Shayna Benardo, the actress portraying Kelly Wilson in the new Peacock series “The Good Daughter,” expressed her excitement about the adaptation of Karin Slaughter’s acclaimed 2017 novel. As the show premiered on 12 November, Benardo stated that viewers would be thrilled to see how the story has been brought to life on screen.
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In a recent interview at the New York City premiere of the show, Benardo revealed that she found the original novel so compelling that she couldn’t stop reading it. Unlike some actors who may choose not to delve into the source material before taking on their roles, Benardo felt it was essential to understand her character in depth. “I read it during my audition process,” she recalled. “I was eager to know exactly what was going on in this book,” she explained, sharing how her desire to prepare for her role was heightened upon receiving news of a callback.
Benardo praised the writing of Slaughter, saying, “Of course, Karin’s writing is so amazing. When you read the audition sides, you’re just like, ‘I need to know what’s happening next.’” She highlighted the series’ six-episode format, which allows for a more immersive storytelling experience. Benardo expressed her admiration for the show’s cinematography, crediting Zoë White for capturing the Southern landscape and enhancing the narrative’s visual appeal.
The actress is joined in the series by a talented ensemble cast, including Rose Byrne, Meghann Fahy, and Brendan Gleeson. Although Benardo described her first major project as intimidating, she was met with a warm welcome from her fellow actors, which alleviated her nerves. Reflecting on her experiences on set, she remarked, “It was nerve-wracking, but there was no reason to be nervous. There was no ego on this set, and everyone was just looking to help me make the most of it.”
The storyline of “The Good Daughter” focuses on sisters Sam and Charlie Quinn, with Sam portrayed by Byrne and Charlie by Fahy. Their characters are depicted growing up under the guidance of their parents, Gamma and Rusty Quinn, played by Olivia Williams and Brendan Gleeson, respectively. A haunting event shapes their childhood when the sisters witness their mother’s brutal murder.
As the plot unfolds, the sisters, having both pursued careers in law like their father, find their relationship strained in the aftermath of their traumatic childhood. When Rusty suffers a stabbing incident, Sam is called back home from New York City, which forces the two siblings to confront their complex pasts. Meanwhile, Charlie faces a school shooting investigation that spirals into a more convoluted situation than she initially anticipated.
Benardo shared that the support extended to her by both the cast and crew greatly enriched her experience on set. She specifically noted author Karin Slaughter’s involvement, stating, “Karin was always checking in with me.” This level of support made it easier for Benardo to navigate the challenging themes explored within the narrative.
Reflecting on her journey through this project, Benardo acknowledged that it has significantly bolstered her confidence as an actress. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to portray a character that required depth and complexity, saying, “The trust and the faith in my ability to do this type of character justice has meant the world to me.”
“The Good Daughter” is now available for streaming on Peacock, promising viewers an engaging blend of suspense and character development, showcasing Benardo’s impressive talent alongside a stellar cast. As fans of Slaughter’s novel tune in to see this adaptation, Benardo hopes they enjoy the translation of a beloved story from page to screen.
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