimate, private moments where you can get to know the characters.
FandomWire: Dominic, the producers mentioned your dual performance in The Devil’s Double was a key reason they knew you could handle Havlock’s complexity. What is it about characters who contain those opposing roles, the intellectual and the killer, that you find compelling?
Cooper: Well, thank you for that, because I’m really proud of it, and I’m really pleased someone said that. It’s nice to know that work you’ve done proves your capabilities and you get other work in the future. Havlock is comprised of four or five different personalities and characters that we learn about as we explore his past and present.
He’s pushed to the brink, and he very quickly comes up with a plan to save himself, to save someone that he loves, and to save a country that he loves from being swallowed up by lies and deceit. Itis amusing how people react to him, thinking, “Oh, he’s a villain.” And he is; you’re tricked into believing that he is.
But ultimately, what I was learning throughout was that he’s a good man, but you wouldn’t want to mess with him. And you wouldn’t really win a fight with him. The only person who can and possibly will is Sydney, because they know each other in a way that you wouldn’t ever expect.
That combination of what I just mentioned is why I do the job that I do, in the hope that I get the opportunity to play these kinds of characters. And this gave me that. And I thank everyone who allowed me to do it, because not many people are making such a huge, extravagant show that is this entertaining and complex. I’m very proud of this piece of work. I think it will be a talking point and spark an interesting conversation, and I believe people will enjoy it.
Haley Bennett and Dominic Cooper star in The Last Frontier, which is now streaming on Apple TV.
