In her latest interview on Pop Culture Unplugged, actress Sarah Cortez opened up about her emotional and transformative role as Dulce in the upcoming Western film Long Shadows, premiering November 7. The project, filmed just before the Hollywood strike, carries a powerful blend of classic Western grit and emotional depth that sets it apart from traditional frontier tales.
A Western with Heart and a Twist
When asked what drew her to the project, Sarah said she instantly fell in love with Dulce after reading the character breakdown. Described as “strong, vulnerable, and a presence of light and love,” Dulce resonated with her deeply. “When I got to the end [of the script], I threw my laptop,” Sarah laughed. “I couldn’t believe the twist that happens in the film — it’s so special.”
Redefining the Western Genre
Unlike the typical “guns and grit” Western, Long Shadows brings in elegant European influences, classical music, and rich color palettes. Sarah praised director William Shockley, calling his vision “beautiful and human.” She shared, “William really focused on performance and story. He gave us the space to dive deep into these characters and bring out unique parts of ourselves.”
Dulce’s Emotional Journey
For Sarah, playing Dulce meant exploring courage, heartbreak, and resilience. “She’s balancing two worlds,” she explained. “She has these modern dreams in the 1800s — she wants to be a classical pianist, which wasn’t common for women back then. She’s brave enough to chase that dream, and I related to that as an actress.”
Chemistry and Connection
Sarah also spoke about her on-screen chemistry with co-star Blaine, who plays Marcus. “It’s love at first sight — that kind of first love that stays with you forever,” she said. The two spent time off-set having dinners and discussing their characters to make their connection feel authentic.
A Fun Behind-the-Scenes Moment
Not every scene was glamorous. Sarah recalled a memorable (and funny) filming day: “There’s a scene on this beautiful hilltop in Arizona. To get up there, I had to wear Converse under my big gown to climb the rocks. It’s my little secret — Converse under all that elegance!”
Looking Ahead
As for what’s next, Sarah is ready to take on new challenges. “I’d love to do a horror film,” she revealed. “Something dark and mystical — like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I think that’d be so fun.”
Long Shadows arrives November 7 and promises to be a Western filled with heart, hope, and humanity — anchored by Sarah Cortez’s moving performance as Dulce.