Spider Rose is one of the most memorable episodes of Love, Death + Robots Volume 4. We caught up with the cast and director to learn more.
At the red carpet premiere of Love, Death + Robots Volume 4, we caught up with the incredible talent behind Spider Rose, one of the most memorable episodes of this season.
Emily O’Brien (voice of Rose), Sumalee Montano (voice of Little Nose For Profits), and Supervising Director Jennifer Yuh Nelson all praise this short for its emotional journey, which is not afraid to get dark.
Spider Rose Is Dark, Yet Joyful, At The Same Time
Tessa Smith: The end of Spider Rose is extremely emotional.
Jennifer Yuh Nelson: I think one of the things that’s really important about this show, this episode, was [Rose] really facing her emotions. About that connection and getting back to the pain of her emotions and what the cost of healing actually is. It actually diverges from the original short story. The ending of the short story is different. But it’s actually something that we had to change, because things change when you make it visual, and some things are harder to show than to read. So it’s a slightly, I’d say, happier ending than the short story, a little less stylistic, but I think that still visually, when you see it, it’s able to it. It doesn’t work unless you connect with the main character. That’s the thing that was more important.
Tessa Smith: Your character is adorable, and, without spoilers, evolves throughout the story. What was your reaction to reading Spider Rose for the first time?
Sumalee Montano: Well, I’m an actress and a producer. I read a ton of scripts, so when I got those scripts, I was like, immediately [drawn in]. It’s amazing. And then you get to these jaw-dropping moments, and to get to be a part of that, and to get to watch it tonight with everybody, I’m so thrilled. Like, this is where I’m geeking out. I’m like, oh my god, I get to be in a theater with all these LDR fans. I think this is gonna be a highlight of my career. It’s a small part, but impactful.
Tessa Smith: Welcome back to the world of Love, Death + Robots. What does it feel like to return for Spider Rose?
Emily O’Brien: I feel very, very fortunate. You know, Ivy Eisenberg cast me in this. She trusted me. I had no when I did the first season, I had no idea what this was. I just thought, oh, short animated pieces, great. And that wasn’t motion capture. That was just voice. I thought, wow, this is really edgy and different. And then when the series finally came out and I watched every episode, I thought, this is going to have a cult following because it’s like Black Mirror, but meets animation and with its own sweet, salty twist.
Be sure to watch all the Love, Death + Robots Volume 4 interviews from the red carpet premiere to learn more about the making of this incredible season and Spider Rose. Tune in May 15 when all ten episodes of Love, Death + Robots Volume 4 release on Netflix.
NEXT: Love, Death + Robots Volume 4: Zack Snyder’s Lost Episode?!
About Love, Death + Robots Volume 4
Dinosaur gladiators, messianic cats, string-puppet rock stars, it can only be Love, Death & Robots. The fourth volume, presented by Tim Miller (Deadpool, Terminator: Dark Fate) and David Fincher (Mindhunter, The Killer), sees Jennifer Yuh Nelson (Kung Fu Panda 2, Kill Team Kill) return as supervising director for ten startling shorts showcasing the series’ signature, award-winning style of bleeding-edge animation, horror, sci-fi and humor. Buckle up.
Love, Death + Robots Volume 4 comes to Netflix May 15.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.