Three Girls Star Molly Windsor Tells Us About Her New Role In Unchosen

A gripping new thriller lands on Netflix today, with a mysterious cult at the fore. We focus on Rosie (Molly Windsor), a devoted mother and wife to Adam (Asa Butterfield) whose life is sent into a tailspin when escaped convict Sam (Fra Fee) joins her cloistered religious community and challenges everything she thinks she knows. And no, unlike most cult dramas we have binge-watched, the action of Unchosen does not unfold in a far-flung land: this cult lives in the British countryside.

With all six episodes streaming now, we sat down with star Molly Windsor for the inside scoop on the series.

‘Rosie goes on such a big journey.’ (Molly Windsor as Rosie in Unchosen. © Netflix)

Q&A: Molly Windsor On Unchosen

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

Good! I’m pleased that Unchosen is coming out, and summer’s finally on its way. Life is good, I’m very lucky.

Can you give us an elevator pitch for Unchosen?

Unchosen is a six episode drama set in a closed, religious community. Rosie is a young woman who is devoted to her faith, family and husband (Asa Butterfield) but then she encounters an outsider, Sam (Fra Fee). Sam turns her world upside down and makes her question everything she’s ever known, whilst hiding his own dark secrets.

You play Rosie – how would you describe her, and what was it like playing her?

Rosie is a very good-hearted person. She has a strong moral compass that drives her to make some very bold and scary decisions. She has also grown up in a community in which the women do not have the freedom to voice their opinions or make decisions. It was challenging at times but I really love playing Rosie.

How did you get into character?

So much happens during the six episodes and Rosie goes on such a big journey, it was important for me to map out the timeline of what she knows, believes, feels and why. I talked to the writer, Julie Gearey, at length about Rosie and her background. I go into as much detail as I possibly can, and then I make shorter notes and playlists that will help me when it’s a busy set and need to ground myself in who Rosie is and what headspace I need to be in.

It’s all about a British cult. Did you do anything special to prepare for the role?

Talking to Julie was the best preparation for me. To play Rosie, I needed to be specific about what our fictional fellowship was like. What was her relationship with her husband, her family, the elders in the community. Julie was my touchstone for diving into our fellowship.

‘It makes such a difference when you’re in a scene with people you trust.’ (Molly Windsor as Rosie & Fra Fee as Sam in Unchosen. © Netflix)

You star opposite Asa Butterfield and Fra Fee. How did you develop those onscreen relationships?

We were thrown in at the deep end and were straight into intense scenes together. But both Asa and Fra are brilliant and professional actors, as well as kind, fun people. We got on straight away which made it easy to develop the relationships and share ideas. It makes such a difference when you’re in a scene with people you trust and the process can be very organic and collaborative.

What was the wider cast dynamic on set?

It was a great cast! A really lovely dynamic. We didn’t always get big scenes together – apart from the barbecue scene which we shot fairly early on in the shoot. That was also the most light hearted scene so we all talked about it fondly and wished we could have had a few more barbecues together!

Who was your favourite person to work with?

I loved working with Siobhan Finneran. She could make me laugh so much between takes but then we’d have to most intense scenes. She is a brilliant actor to watch and a wonderful person to spend time with.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

I remember meeting Olivia Pickering who plays my daughter, Grace, for the first time in rehearsals. I was a little nervous as we had so many scenes together and I had only played a mum once before, and that was with a baby. Olivia was seven. As soon as I met Olivia, all my worries disappeared. She gave me a big hug and gave me a card that she had made. Her wonderful mum had explained everything to her and Olivia was excited to be filming together. She is a funny, bubbly creative young actor and we had a lot of fun together.

Where did you film, and did you have any favourite filming locations?

We filmed in Shepperton Studios, and on location around Surrey and London. I can’t remember where it was, but I really loved the scenes in the woods. There was something really beautiful and peaceful about the location when Rosie goes back in episode one.

‘The dream would be a varied an interesting career.’
Photographer: Stefan Bertin
Hair & Make-up: Nohelia Reyes
Styling: Delaney Williams

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

Nothing I can shout about yet!

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

Oh, that’s a really tricky one, I have worked with so many great actors. Before Unchosen, I worked with Elaine C Smith and she’s a real legend; I had a great time working with her.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

Samantha Morton, Maxine Peake, Lesley Sharp.

What’s your dream role?

I don’t think I have a particular a dream role. The dream would be a varied an interesting career. I loved Fleabag – what a great show. I don’t think there will ever be anything quite like it. Shiv Roy in Succession. Denise Gough in People, Places and Things. I’m drawn to playing women that are complex and human.

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

Comedy.

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

Eva Victor: I was blown away by her film Sorry, Baby (2025).

Do you get to spend much time at home?

It’s all or nothing! When you’re shooting you’re away all the time, but when I am home I fully embrace it.

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

I live in a village. I like having a mix of both. Where I am now, it’s near the country but also only 30 minutes to the city centre, so that suits me.

What’s your interior design style?

Winging it! Generally I like the rustic cozy vibe but then throwing in fun things that make me laugh.

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

When I’m on a job, it requires 100 percent of me, and my personal life has to go on hold. But then when I’m not working, I get to see my friends and family and restore the balance. It’s a constant juggling act, but I love both parts.

How can we all live a little bit better?

I think time away from our phones is always good!

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

Professionally, there’s nothing I can talk about… Personally, I am very patiently waiting for Beyonce to announce her next tour…!

‘When I’m on a job, it requires 100 percent of me, and my personal life has to go on hold.’
Photographer: Stefan Bertin
Hair & Make-up: Nohelia Reyes
Styling: Delaney Williams

What Molly Windsor Is Loving Right Now

I’m currently watching… Under Salt Marsh

What I’m reading… Juno Loves Legs by Karl Gearey

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… I Swear

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… The Drama

Favourite film of all time… I can’t answer that!

Favourite song of all time… ‘The Best’ by Tina Turner

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Beyonce

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Happy Valley

Cultural guilty pleasure… The Traitors

Molly Windsor stars as Rosie in Unchosen. All six episodes are streaming now on Netflix.

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