‘Other Mommy’ Star Arabella Olivia Clark on Working With Jessica Chastain and Being Mentored by Mckenna Grace

‘Other Mommy’ Star Arabella Olivia Clark on Working With Jessica Chastain and Being Mentored by Mckenna Grace Arabella Olivia Clark, the ten‑year‑old who captured audiences as Bela in the psychological thriller Other Mommy, joined Variety for a Zoom interview from her Los Angeles hotel room the morning after the film’s premiere. Dressed in a jacket emblazoned with her character’s name, the young actress radiated the confidence of someone who has already navigated the pressures of a high‑profile set. “I’m proud to scare you,” she declared, a grin flashing across her face as she recounted the roller‑coaster of emotions that come with playing the terrified yet resilient daughter of Ursula, played by Jessica Chastain..

The interview began with Clark reflecting on the sheer scale of the production. “When I first read the script, I thought it was a regular family drama, but the tone shifted quickly,” she explained. The film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Maya Green, blends domestic tension with supernatural dread, a combination that demanded a level of maturity seldom expected from a child actor..

Clark said the crew’s willingness to treat her as a professional—complete with rehearsals, script notes and set etiquette—helped her transition from school plays to a major Hollywood release. Working alongside Chastain, a two‑time Academy Award winner, proved to be a masterclass in itself. “Jessica is the kind of actress who makes everyone feel seen,” Clark recalled, her eyes lighting up..

She described a particular scene where Bela confronts her mother, a moment that required her to convey fear without overacting. “Jessica showed me how to let the silence speak,” she said, adding that the Oscar‑winner patiently guided her through breathing exercises that grounded the performance. The mutual respect between the two was evident, and Green confirmed that Chastain’s mentorship was instrumental in shaping the film’s emotional core..

Clark also spoke about her on‑set relationship with Jay Duplass, who portrays Russ, the estranged father. The pair shared several tender moments that balanced the film’s darker themes. “Jay made jokes to keep the mood light between takes, but he was also very serious about the story,” she noted..

The actor’s improvisational background encouraged Clark to explore her character’s curiosity, leading to spontaneous lines that made it into the final cut. Their dynamic, according to Green, added a layer of authenticity that resonated with audiences during test screenings. Perhaps the most surprising mentorship came from fellow young star Mckenna Grace, who had previously worked with Clark on a short film earlier in the year..

Grace, now a rising teen talent known for The Bad Seed and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, took an unofficial role as “big sister” on set. “Mckenna would sit with me during breaks, go over my lines and even teach me how to handle the pressure of a red‑carpet interview,” Clark said. The two shared a quiet corner of the trailer park, swapping stories about auditions and the strange feeling of being recognized in public..

The mentorship extended beyond acting technique. Grace introduced Clark to the concept of “creative self‑care,” a practice that involves journalling, meditation and setting personal boundaries. “She showed me that it’s okay to step away from the character when I need to,” Clark explained, citing a moment when she felt overwhelmed by a particularly intense night‑shoot..

The habit of writing down her thoughts after each take helped her process emotions, a routine that Green later praised as a model for young performers navigating demanding roles. When asked about the film’s themes, Clark demonstrated a surprising depth of insight for her age. “Other Mommy is about how fear can be a family , but love can also be the thing that saves you,” she said, referencing the climactic scene where Bela confronts the supernatural presence in her home..

She added that the movie’s ambiguous ending was intentional, leaving room for viewers to interpret whether the terror was external or internal. This nuanced understanding impressed both the director and the critics who lauded the film’s layered storytelling. The premiere, held at the historic Odeon Leicester Square, was a whirlwind for the ten‑year‑old..

Clark arrived on a red carpet flanked by her parents and a modest entourage, her jacket again visible to flashing cameras. After the screening, she joined a Q&A session where she fielded questions from journalists about her preparation and future ambitions. “I want to keep learning,” she answered, “and maybe one day I’ll direct something that scares people in a good way.” The audience’s applause underscored her poise under pressure..

Clark’s parents, both educators, emphasized the importance of grounding their daughter amidst the Hollywood frenzy. “We’ve always encouraged Arabella to read widely, play music and spend time outdoors,” said her mother, Linda Clark. “The film industry is exciting, but it’s not the only world she lives in.” They noted that the family maintains a strict schedule that includes schoolwork, tutoring and regular family meals, ensuring that the young actress does not lose sight of a balanced childhood..

The success of Other Mommy has already opened doors for Clark. A prominent streaming service has reportedly approached her for a leading role in an upcoming teen mystery series, while several talent agencies expressed interest in representing her. Clark, however, remains humble about the opportunities..

“I’m grateful for every chance, but I also want to finish my school year and have a normal summer,” she said, echoing the sentiment that many child actors share when navigating fame and education..