Madalina Bellariu Ion discusses her diverse roles, from action thrillers to crime dramas, and her journey as a multilingual actress in international cinema.
In the ever-evolving landscape of international cinema, few actors navigate the complexities of cross-cultural storytelling with as much grace and versatility as Madalina Bellariu Ion. From action-packed thrillers to nuanced dramas, this Romanian-born actress has been making waves in the industry with her compelling performances and linguistic prowess.
As Madalina prepares for the release of her latest project, the Scott Adkins-led action feature “Take Cover,” we sat down with her to discuss her journey through the world of film and television. With upcoming roles in the vampire thriller “Drained” and the critically acclaimed British crime drama “Grace,” Madalina offers us a glimpse into the life of a truly international performer.
In this exclusive interview, Madalina opens up about her preparation for diverse roles, her experiences working across different cultures, and her passion for bringing complex characters to life. From learning Serbian for “Take Cover” to tackling sensitive subjects in “Grace,” she demonstrates the dedication and range that have become hallmarks of her career.
Join us as we explore the multifaceted world of Madalina Bellariu Ion, an actress who is not just crossing borders but breaking them down, one role at a time.
Exclusive Interview with Madalina Bellariu Ion
Your upcoming film “Take Cover” features you alongside Scott Adkins in a sniper drama. How did you prepare for this intense role, and what was it like working with such an established action star?
I went through a few rounds of auditions for this role, and I remember being in Los Angeles for other work-related commitments when I had my final callback on Zoom. I had to wake up at 5 AM for a meeting with the director, Nick McKinless, and the UK casting director, Emma Gunnery to whom I am grateful for this opportunity. Luckily the call back audition went really well and a month later I was at the table read in London where I got to meet the other actors.
In Take Cover, I play Mona, a complex character who is strong, intelligent, and highly intuitive. As a fortune teller with a gypsy background, she can sense people. Mona is also a devoted mother, and while I don’t have children myself yet, I tapped into my protective nature and motherly instincts to bring her fierce determination to life as she fights to survive for the sake of her child.
Working with Scott Adkins was a great experience. What stood out to me the most was how generous he is as a scene partner. He’s a great listener and that is really helpful, especially during our more emotional scenes.
A significant challenge for this role was learning to speak some Serbian. Mona has several scenes in her native language, and while I’m of Eastern European background and speak several languages, Serbian wasn’t one of them. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a Serbian language supervisor on set, so I relied heavily on a friend to help me with pronunciation. I’m quite the perfectionist, so it was important to me to get it right, and I’m grateful for the support I received in making sure I did.
“Drained,” your vampire thriller, is set to premiere at Screamfest in LA. Can you tell us about your character and what attracted you to this project? How does it differ from other vampire films?
What caught my attention about Drained when I first read the script was how it broke away from the typical vampire movie formula. It comes off more as a detailed look into a complicated relationship between two individuals who seem completely wrong for each other. Drained is one of the few vampire movie scripts where you can experience the story from the victim’s point of view.
I play Rhea, a character who, on the surface, appears cold and detached. However, underneath that exterior, she’s incredibly lonely and weary of the endless suffering she’s caused. Despite her seemingly indifferent attitude towards Tom, the other lead character, Rhea has built emotional walls to protect herself from the pain of her existence.
She is doomed to seek out her next victim, a partner with just the right qualities, including the right type of blood, who is willing to dedicate his life to her by always feeding her blood, which would, in turn, age him considerably faster.
This inner conflict and her struggle with her own nature were what truly attracted me to the role.
You’re joining the cast of “Grace,” a British crime drama series. Your storyline explores modern slavery – a heavy topic. How do you approach such sensitive subjects, and what research did you undertake for this role?
I’m incredibly excited to join the fantastic cast of Grace. It has a large and dedicated audience which is fantastic.
The topic of modern slavery is particularly close to my heart. Over a decade ago, I knew a girl from Romania, who found herself in a terrifying situation. She was misled by a person she trusted (she thought he was her boyfriend) and she was brought to the UK under false pretences. Fortunately, I was able to help her before things worsened.
To prepare for this role, I immersed myself in the stories of real victims. I watched numerous interviews where survivors shared their experiences, and that helped me build a detailed backstory for my character. It was important for me to approach this role with the utmost sensitivity.
I can’t wait for the new season to air.
In 2018, you were part of the OFFIE Nominated Off-West End production “The Gift of the Gab.” How does your approach to stage acting differ from film and television? Do you have plans to return to the theatre?
I really enjoy theatre and have been missing it lately. For me, theatre is the foundation of acting, a place where one can truly explore the depths of the craft.
Being on stage creates a unique feeling as it brings a sense of immediacy and rawness , there’s only one take and the energy one shares with the audience is both thrilling and humbling.
In the past years, I’ve been busy with film and television projects, just last year I shot four movies and a TV series. But I would jump at the chance to return to the stage when the right project comes along.
You learned sign language for your award-winning role in “Bad Wings,” which you also co-produced. Can you share your experience of taking on multiple roles in a project and the challenges of learning a new form of communication for a role?
When Alexandra Pater, the writer/producer and director sent me the script, I was drawn to the story. I play an orphan who lost her hearing at the age of four. It was a story that needed to be told, and the short received several awards at film festivals, including my Best Actress Award at the Milan Shorts Film Festival.
Co-producing the film gave me a chance to engage more in the process, marking my initial experience as a producer, with plans for more in the future. I am currently involved in two feature film projects that I aim to produce.
This is exciting because it allows me to tell the stories I’m passionate about rather than just waiting for opportunities to come my way. Being proactive in our industry is essential, and I love having the chance to create projects from the ground up.
Having worked on international productions like “The Young Pope” and various Romanian and Italian projects, how do you find the filming experiences differ across countries and cultures?
Each project is unique because you’re constantly adapting to new teams; new directors and actors, which keeps the experience fresh and exciting. For me, it’s less about cultural or language differences and more about adjusting to the specific dynamics of each set.
Television, for instance, often moves at a much faster pace. I have been working on a family drama for Romanian television as a lead, and we were shooting an entire episode in just two and a half days, and that pace continued for about a year. From that experience, I got used to getting it right on the first take because we often didn’t have time for another.
On the other hand, film projects usually have a slower pace, although this can also vary greatly depending on the budget. I try to embrace the unique challenges and opportunities that come with each new set.
As a Meisner-trained actress, how does this specific technique influence your approach to varied roles, from action films to crime dramas and comedies?
The Meisner technique is a core part of my approach as an actress, but it doesn’t change based on the genre.
The circumstances, pacing, and the director’s style might shift, but the fundamentals of the craft remain the same. Over the years, I’ve learned to blend various techniques and use whatever works best for the character and the scene.
The more you practice, the more natural and instinctive your acting can become, allowing for a more genuine performance in the moment.
You’re combat-certified and have worked on action-heavy projects. How do you balance the physical demands of these roles with the emotional aspects of acting?
I’ve only recently started working on action-heavy projects, which motivated me to get my combat certifications, it was important for me to feel confident in those fight scenes and it becomes easier for everyone on set.
There’s still a lot for me to learn, but with upcoming projects, such as the detective TV series and the action film Take Cover, I anticipate taking on more roles that involve stage combat. I want to stay prepared and in shape for whatever comes next.
Being fluent in five languages must be a significant asset in your international career. How has this skill shaped your opportunities and experiences in the industry?
Being fluent in multiple languages has been very valuable in my career. Over a decade ago, when I was struggling to be seen by casting directors the UK, it was my Italian agent that helped me land my first significant role.
That’s how I ended up working with Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino, thanks to Italian casting director Ana Maria Sambucco.
Being able to speak different languages has opened doors that I might never have accessed otherwise.
From “Dampyr” to “The Young Pope,” you’ve worked across various genres. Is there a particular type of role or genre you’re eager to explore further in your career?
I might change my mind in a few months, but right now I want to do more comedy.
I’ve recently filmed two comedies back to back (part 1 and part 2), but I can’t share too many details yet.
Playing a goofy, nerdy character while wearing a wig and glasses was such a fun and refreshing experience.
Images: Kim Hardy
