In HIM, the new psychological horror film produced by Jordan Peele and directed by Justin Tipping, actress, screenwriter, and producer Indira G. Wilson plays Yvette, a momager trying to emotionally support her son as success, ambition, and obsession blur the boundaries of sanity. Known for her work in The Equalizer and Truth Be Told, Indira brings a deep humanity to a character caught between maternal love and the machinery of show business.
Through anecdotes from her career—including an unforgettable story with Marlon Wayans, who unwittingly changed the course of her life—Indira shares a sharp and honest look at art, the industry, and what it means to persevere authentically within a system that often confuses value with profitability.
“HIM,” the new horror film you’re part of, is a story that explores the boundaries between fame, identity, and obsession. What initially attracted you to this script and this project?
I knew that any project that Jordan Peele was producing was going to be introspective as well as take a critical look into aspects of our society that are not often given the horror treatment. I also love the family dynamic.
Your character is Yvette, who is described as a devoted momager and a complex woman. How did you build her humanity within a genre as intense as psychological horror?
I have two teenage children myself, so I already knew a lot about psychological horror! Just kidding, I felt like my only responsibility was to take the issues that my son was having seriously. He’s living through one of the most traumatic experiences in his life, and I felt like Yvette needed to be a solid base for Cameron. Someone he could always turn to.
The film is produced by Jordan Peele, a name already synonymous with social horror and rawness. How did his vision influence your performance?
One of the things that I love about Jordan Peele’s films is that the characters are so grounded, and the women are very strong. It was wonderful to come into a character that was real and trusted. So all I really had to do was make honest choices.
Marlon Wayans also stars in the film, and it’s said he had something to do with your move to Los Angeles… and that there’s “a long story behind it.” What’s the real story?
It’s true. Which is one of the reasons why I was so excited to do this film. I’ve always wanted to thank him. When I was in my early 20s, I lived in New York City, and I moved there thinking that I was gonna always just do theater. But then I got the opportunity to do the Chris Rock show, and I fell in love with sketch comedy. Which totally changed my trajectory. I wanted to do TV and film. And one night I went to the club, and I saw Marlon talking to a couple of ladies. Now, I don’t usually go up and say anything to celebrities, but I had just started watching the Wayans Brothers show, and I thought that it was brilliant. So I just wanted to say, “Keep up the good work.” But he was nice enough to introduce himself and ask what I did, and when I said that I did TV and film, his first question was, “Do you live in LA?” And I was like, “No, I live in New York.” Mind you, there was only one Law & Order shooting in New York City at that time. Nothing else.
He must’ve thought I was crazy because he asked that question in, like, three different ways. He looked perplexed, and he stopped for a moment, sort of warmed up his hands, and then he suddenly grabbed my shoulders, and he looked directly into my eyes and said, very slowly, “You have to move to LA; there is nothing for you here; you cannot do TV here. You have to move.” And when he was done, he suddenly released my shoulders and said, “Good night.” Listen, I know when God is speaking to me. And I immediately made plans, and I moved not long after. As soon as I hit the set, I asked, “Where is Marlon? I have to say thank you!!”
In “HIM,” several lines are crossed, and one of them is the one between “mentoring” and “manipulation.” Do you think this reflects something about today’s culture and what success means to many?
Absolutely. I used to work in the record industry, and I saw it all the time. No matter how much someone wants to help you, it always boils down to money. That’s the bottom line. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of nice people in the entertainment business, but you can never forget that at the end of the day, it is business. The sooner you believe that, the better off you’ll be.
What was the most emotionally challenging aspect of playing Yvette and supporting Cameron Cade in his psychological decline?
It’s very difficult to see your children hurt, and it was difficult to play both the mother and the momager. Their dreams become your dreams, and as much as you’re concerned about their well-being, it can be difficult to play concerned yet ambitious.
“HIM” explores sports trauma and the pressure for perfection. What personal reflection did that part of the story leave you with?
For me, the concept of sacrifice really stuck with me. I think this was one of the first films I’ve ever seen that made it clear how much you have to sacrifice for success. We like to think that prominent athletes and celebrities got where they are by luck, but truly, it required an enormous amount of sacrifice.
Your career has been a blend of acting, writing, and producing. From those three perspectives, what is your assessment of this film?
This film succeeded on so many levels. I thought Justin Tipping‘s direction was visionary, and everyone brought their A game.
Have you previously participated in this genre? How did you feel? Would you do it again?
I would absolutely do it again. I was blessed to be in a psychological thriller years ago with David Hyde Pierce called “The Perfect Host.” I love films with a social or political commentary, especially when it’s in a genre that you don’t expect, like horror or comedy.
What roles are you interested in playing? Is there a particular role you’d like to land?
I love comedy and hope to do more of that in the future. A lot of my background is in sketch comedy. But don’t get me wrong, I’d like to play an evil alien too!!
In addition to “HIM,” you’re developing a new show with Kronicle Media. Could you tell us something about that story?
I’m so excited to be working with Kronicle Media. I am currently developing a book into a TV series. Be sure to keep an eye out for it. It’s gonna be a lot of fun!
photos / Kathlyn Almeida
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