In the world of FROM, Elizabeth Saunders, who plays the tough-as-nails Donna, brings depth and grit to a character who has become central to the show’s eerie narrative. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Elizabeth, who gave us a peek behind Donna’s unbreakable shell. In Season 3, Donna is faced with some truly soul-shaking challenges, and Elizabeth dives into how she brings the intense, multifaceted character to life.
Starting off, I had to admit—I’m a little starstruck here! It’s rare to find a character who’s both a survivalist and a fierce protector. Elizabeth keeps it real, noting that Donna, with her seasoned pragmatism, doesn’t suffer fools gladly. “There was some sexual tension there, right?” I joked, referencing the fan speculation about Donna and Dale. Elizabeth laughed, quickly shutting down my theory, clarifying that any heat between Donna and Dale is more “heat of irritation” than romance.
Finding the Balance Between Donna and Elizabeth
One of the most fascinating things about Elizabeth’s portrayal of Donna is the balance between her real self and her on-screen persona. She describes Donna as a character who represents a possible version of herself if life had gone in a different direction. For Elizabeth, acting isn’t just about becoming someone else; it’s about tapping into a part of herself that fits the character. “It’s all Liz to me,” she explained. “It’s your response to other people…there’s a way of standing with Donna.” She likened this embodiment to finding Donna’s unique walk and demeanor—a persona with its own gravity.
When I asked her how much of Elizabeth Saunders we see in Donna, she shared, “There is a lot of Liz in Donna.” Yet, at the same time, she acknowledged that Donna operates on a different frequency. If Donna is wrestling with anger or despair, Elizabeth finds ways to channel that, creating a sense of authenticity that resonates through the screen.
Donna’s Journey in Season 3: A New Vulnerability
Season 3 brings a different layer to Donna’s character. While she’s still a bastion of strength, viewers will see cracks in her usually stoic demeanor as she navigates intense inner struggles with hope and despair. Elizabeth mentioned that this evolution wasn’t entirely pre-planned; rather, it unfolded naturally as the writers saw potential in Donna’s character growth. “They needed to see the walls cracking,” she said, referring to how Donna’s reactions become less guarded as the weight of her experiences starts showing.
There’s a moment in this season where Donna’s outlook is questioned, as she confronts new situations that challenge her previously steadfast resilience. Elizabeth highlighted how this aspect of Donna’s story came alive in Season 3, revealing a raw side to her character that’s a departure from the previous seasons.
The Mystery of FROM: Elizabeth’s Take
If you’re like most fans, you’re constantly speculating about FROM’s mysteries. What’s with the sinister monsters? And what’s the deal with the cryptic symbols and eerie objects scattered throughout the town? Elizabeth didn’t shy away from sharing her theories, although she made it clear they’re just that—personal theories. For her, FROM is more than a horror-thriller; it’s a metaphor for life’s fears and traumas, given physical form. “It’s the scary monsters…whether they’re physical or the creepy things happening,” she mused. “They’re all manifestations of what fear is and our own traumas.” It’s a viewpoint that fits perfectly with FROM’s unsettling tone.
Elizabeth’s perspective on the symbols and objects—like the mysterious runic letters—is that they’re hints to a deeper lore. But she remains just as puzzled as the rest of us. “When I look at the runic-type letters…I’m always changing where I think that’s coming from,” she admitted. While she may have her theories, Elizabeth, much like her character, prefers to remain grounded, focusing on Donna’s immediate reality rather than solving the show’s mysteries.
Wrapping Up: A Theory-Driven Chat with a Stellar Actress
Before we wrapped, I had to know if she had any final hints about the fate of her character or if Donna’s story might be moving in a hopeful direction. Elizabeth left me with a smile and the promise that fans can expect even more layers to unravel as the season progresses.
Whether it’s her powerful presence on-screen or her thoughtful insights off-screen, Elizabeth Saunders brings something unforgettable to FROM. Catch her every week on FROM Season 3—and for those who love to speculate, join us in live-tweeting the mystery, suspense, and occasional jump scare. Elizabeth will be right there, dropping hints and sharing in the thrill of the unknown.
