For her first lead character on screen, Kristen Cui plays Wen in M. Night Shyamalan’s new film Knock at the Cabin, which is currently showing in cinemas around the world. Knock at the Cabin follows the story of a family on holiday, who are held hostage by four strangers, and Kristen stars alongside a cast including Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge, who play her on-screen adopted parents Eric and Andrew. Speaking to us, Kristen answers our questions about being cast in M. Night Shyamalan’s film Knock at the Cabin, having Wen as her first lead character on screen and what it was like on set of the film.

You can be seen playing Wen in the new M. Night Shyamalan release of Knock at the Cabin, what were you looking forward to most for the film’s release?

I was so excited about everything! The joy of seeing results after hard work. And it’s cool to see myself playing a character on the big screen. Wen is very different to who I am, and I’ve grown a lot since filming the movie.

Is there anything you can tell us about Knock at the Cabin and your character?

My character Wen is the adopted daughter of two dads named Eric and Andrew. They are on a vacation that doesn’t turn out to be what they expected. It’s a wild ride once Dave Bautista’s character shows up.

What was it like filming as Wen and working with the rest of the cast, which includes Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge and Rupert Grint?

When we were on set, I felt that their emotions brought me to a different world. I had so much fun playing around with the cast. We had to be really serious once they yelled “action”, but we had a lot of fun off screen.

How was the experience working on an M. Night Shyamalan production for your first lead role?

I had a great experience working with Night. He was such a great teacher. I feel so lucky. I still pinch myself.

What did you enjoy most about being on set and getting into character?

I enjoyed hanging out with my co-stars! Jonathan and Ben felt like my parents, and we had so much fun. Especially when we got to jump into the lake in one of the scenes. They really helped me tap into my emotions.

Do you remember how you felt finding out you’d booked the role?

I remember feeling like a balloon about to pop. I had never been in a movie. It’s still so exciting!

Can you say about some of your other projects you’ve worked on, which includes the 2022 music video Don’t Give Up?

Don’t Give Up is a music video I filmed. It reminds us that even when things are hard, we have to hold on and never give up. It’s really inspiring.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you start?

I fell in love with acting while on the set of Knock at the Cabin. I never knew what it was like to film a movie, and now I don’t want to stop.

What are some of your favourite TV shows and films to watch?

I only have one favourite movie because somehow nothing else stands out to me, and that one favourite movie is M. Night Shyamalan’s 2004 film The Village.

How do you like to spend your time away from acting?

I like to spend time away from acting by reading a good book… I am a huge Harry Potter fan!

Do you have a favourite aspect of working on screen?

I love everything about it! It’s hard to pick just one thing.

What are you hoping the upcoming year brings for you?

I am hoping that the new year brings even more acting opportunities. I’d love to get to work on a TV show.

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