Sarah Paulson Talks About New Movie ‘Hold Your Breath’

Emmy-winning actress Sarah Paulson is gearing up for the release of her latest project, ‘Hold Your Breath,’ a gripping new film set to premiere on Hulu. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Paulson shared some intriguing insights into the making of the film, which she describes as deeply emotional and centred around a powerful mother-daughter relationship.

‘Hold Your Breath’ is set in the Dust Bowl era of Oklahoma, a time characterised by devastating dust storms and widespread despair. Far from being a typical thriller, Paulson emphasises that at the heart of the story is the unbreakable bond between a mother and her daughters. “It is really, at its core, an emotional story about a woman who is desperate to keep her children safe,” she explains. Paulson plays the role of Margaret, a devoted mother who will go to any lengths to protect her daughters.

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To prepare for the role, Paulson immersed herself in the history of the Dust Bowl, watching Ken Burns’ documentary and studying Dorothea Lange’s iconic photographs from the Great Depression. This research helped her fully grasp the desperation and resilience of people during that time, which she channels into her portrayal of Margaret.

Though Paulson doesn’t have children of her own, she finds a way to connect with her character’s fierce protectiveness. She draws on her close relationships with her sister’s children and her three dogs, whom she adores. This personal connection allowed her to bring depth and authenticity to Margaret’s character, who struggles to maintain control as the world around her falls into chaos.

The film, shot in the scenic landscapes of Santa Fe, New Mexico, also features a stellar cast including Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Amiah Miller, and Annaleigh Ashford. The realistic depiction of the Dust Bowl era is brought to life by the crew’s efforts to recreate the intense dust storms, which involved blowing loose dust on set.

Paulson, ever the committed actress, often requested even more dust to enhance the realism, leading to some clashes with the safety coordinator. Reflecting on her decision, she says, “The more real it can be, the better.”