Exploring Joely Engelbert’s Emotional Journey in ‘Until She Smiles’

Interview Insights with Joely Engelbert

A Powerful Conclusion: Performing ‘Until She Smiles’

Joely Engelbert reflects on the emotional impact of her new single, ‘Until She Smiles’, which serves as a poignant conclusion to the film. “The movie needed a soaring, cathartic song to bring everything full circle for Clara,” she explains. “Clara had been through so much, and I believe the audience needed this moment as much as she did.” The song encapsulates Clara’s resilience and the struggles she faced, making it a crucial part of the film’s narrative.

Connecting Personal Experiences to Clara’s Journey

Engelbert shares how the song, written by her sister Zoey Engelbert, resonated deeply with her own experiences portraying Clara. “As Zoey was singing, it connected and it hurt, and it inspired,” she recalls. The emotional weight of the song was evident, even moving her father, who directed the film. “We knew it was perfect,” she adds, emphasizing the authenticity of their family collaboration.

Family Dynamics in Storytelling

Engelbert delves into the unique experience of working with her family on the project. Her father, Matt, directed both the film and the music video, while her sister Phoebe plays Ruby. “He wanted the words to be our own,” she notes, highlighting how personal involvement in the script-writing process enriched their portrayal of sisterhood. “It was important for both me and Phoebe because we connected so deeply with Clara and Ruby.”

Emotional Challenges in Performance

Portraying Clara’s emotional journey was no easy feat for Engelbert. “It was a very difficult role for me. I lived with Clara in my head throughout the film,” she admits. The process took a toll on her emotionally, requiring several months for recovery after filming. “But I felt every blow Clara would take throughout the story, and it hurt every time,” she reflects, underlining the intensity of her performance.

The Transition from Acting to Singing

Engelbert discusses the seamless transition from acting as Clara to performing her final song. “From the first moment of the film, we see that Clara is a singer,” she explains. The music video captures Clara’s essence, presenting a deeply personal performance that connects the character’s narrative arc to Engelbert’s musical artistry.

The Importance of Fan Support

As she prepares to share Clara’s story with a wider audience, Engelbert emphasizes the significance of her fans’ support. “I hope those people who support my work will get a chance to watch it and find that the movie is powerful and moving,” she expresses. She aims to convey a message of hope for those who have experienced trauma, hoping her performance resonates with them.

Future Aspirations: Balancing Music and Acting

After winning Best Actress at the Santa Fe film festival, Engelbert is excited about her next projects. “I do love acting and am excited to be working on another project. Believe it or not, it may be darker than the role of Clara,” she reveals. Engelbert sees her music and acting as interconnected, noting that both require a similar emotional energy and preparation.

Final Thoughts for Fans

As she looks ahead, Engelbert is eager to showcase her acting talents to her followers. “Most people who follow me on social media only know of my singing, so I’m excited to share my acting,” she concludes, hinting at the depth of her artistic expression.

Watch ‘Until She Smiles’

For those interested, watch the music video for ‘Until She Smiles’ below, and follow Joely Engelbert on Instagram for updates on her music and film endeavors.

FAQs

What inspired Joely Engelbert to participate in ‘Until She Smiles’?

Engelbert was inspired by the emotional depth of Clara’s character and the powerful story of sisterhood that her family worked together to tell.

How does Joely Engelbert prepare for emotionally heavy performances?

Engelbert immerses herself in her character’s journey, often living with the character in her head throughout the filming process to deeply connect with their emotions.

What can fans expect from Joely Engelbert in the future?

Fans can look forward to more acting projects, including darker roles, as well as continued musical endeavors that reflect her emotional and artistic growth.