We chatted to Ben Probert, the lead actor from the chilling new movie The Caretaker.
NYX: Did you know from an early age that you wanted to be an actor?
BP: Yeah, pretty much. I bought my first camera with paper round money and started filming chaos, Jackass-style stunts, running scenes, comedy skits. But under all that was a deep love for film. I had a massive VHS collection, all catalogued in a handwritten book. Acting, watching, making… it’s always felt like home.
NYX: You’ve worked with director Luke Tedder in the past, but did you have to audition for the role?
BP: No, Luke wrote the role for me. That still blows my mind. We’ve worked together for years, and he knows exactly how far I’ll go. It’s rare to have a director-friend who writes something this layered and just hands it to you. I don’t take that for granted.
NYX: What did you think of the script when you first read it?
BP: I usually take loads of notes… not this time. I read it in one go, fully absorbed. It felt heavy, personal, and quietly powerful. Like Luke had written something for me that was going to cost me something to do right. I felt it instantly.
NYX: How did you prepare for the role of Eddie?
BP: Eddie doesn’t speak, so it was all about presence, breath, stillness, posture. I cut all weight training, upped cardio, slimmed down. I kept to myself, journaled as Eddie, stayed silent for days. It was more about becoming him than performing him.
NYX: You and Mackenzie Larsen who plays Marie seem to have a wonderfully natural connection; did you have much time to rehearse?
BP: Not really… it was just there from the start. We didn’t overtalk it, we didn’t rehearse much. It just clicked. That kind of instinctive connection made everything feel real, especially since Eddie never speaks.
NYX: Was it all shot on location?
BP: Yeah, and it made a huge difference. We filmed in an old building, beautiful woods, and along the coast. The weather was perfect too. It gave everything a grounded, haunting quality you can’t fake.
NYX: There’s a strong sense of dread running through the movie, what was the atmosphere like on set?
BP: Surprisingly light. The film’s heavy, sure, but behind the scenes there was warmth and trust. Everyone respected the tone, but between takes we kept it grounded. Dread on camera, tea and snacks off it, ideal setup.
NYX: Will you be nervous when the movie has its World Premiere at FrightFest 2025?
BP: Absolutely. You put so much into something like this, and suddenly it’s out in the world. Exciting, terrifying, all of it.
NYX: There are some paranormal moments in the movie, do you believe in such things?
BP: I do, yeah. I’ve actually been on a few ghost hunts. I find that stuff fascinating, the unknown, the energy in certain places. Whether it’s real or not, I love the mystery of it all.
NYX: So, what are you working on at the moment?
BP: Mainly promoting The Caretaker and we have our next sci-fi feature in post. So, keeping very busy, but if the right role comes along, I’ll always make time.
NYX: Ben Probert, thank you very much.
BP: Thank you, it means a lot.
