David Meltzer
In the highly anticipated film The Electric State, Devyn Dalton takes on the compelling role of Cosmo, a character that resonates deeply with audiences through his unique blend of childlike innocence and profound trauma. Devyn describes Cosmo as one of her favorite characters, emphasizing the contrast between his youthful curiosity and the challenges he faces. To authentically portray Cosmo, she had to shed her adult perspectives, embracing a fresh viewpoint that made the experience both challenging and rewarding.
Working alongside the esteemed Russo Brothers, known for their visionary storytelling, was an extraordinary experience for Devyn. She appreciated their clear vision for the film while valuing the creative freedom they fostered among the cast. This collaborative atmosphere, particularly within the movement troupe, was crucial in bringing the robotic characters to life. The Russo Brothers’ leadership cultivated a spirit of teamwork essential for the film’s success.
A standout moment for Devyn on set was the opportunity to recreate a cherished photo with co-star Millie Bobby Brown, with whom she had previously worked in 2013. Having served as Millie’s stunt double in earlier projects like Once Upon a Time in Wonderland and Intruders, their shared history made filming The Electric State a special reunion, allowing them to connect during emotionally charged scenes.
To prepare for her role as Cosmo, Devyn worked extensively with movement coach Terry Notary and the movement troupe. Her preparation involved a thorough exploration of the physicality required to embody a robot. She focused on shedding her adult instincts to adopt a childlike perspective while also recognizing Cosmo’s intelligence. The motion capture process was vital in translating her movements to the screen, requiring her to relearn how to walk and move within a robotic body.
The film’s themes resonate deeply with Devyn, particularly the bond between Michelle and Cosmo. At its core, The Electric State tells a story about love and the lengths people go to for family, mirroring Devyn’s own values regarding human connection. Additionally, the film addresses the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence, a topic increasingly relevant in today’s society.
The dynamic between Cosmo and Michelle begins with tension but quickly grows into a powerful bond. Devyn believes their journey is both sweet and impactful, and she anticipates that audiences will connect with the emotional depth of their relationship.
Notably, the film is recognized for its distinctive visual style, inspired by the graphic novel on which it is based. Devyn found the artwork significantly influenced her portrayal of Cosmo. The design of Cosmo as an older, clunky robot with tiny legs and a large head provided a foundation for exploring his movements. This physicality was essential to her performance, shaping how Cosmo interacts with the world around him.
However, portraying a robot presented its own challenges. Devyn faced the difficulty of embodying a mechanical character while maintaining subtlety in her performance. Communicating through body language and limited facial expressions required precision, making this aspect of her role both demanding and rewarding.
Playing Cosmo had a profound impact on Devyn, particularly in her understanding of non-verbal communication. She discovered how much can be conveyed through body language alone, enriching her skills as an actress. This experience deepened her appreciation for the nuances of performance, especially when portraying a character with limited verbal expression.
The film debuted on Netflix on March 14th, and Devyn hoped that audiences found joy and escapism in “The Electric State”. She was excited for viewers to appreciate the remarkable contributions of motion capture actors, highlighting that there was a genuine human presence behind each robotic character.
Looking ahead, Devyn is not only excited to appear in upcoming productions, Thunderbolts and The Last of Us. She remains open to exploring diverse roles and genres that tell compelling stories and is passionate about the art of storytelling as she continues her journey as an actress.
Devyn is represented by Clear Talent Group in Los Angeles. For all of her public relations needs, she is represented by GTK PR Agency, LLC, based in Los Angeles, CA.
While she cannot disclose too much about Cosmo’s backstory, Devyn hints that his journey involves learning to navigate his robotic existence, adding depth and vulnerability to his character. One of her favorite scenes captures Cosmo’s childlike wonder as he adjusts to his new reality, beautifully showcasing the essence of the character.
Since the release of “The Electric State” on Netflix on March 14th, Devyn has expressed her excitement and pride in the project. She reflected on the immense effort and heart that the cast and crew poured into bringing The Electric State to life, eagerly anticipating audiences’ reactions as they fell in love with Cosmo.
For more insights into Devyn Dalton’s journey and updates, her IMDb profile and Instagram page are essential resources.
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1981476/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devyn.dalton
