Alexandria Riley On Silo Series 3 & Going Head-To-Head With Rebecca Ferguson

Silo is Apple TV+’s Emmy-nominated, BAFTA-winning sci-fi drama – a fast-paced exploration of a dystopian society of 10,000 people living underground under mysterious circumstances, based on Hugh Howey’s NYT best-selling books. It’s been a huge hit, critically and commercially, all led by compelling Swedish star Rebecca Ferguson. Ahead of the new series, C&TH sat down with Alexandria Riley – best known for standout roles in Baby Reindeer, The End of the F***ing World and The Pembrokeshire Murders – to talk her character Camille’s impossible choices, performing opposite Ferguson, and why she’s never loved a project more.

Alexandria Riley On Silo Season 3

Alexandria: ‘I kind of have to pretend Silo isn’t as big as it is. My nerves can’t take it.’

Hi Alexandria, how’s life going at the moment?

Life is good; I can’t complain. I’m really enjoying having some time at home at the moment. Very exciting that season 3 of Silo is out in the world now too.

You can currently be seen in Silo on Apple TV. Can you give us an elevator pitch for the series for anyone who has never tuned in?

Silo is a fast-paced sci-fi drama about a dystopian society of 10,000 people living underground under mysterious circumstances. It has a lot of action, asks a lot of big questions, and has an incredible cast of characters that you instantly invest in.

You play Camille – how would you describe her?

Camille is an extremely strong, intelligent and intriguing person who has a lot of layers and always tends to operate in the grey, which makes her so compelling to play. She’s very tactical and always seems to be one step ahead in all scenarios. We’re constantly wondering what she’s up to. But I’d also describe her as an extremely loyal person. That’s very much tested this season, mind you, but at her core, she’s completely dedicated to her family and her society.

Alexandria: ‘This season, Camille is being asked to make impossible choices.’

What does she have in store this season?

Camille is in a fascinating and precarious position this season. She’s placed in a position of power and the stakes around her are enormous. She has the lives of 10,000 people weighing every decision she makes, and she’s being asked to make impossible choices. What I love about where Camille is this season is that you really start to see the cost of those choices, and there are moments where she battles with whether she’s doing the right thing or not.

What has it been like to be part of such a mammoth show?

It’s been incredible to be part of this show. Almost surreal. And a little overwhelming. I kind of have to pretend it isn’t as big as it is. My nerves can’t take it. But it’s definitely a nice feeling to know that the show is getting so much love.

What are you most excited for fans to see this season?

I’m really looking forward to the fans seeing the ‘before times’ storyline. Because it begins to answer some of the questions that the show has been asking all along. The main one being ‘how did we get here?’ It’s a real origin story moment and everyone loves an origin story. Plus we introduce a whole new array of amazing characters played by so many incredible actors.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

Camille and Juliette really go head to head this season, and I loved rehearsing and performing those scenes with Rebecca. We have very similar instincts, so it was always really electric when we came together. There’s a bit of manipulating and puppeteering that goes on in the story, and we were so locked in that we ended up becoming really in sync with one another. Finishing each other’s sentences and even our gestures and mannerisms were the same. It was so weird.

Alexandria: ‘it was always really electric when Rebecca and I came together.’ (Apple TV)

Tell us about the sets – they look incredibly immersive and detailed?

The designers on this show were truly phenomenal. Those sets were so detailed it was unreal. We were absolutely IN the Silo. It was very easy to forget the outside world because it felt that real, which really helped with performance. I remember going on my first set visit before I started season one, and I was honestly floored. Everything was so vast and overwhelming. I’d never seen anything like it.

Anything you can tease about season 4?

I think people are going to love season 3 for the pace and action of it, but season 4 dials it up even more. It’s wild. The writers honestly let loose on it. It’s fast, intense, dangerous and will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. You never know what’s gonna happen from one minute to the next. And it wraps up in a really satisfying way which I think the audience will appreciate.

What has been your favourite project to date?

Very cheesy, but I think this show has been my favourite project so far. I’ve had such incredible opportunities as an actor with this character. The story arc and character progression has been something that I don’t often get to experience. The entire team – from cast to crew, producers to writers – have all been so kind and supportive, which again is rare. Everyone truly cared about the show and all the people involved. It’s been such a pleasure.

But aside from Silo, I’d have to say The Pembrokeshire Murders. It was my first co-lead role, which landed me a BAFTA Cymru nomination for best actress, so it was a significant time for me. It’s also based on a true story of a tragic incident that happened here in Wales, so it was quite challenging in the sense of wanting to ensure we remained as sensitive and respectful to the story as possible. The team and cast were phenomenal. It was led by the wonderful Luke Evans, who was just a joy to work with.

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

I do have something really fun in the pipeline that I’m excited about, but the details haven’t been announced just yet so I can’t say too much. We’re also still in the middle of promoting the show, so I’m focused on that at the moment.

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?

Jessica Barden was so great to work with on The End of the F***ing World. In fact, all the cast on that show were so lovely. Just so grounded and chilled. It was a lovely vibe. Jessica was so warm and funny. I’d been a huge fan of season 1, so meeting her and Alex Lawther was great. And they were so similar to their characters in certain ways. Naomi Ackie was also an incredible energy to be around, and her career has blown up since then, which is amazing to see.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

I always learn a little something from everyone I work with. Everyone has a nugget of advice or a perspective that you haven’t thought about before that you take on with you. Most recently though, I’d say Tim Robbins. I mean… The man is a legend. Getting to not only watch him work, but work with him was mind-blowing enough, but he also gave me such great advice and words of encouragement on the job. Rebecca was also a great example on set. Being the lead and executive producer on the show, she really set the vibe on set. It was fun to be at work, and she always had time for everyone, no matter how demanding her position already was.

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

I’ve been really lucky so far with getting opportunities to explore a lot of different genres, because it’s very easy to get pigeon-holed quite quickly in this industry. I do love very intense and complex dramas though. I love to be challenged with complicated stories and characters. Real people – however messy – intrigue me and are the most interesting to play. One genre I haven’t done yet though, which I’d LOVE to try, is horror. I’m a big horror fan, so I’d be interested to see if I could tackle that.

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?

The list is so long on this one. So many incredible people who I admire and would love to work with. Ruth Negga is a big one for me – her authenticity on screen is just perfection. Sophie Okonedo is another powerhouse of a woman I really admire. Papa Essiedu is also someone who I have the greatest respect for. The choices he makes in terms of projects are really smart and unique.

Directors would include Ava DuVernay, Nia DaCosta, Ryan Coogler, Spike Lee, Jordan Peele, Mike Flanagan and Baz Luhrmann. One person who covers all the categories though would probably be Daniel Kaluuya. I just think he’s brilliant. The choices he makes on screen fascinate me. I could watch him do nothing but react. He doesn’t even have to say anything – it’s all happening in his eyes and I love that. The fact he also writes and directs is really admirable and inspiring. It’s something I’d love to eventually balance in my own career.

Alexandria: ‘I love nothing more than being at home.’

Do you get to spend much time at home?

I’ve actually been really lucky because a lot of my work has been in Wales, which is home for me. The backdrops and locations here get used a lot by some great productions, so it’s been massively convenient. Because I love nothing more than being at home.

Do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer?

I live in a place that has a bit of both, which is great. Technically it’s a town, but Wales is very green in general. The place I live in at the moment is surrounded by a lot of farmland and countryside. I do prefer the countryside. I just love the outdoors. Put me in the woods or somewhere near the sea and I’m happy.

What’s your interior design style?

My interior design is very simplistic. I like things quite minimal and fresh-looking. The main decor in my house are my plants. It’s actually a bit of a jungle. I have a bit of an obsession with big leafy plants. Every single room has a minimum of four or five plants.

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives?

This is actually something I’ve recently set some firm boundaries on. It’s very easy to become consumed by work in this industry. It’s such a hustle and so non-stop. Sometimes it can be hard to plan and live your life your own way. So I try to ensure I commit to switching off and having lots of family days, possibly a holiday here and there, and also having some ‘me time’ regularly – whether that’s meeting with a friend, visiting the beach or booking a log cabin somewhere for a few nights.

How can we all live a little bit better?

It’s an obvious one, but I think I’d have to say kindness. Live kindly. Can you imagine if everyone made that the priority? I feel like there’s so much anger and hatred in the world at the moment. It’s heartbreaking. I’m a big believer in paying it forward. A kind gesture can change a lot. A lot of people are really going through it right now, and we can’t always change a lot for people, but what we can do is be kind.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

I’m currently trying to move house. It’s stressful but also quite fun. I love starting new chapters in life. So if anyone knows of a roomy four-plus bedroom house in Wales, let me know.

What Alexandria Riley Is Loving Right Now

I’m currently watching… Lost on ITVX (very late to the party I know)

What I’m reading… Wool by Hugh Howey (Shameless plug)

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… The Harder They Come by Suzan-Lori Parks at Theatre Royal Stratford East

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… Is God Is by Aleshea Harris

Favourite film of all time… Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet

Favourite song of all time… ‘Who Is He’ by Bill Withers

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Brandy. The vocal bible.

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Erykah Badu live in concert. I’ve seen her twice and both times were incredible. She is a whole moment. Whether you’re a fan or not, you’ll have an amazing experience.

Cultural guilty pleasure… Watching cheesy 80s movies. I love a bit of feel good nostalgia. The Breakfast Club, Dirty Dancing, The Goonies, The NeverEnding Story just to name a few.

Alexandria stars in Silo season 3. New episodes land weekly on Fridays on Apple TV.

Credits:

–Photographer: Pip
–Styling: Harriet Nicholson
–HMU: Bianca Simone Scott