In the brand new thriller series “The Watchful Eye,” Elena Santos (Mariel Molino) takes a nanny job caring for the son of a rich widower — solely to find that nothing in his opulent Manhattan house constructing is what it appears.
“I used to be a nanny as properly. I labored with a number of completely different households,” Molino, 30, instructed The Post. “I understand how to toe that line between your work and this very intimate house that you simply’re in, which is somebody’s dwelling, and your precise life — and the place you need to maintain the 2 issues separate.”
Premiering Jan. 30 at 9 p.m. on Freeform, “The Watchful Eye” follows Elena as she takes on her new job for her personal ulterior motives which can be revealed because the story progresses. She strikes into the workers quarters of the mysterious constructing, the Greybourne, the place she works for widower Matthew (Warren Christie, “The Resident”), who misplaced his spouse underneath shadowy circumstances. She’s tasked with caring for his son, Jasper (Henry Joseph Samiri).
“[Nannying] was one of many three jobs I used to be juggling with a purpose to get me via [early days] as an actor, and whereas I used to be auditioning,” Molino stated. “So, I’m very grateful for that have, as powerful because it was typically.
“When I first learn the pilot, there was one thing about [Elana’s] deception that I instantly discovered very enticing,” stated Molino (“Promised Land,” “Narcos: Mexico”). “She wasn’t who she stated she was. There was this grift, this con, that I discovered thrilling to play. And I additionally noticed that there was one thing damaged about Elena that I may relate to. I don’t suppose I’ve performed a character so advanced earlier than.”
Molino stated she drew inspiration from a combination of actual life and films with a purpose to play Elena.
“I cherished outdated noirs. There’s an actress that I really like from this traditional Hollywood period, Barbara Stanwyck, and to me she’s a quintessential femme fatale. But she’s a nice comedic actress as properly. Also, I believe a massive a part of [Elena] is that she is a true New Yorker. I spent a while in Queens the place we determined she’s from, Jackson Heights particularly, and there may be form of that ruggedness that comes along with her. She’s a survivor. She’s on a quest for revenge.”
Along the way in which, Elena has to take care of Matthew’s suspicious and controlling sister-in- regulation, Tory (Amy Acker, “Angel”). She additionally crosses paths with different inhabitants of the Greybourne as she learns disturbing secrets and techniques: cranky Mrs. Ivy (Kelly Bishop, “Gilmore Girls”); teenager Elliott (Lex Lumpkin); and fellow nanny Ginny (Aliyah Royale). She additionally finds out that earlier nannies have mysteriously vanished.
“Everyone introduced some completely different vitality to the desk and it was thrilling. But from a fan standpoint, working with Kelly Bishop was thrilling and intimidating,” stated Molino. “Because I appeared as much as her a lot and he or she was somebody that I watched rising up. I really like [her ‘Gilmore Girls’ character] Emily Gilmore. She at all times stored me on my toes.”
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