Barbie Ferreira says costume reflected her character’s descent in new horror film

Barbie Ferreira has said her costume in the upcoming horror film Faces of Death became closely tied to her character’s psychological breakdown during filming.

The actor stars alongside Dacre Montgomery in the film, which is set for release in cinemas on Friday. The project is described as a re-imagining of the controversial 1978 video of the same name.

Ferreira explained that her character, Margot, experiences some of her most intense moments while wearing a simple outfit consisting of khaki trousers and a floral shirt. She said the clothing became strongly associated with the emotional weight of those scenes.

She noted that she wore the same outfit for around a month of filming. During that time, many of her most demanding scenes were shot, which she said contributed to the connection between the costume and the character’s state of mind.

Ferreira said she directly linked the outfit to Margot’s “descent into full madness” as the character begins to take matters into her own hands.

In the film, Margot works as a moderator for a video platform. She becomes convinced that someone is uploading footage of real killings, similar to the material associated with the original Faces of Death, which has since been debunked.

The new film expands on the theme of online content and its impact, focusing on how disturbing material can spread and how it affects those who encounter it. Margot is also dealing with her own past, having become known for a viral video connected to a traumatic experience.

Ferreira said she related to the film’s exploration of visibility and attention, particularly in the age of social media. She reflected on how constant exposure can affect individuals, especially those who are not used to public scrutiny.

She compared the concept to The Truman Show, highlighting how people may feel as though they are constantly being observed. She also spoke about younger generations growing up with the awareness that their actions could be seen and shared widely.

Dacre Montgomery, who plays Arthur in the film, described his character as someone seeking attention at any cost. According to him, Arthur represents an extreme example of the desire for recognition, which can lead to dangerous behaviour.

Montgomery said he explored the psychological background of his character as part of his preparation. He looked into real-life cases, including Elliot Rodger, in order to understand the mindset behind such actions, while making clear that he does not condone them.

He explained that he is interested in examining the factors that shape individuals, including influences from upbringing and environment, and how these elements can contribute to extreme outcomes.

In the story, Margot attempts to warn others about the videos she believes are real. However, her concerns are dismissed. Her boss tells her not to continue investigating, and when she brings her claims to the police, she is not believed.

Ferreira said her character is perceived as unstable, with others interpreting her behaviour as a sign of psychological distress rather than recognising the danger she is trying to expose.

She added that she related to the experience of not being believed, particularly as a woman. However, Margot reaches a point where she decides to act independently.

Ferreira described the character as having “nothing left to lose”, with frustration building as her warnings are ignored. This leads Margot to take control of the situation herself as the story unfolds.