Interview by Paul Salfen
In the heart of the Ozark Mountains, where rolling hills hide secrets as old as the land itself, the new film Violent Ends unfolds a gripping story of love, betrayal, and the futile pursuit of vengeance. Directed by JM, this raw and unpredictable tale stars Billy Magnussen as Lucas Frost, an honest man tethered to a crime-ridden family legacy, and Alexandra Shipp as Emma, his fiancée, who dreams of a future untainted by the violence of his past. In a recent conversation with AMFM Magazine’s Paul Salfen, Shipp opened up about her role, the film’s emotional depth, and her own journey as an actress diving into a story that challenges the very notion of revenge.
From the moment Shipp read the script, she was hooked. “The minute I read this script, I was like, oh, yes, I love it,” she told Salfen, her enthusiasm palpable even through the transcript. The story’s ability to weave together multiple dynamics—romance, tragedy, and a relentless “rug-pulling” narrative—drew her in. “It encompasses so many different dynamics,” she said, noting how the script shifts seamlessly from tender moments to shocking twists, keeping audiences on edge from start to finish.
At the core of Violent Ends is Lucas Frost, a reluctant hero caught in a web of family loyalty and criminality. When his cousin Eli’s armed robbery spirals into devastating consequences, Lucas is dragged back into the world he’s fought to escape. Shipp’s character, Emma, is the heart of his dream for a better life. “I wanted it to feel like Emma was in a romantic comedy,” Shipp explained, painting a picture of a woman planning a wedding and dreaming of babies, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing. “When that ultimately doesn’t happen, I wanted to throw the audience.” Her goal was to make Emma’s presence so vibrant and warm that her eventual absence would leave a void, both for Lucas and the viewers.
Shipp’s performance is steeped in her love for 1970s revenge films, a passion she shares with director JM. “I grew up loving the Billy Jack movies,” she said, citing their influence on her approach to the reluctant hero archetype embodied by Magnussen’s Lucas. But Violent Ends isn’t your typical revenge flick. Shipp describes it as an “anti-revenge film,” one that confronts the futility of violence head-on. “In no case has violence solved an issue,” she said. “Revenge is never the answer… these violent acts are going to have violent ends.” The film, she argues, isn’t about glorifying retribution but exposing its cost—nobody wins when the cycle of violence spins on.
For Shipp, the set was a place of contrasts: heavy material balanced by moments of levity. “When I die, I was cracking jokes and trying to have as much fun with that as possible,” she shared, describing how she leaned into Emma’s comedic relief to offset the darkness. “When that red light comes on and they call action, I’m dying—it’s very scary. I need to have a break in that action.” Those lighthearted moments behind the scenes made the weight of Emma’s fate more bearable, ensuring her character’s departure would resonate deeply with audiences.
Beyond her work on Violent Ends, Shipp reflected on her career with a humility that belies her impressive résumé, which includes playing Storm in the X-Men franchise. She called landing that role her “Hail Mary moment,” a leap of faith when she was strapped for cash and stealing craft services to get by. “I didn’t think I was going to get it,” she admitted. “I felt like I had just seemed a little too desperate in my auditions.” Yet, shaving her head and adopting an accent to become Storm transformed her, proving that taking risks could yield extraordinary rewards.
Shipp’s advice to aspiring actors is simple but profound: “You have to love what you do.” Whether playing a lead or “a really great tree,” she believes there are no small roles—only opportunities to pour your heart into the craft. “I’ve never been able to do anything else,” she said, emphasizing the importance of persistence and passion. “Keep showing up no matter what.”
The Ozarks, a region Shipp admitted she knew little about before the film, became a character in its own right. “Arkansas isn’t just a bunch of country bumpkins,” she said, praising the script’s nuanced portrayal of a place and people often misunderstood. Through JM’s vision, Violent Ends unveils the beauty and complexity of the region, challenging stereotypes and inviting audiences to see it anew. For Shipp, diving into this world was a form of activism, a chance to tell stories that shift perspectives and spark conversation.
As for what’s next, Shipp is stepping behind the camera. She recently wrapped her first short film as a writer, director, and star—a poignant story about a single mother raising a child on the spectrum. “Single moms are literally superheroes,” she said, her voice brimming with admiration for the real-life resilience she aims to capture. This new chapter reflects her desire for creative control and her commitment to telling stories that matter.
As Salfen wrapped up the interview, Shipp’s excitement for Violent Ends was infectious. “This movie very much speaks for itself,” she said, confident that its raw honesty and unflinching look at the consequences of violence will leave audiences talking. The water-cooler question, as she put it, is one that lingers: “When something that means everything to you is taken away, what would you do?”
Violent Ends is more than a film—it’s a mirror, reflecting the choices we make and the costs we bear. With Shipp’s heartfelt performance and a story that dares to question the allure of revenge, it’s a journey into the heart of the Ozarks that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
