Talking With Coél Mahal from ‘Restitution’

In this edition of Talking With focuses on Coél Mahal, who stars as the vengeful badass in the new horror film ‘Restitution,’ from Ninth House Films and Terror Films Releasing and available now on major streamers including Amazon, Tubi TV, Apple TV, Chilling, and Kings of Horror.

Directed by Danny Draven, the film tells the bloody tale of Mia Wagner, a woman out for revenge as the sole survivor of a serial killer. After her entire family was brutally murdered, the killer was caught and sent to prison. Years later, the judicial system fails her allowing him out on a technicality, so Mia is left to take justice into her own hands.

What will amaze audiences is that Coél does all her own stunts in the film. And this petite, 5’3” Filipino American actress packs a serious punch as an undefeated regional Grand Champion in martial arts and Assistant Stunt Coordinator for Fox’s 9-1-1 Lone Star.

A classically trained New York Musical Theatre actress, Coél has tons of film and television credits under her belt. ‘Restitution’ is just her latest film project with Ninth House Films, which also includes ‘Secrets of an Escort,’ ‘Killer Ambition,’ and ‘Hot Take: The Depp/Heard Trial.’

To learn more, we are Talking With Coél Mahal:

Why did you want to play Mia Wagner?

Coél Mahal: This is easy - because she's such a badass! I mean, who wouldn't want to step into their feminine power and kick some butt?

It’s an intense situation for Mia. So, what helped you the most in bringing her to life?

Coél Mahal: Drawing on what kind of music I thought she'd be listening to during her preparations for when she had Darren in her grasp, I listened to a lot of heavy metal just to connect with her. I also think understanding the love she has for her family and then the trauma she went through helped me get into her mindset. With my background and knowledge in working with the Human Trafficking Task Force, I learned a lot about what victims mentally go through and that also helped me to understand the battle inside Mia.

Considering you did all your own stunts in the film; can you share how your extensive martial arts and stunts background helped you prepare for it?

Coél Mahal: I was super excited when I first read all the action sequences and I remember saying to myself, "this is going to be so much fun!". This was actually my first opportunity to do my own stunts in an action film as an actor and I was absolutely up for the challenge! I knew it wasn't going to be like any stunt job I'd done before where you come to work, do the stunt, and go home; I had to come back the next day, and the next day, and be fully prepared as an actor as well, including days where we did both heavy scenes and action sequences in the same day. So, my intention going into filming was to always stay focused on Mia.

When preparing for this role, my amazing acting coach, Jim Klock, had prepped me on staying true to Mia, putting Mia first and not allowing the "action" to take precedence over what she was feeling and where she was coming from moment to moment. I will say, having my background in martial arts and stunts definitely made all the action parts feel like a piece of cake - I never had to think twice about how to do the action, I just focused on Mia and let muscle memory do the rest. It was also super awesome to have Jonathan as my counterpart. Though he didn't have the same stunt or martial arts background as I did, he had such a great attitude about everything! Being a high-level athlete, Jonathan was great to work with because anything Chris Gann and I coached him on, he just naturally picked up.

What was it like in-between takes and how did you shake it all off at the end of each day?

Coél Mahal: The way I approach the work is very open and playful, no matter how heavy or funny a scene may be. So, in between takes you'd either find me laughing with the crew, with Jonathan and Danny, or eating snacks. However, I'm very serious when it comes to my work so when it is go-time, I dial in very quickly. But at the end of each scene, I was so filled with gratitude toward my fellow actors and our amazing crew that it was easy to complete a heavy scene and immediately be flooded with the feeling of happiness. I'm one who never takes moments for granted so being able to chase the dream and wake up each day doing the thing I love most, I can't help but feel immensely blessed. And really when it all comes down to it, I'm still me, just... me plus Mia.

Do you have a favorite scene from the movie? And was it also your favorite to shoot?

Coél Mahal: Oh goodness, there were so many scenes that I was so excited to shoot... it's hard to pick one! Well, I was really looking forward to the scene when Mia retreats to the bathroom to collect herself after ripping out Darren's tooth. It's the first time she really let herself feel all the feelings about the weight of what she's currently doing to him, and what she's becoming because of that need for revenge. This constant struggle she has between what is "right" puts her on an emotional rollercoaster because the lines definitely start to blur. Going through the battle of emotions is something I actually find really fun and fascinating as an actor because being human is so interesting! Everyday, we have all these emotions boiling at the surface and we never know what's coming or what emotion will take over at any given time, so when it comes to scenes like this, it's so much fun to explore the emotions in real-time and let things come to the surface and surprise you during a take. It's really quite exhilarating!

What do you hope moviegoers to take away from the film?

Coél Mahal: I hope they just have a really good time watching it! We had such a blast making this, so I hope our audience enjoys it in their own unique way, as it relates to them. I hope they find connection with one or more of the characters, and that the film takes them out of their daily life for a moment, and into the world of "Restitution".

As an actor, where do you start when preparing for a role; and does that change depending on the genre?

Coél Mahal: No matter the genre I start at the very beginning, which is my mental and visual preparations. My first thought is always to approach the work with an open heart and a playful attitude, being grateful for the opportunity to explore a new character. Working with Klock, I have learned so much about letting the stress of taking on a new role go, and just letting the character melt into me. Then, I visualize the success of the shoot so I know where I'm going on this journey. I'll also work on getting into a routine for the shoot that includes what I'm eating, how I'm working out, and how positively I'm thinking each day. Lastly, as we get closer to the first day of shooting, I'll memorize the script and when it's time... let Mia take over from there.

What inspires you the most creatively?

Coél Mahal: My parents inspire me the most creatively and pretty much in all aspects of life. My Mom is literally a beam of pure sunshine and love. Throughout my life, she has shown me countless ways to approach everything with love and grace. She finds the best parts of every situation and can zero-in on that glimmer of happiness, making everything seem so effortless so long as you approach it with love with grace. My Dad is constant. He is my rock and the force in which I find where my mental strength and resilience comes from. Both of my parents are creatively gifted and everyday I feel incredibly humbled and blessed to be an extension of who they are.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Coél Mahal: I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who supports this film by watching it! Everyday, I'm filled with sincere gratitude for being able to creatively express myself through this medium. I feel like the ultimate goal in life is to live it well by doing the things you love most. In turn, you'll spread more of that love and positivity to everyone else around you. So, thank you and I hope you enjoy 'Restitution'!

Watch the official trailer for 'Restitution' here and for more about the film visit: NinthHouseFilms.com

Keep up with Coél Mahal on Instagram @coelmahal