George MacKay, the actor known for his roles in war dramas like 1917 and Private Peaceful, has taken on a new challenge: becoming a father. In an exclusive interview, MacKay opens up about how fatherhood has impacted his most 'mature' role yet, playing a family man in the film Rose of Nevada. The actor shares how his own family has helped him bring authenticity to his performance, and how he's found joy in exploring the complexities of family life on screen.
MacKay's character, Nick, is thrown into an uncanny, nightmarish situation, but family and community prevail as important themes in the film. The actor explains how his own family has given him a 'tangible touchstone' for understanding the complexities of family life, and how he's enjoyed bringing that experience to his performance.
Writer and director Mark Jenkin, who witnessed the sweet family dynamic firsthand when MacKay's family visited the set, adds that the film's core is about the power of family and community. The film, set in a Cornish fishing village, explores the strange events that unfold when a fishing vessel appears in the harbour 30 years after going missing.
Despite the unsettling plotline, the film's setting in Cornwall has taken hold in the hearts of the cast. MacKay speaks fondly of his favourite filming location, Mullion Harbour, and how the film's core was in that harbour. The actor also admits that filming has given him a new appreciation for the hard work and dedication of fishermen.
But the most important question remains: has filming Rose of Nevada put George off fishing? The actor laughs and admits that proper fishing has given him a new respect for the job, but it hasn't put him off entirely. Rose of Nevada is set to hit cinemas in 2026, and MacKay is looking forward to sharing his journey as a father and an actor with audiences around the world.
