Krista Nazaire is no stranger to hard work—or the thrill of the unexpected.

The Toronto-born actress is currently turning heads with her breakout role in Hell of a Summer, which is a horror-comedy co-directed by Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk. Starring alongside Wolfhard, Fred Hechinger, and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Krista brings depth to a role that subverts the typical “love interest” trope, carving out a commanding presence in the genre. 

Today, HOLR is sitting down with Krista to discuss her career to date and how she is one of Canada’s most versatile rising stars. From slasher flicks to supernatural comedies, she’s stepping into the spotlight with fearless energy, refreshing honesty, and a drive that’s taken her from local theater stages to the big screen. 

With both Hell of a Summer and Ghosting coming out, how do you balance working in such different genres—horror-comedy in one and unscripted comedy in the other?

As an actor, there are so many tools to help you breathe life into a character. Having never done a horror or comedic film before, this was uncharted territory for me. I was both excited and nervous to tackle these genres. I was able to use my prep and studies as an actor to help me step into the world of Hell of a Summer with some assurance. But, with unscripted comedy… that is a different beast. I’m not sure if there’s any way to prepare yourself, especially with all the creepy twists and turns that come with filming a series like Ghosting. For me, being funny wasn’t the main thing. I knew that going to a haunted location with my friends to chit-chat with ghosts would be naturally hilarious. But with a series like Ghosting, there’s no script to hide behind. It’s just you and your authentic self, which is all you need. I find it so beautiful that this version of me has been immortalized through that time I went ghost hunting with friends, haha.

In Hell of a Summer, you play a character who defies expectations. Can you share what drew you to this role and how you approached the character?

I have always been a massive horror fan, slashers being my favourite sub-genre. So when the opportunity arose to play a camp counsellor trying to survive the night, I jumped right in. In playing Shannon, the most important thing to me was avoiding the stereotypical slasher caricatures and instead humanizing her. I wanted her to feel like a real young adult, reacting truthfully to an absurd, albeit real, and very scary situation. It was important for me to be able to rationalize/empathize with all of the choices she makes throughout trying to survive the ordeal. Are her choices always right? Definitely not. But understanding what makes someone make the decisions they do while under pressure is crucial to finding the roots of a character.

You’ve had quite a journey from theater productions to acting in TV shows and films. What has been the most challenging part of transitioning from one medium to another?

No two projects are the same; every project brings a fresh set of challenges. Each medium has its own unique demands, but they all share some common ground. I’ve learned some foundational tips and tricks that I can apply to all of them. I’ve always been up for a challenge. Puzzles are my thing, and I see obstacles as just puzzles waiting to be solved.

You’ve been described as a dynamic and fearless actress. In Ghosting, you’re stepping into the world of real-life ghost hunting. How did you prepare for such an adventurous series, and what surprised you most about the overall experience?

I must admit, I wasn’t prepared for the rollercoaster ride it took me on. I decided to binge-watch the first season again before being shipped off to a remote location. Unlike the first season, Luke and Matthew wanted all their guests to go in blind this time around. I didn’t know where they were taking me or what exactly this experience would entail. All I knew was that we would be ghost-hunting in the middle of the night and to be prepared for some potential “surprises”. And surprises there were… You’ll have to watch my episode to know what that means— there was no way I could have ever prepared myself for that. Heck, I probably would have backed out if I had known! That was definitely the most shocking moment of the whole experience for me.

In addition to acting, you have a passion for food and travel. If you could combine these passions, what would be your dream food-focused adventure or destination?

It would be an absolute dream to travel to some of the biggest food hubs in the world and try both high-end and local “mom & pop” dishes. And to film it! Maybe make it a series. “Feast with Krista”…“ Krista’s Craving Chronicles”. I don’t know. It’s a working title.

What types of roles or genres are you most excited to explore in the future, and is there a specific character or project you’re hoping to take on next?

I would love to take on a physically challenging role. Maybe an action or sci-fi. I’d be thrilled to play a character that is completely different from me in all aspects. I’d want to appear unrecognizable. That would be a fun challenge. And of course, I would be delighted to stay a part of the horror universe.

Check out the trailer for Hell of a Summer here.

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Published by HOLR Magazine

Photo credit: Kyle Kirkwood

Stylist: Brandon Laughton