As the UK premiere of Night of Violence a matter of hours away we decided to chat with its star Kit Lang about this visceral and timely movie.
NYX: Did you know from a young age that you wanted to be an actor?
KL: For me it wasn't until about 16 years old that I started to figure that out. There were signs from my childhood. My mother first put the idea in my head when I was 5. But it wasn't until later that I began to consider pursuing it.
NYX: Did you have to audition for the role of Eliott?
KL: Actually I didn't. Although, I remember Illya asking me very directly if I felt that I could pull off this kind of character. And I said, yeah I think so. That was the end of the conversation.
NYX: How did you prepare to play him and did you have much time with the rest of the cast to rehearse?
KL: In fact, being one of the writers helped a lot. And I was able to add a bit of weight on to accomplish a look I was going for. Time however was not entirely on our side. So, no we didn't get much rehearsal time on this one. But sometimes you can get the most exciting and spontaneous stuff that way.
NYX: Eliott has some intense and very expressive moments, how hard is it pull of such emotional pieces on set?
KL: The scenes with the biggest emotions are always the toughest. I try to approach it as authentic as I can be moment to moment. As long as I stay true to the moment and to the character, then I feel like I'm doing my job.
NYX: He’s logical, likes to think things through, are you like him at all?
KL: In part, absolutely. I see Elliott or any character essentially as a version of me. However, I'm also very different than Eliott, I am definitely more impulsive and more emotional than he is.
NYX: It seems to have been shot mainly at night, are those sort of shoots tough to do?
KL: Not compared to most people because I've always been a bit of a night owl. I also think it depends on scheduling. I.e. 11am-11pm isnt terrible. 6pm-6am can be rough. Also, I think it comes down to how much quality sleep you can get in. That being said, it was not an easy shoot.
NYX: The movie has a lot to say about the uncaring side of business and corporate greed, I’d say this was pretty timely, would you agree?
KL: Absolutely, its the reason we made the movie but its more relevant than we intended or realized. Its particularly tragic when you really consider recent events. Eliott says a line “they're not lightbulbs, they're people”. And I think its just so important to emphasize that.
NYX: Were these all your usual dance moves in the movie?
KL: Haha, I've got a few more tricks up my sleeve.
NYX: Are you a fan of horror movies?
KL: Yes, I am. And am thrilled to be a part of one. Its such an interesting genre that allows for so many different kinds of expression of it.
NYX: Will you be nervous when it has its UK premiere at FrightFest 2025?
KL: Absolutely, its a big festival, its a big theatre. And we are anxious to see the response from the audience. That matters to me.
NYX: How would you describe Night of Violence?
KL: A thrilling and entertaining horror with something to say.
NYX: So, what are you working on at the moment?
KL: Another horror film actually! One I'm genuinely very excited about. And wish I can say more. And I'm also working on a crime thriller, which I am equally so excited to be a be to talk about when I am allowed.
NYX: Kit Lang, thank you very much.
KL: Thanks for having me, really appreciate the time.
