In the psychological horror-thriller Alma & The Wolf, actors Ethan Embry and Li Jun Li deliver hauntingly layered performances that dive deep into grief, addiction, ego, and survival. During our press day conversation, the duo opened up about the film's emotional intensity, their dynamic onscreen relationship, and the symbolic presence of the wolf at the story’s core.
A Ride Worth Putting Your Phone Down For
When asked about first reactions to the script, Li Jun Li said she was instantly drawn to Alma’s “spunky, spitfire” energy, while Embry was intrigued by the story’s emotional and physical challenges. “It’s a risk,” he admitted. “But one that gives you a real sense of accomplishment.”
Ren’s Crumbling World
Embry plays Ren, a father and small-town deputy whose life begins to unravel under the weight of addiction and guilt. “You start with identification,” he explained about approaching such a fractured character. “We all have self-doubt. We all have ego. It was a fun exercise to find all of that inside of me.”
Alma: A Reflection of Hope
Li’s Alma serves as a stark contrast to Ren’s chaos. “She’s the version of Ren that he wishes he still was,” she shared. “I had to play her as innocently and purely as I could, because for him, she’s not real—she’s his projection of what he wants to be.”
Building Tension and Trust
Filming in isolation on the rugged Oregon coast, the actors leaned into the eerie setting and intense weather to build authentic chemistry. “We didn’t even have a chemistry read,” Embry noted. “It just happened.” Li added, “Ethan is one of the most generous actors I’ve worked with… we became a team.”
The Wolf as Ego and Rage
When it came to interpreting the titular “wolf,” both actors saw it as deeply symbolic. “The wolf is the ego—primal, unrestrained,” Embry said. “It exists in all of us, especially men.” Li echoed the sentiment, describing it as “Ren’s uninhibited rage” and the emotional aftermath of years of repression.
A Message Beneath the Horror
Asked what they hoped audiences would take away from Alma & The Wolf, Li gave a heartfelt answer: “It’s about addressing your mental illness sooner than later.” Embry joked in response, “She’s trying to tell me something. She wants what’s best for me.”