Candela Obscura: Chapter 2 Q&A with Marisha Ray

Tell us a little bit about your character in Candela Obscura Chapter 2.

Everyone in this chapter has been affected by the war in some horrible way. I was very intrigued to tell the story of someone who lost everything to the atrocities of mankind all while fighting to maintain her compassion for humanity. Aunt Bee became a very natural product of that idea, and ended up fitting nicely has the maternal figure of the group.

Are you afraid of the dark, or are you afraid of what’s in it?

 The dark is only scary because of your inability to see through it. Absolutely the latter. I find it fascinating- our primal instincts to protect ourselves is what leads to the fear of the unknown. Not knowing what’s lurking in the shadows is peak existential dread incarnate. Gotta love it!

Do you have a favorite scary movie, series, or book? Let’s imagine you’ve suddenly found yourself in the middle of that world, what is your survival strategy?

I love a lot of the classics. My mother was born on Halloween, so spooky season was (and still is) a big deal for us. All this to say, man, how do you pick a favorite? Amityville Horror. Poltergeist. The Omen. The original Decent (with the original ending, not the soft American ending). Jaws! However I’m loving all the new stuff coming from A24, Ari Aster, and of course Jordan Peele. I think my strategy to survive applies to any of those movies, and that strategy is : Just Nah. If there are ghosts, just leave. I don’t need a medium to confirm that shit. Trying to go hunt the monster in the basement? How about tomorrow we call a realtor, instead? Besides, the realtor got us into this mess, so the realtor is gonna have to get us out of it too!

What does your character define a monster as?

Those whom are willing to allow anyone to suffer for their own systemic gain.

What’s a fear your character overcame to join Candela Obscura?

I’d say, the fear that she had nothing left to lose. Because then why still fight? But as long as there are still people who need her, Beatrix has a purpose. A reason to fight.

Describe this next chapter in 3 words.

Post Traumatic Stress