New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) - Actor Melissa Barrera, famous for her parts in the "Scream" films and "In the Heights", speaks openly about the immigrant experience in America. She says the United States is a nation built by immigrants, yet many feel they must constantly prove they belong.
A Country of Hyphenated Americans
The Mexican actor, who stars with Simu Liu in the new espionage show "The Copenhagen Test", shares her perspective. She believes a person is often seen as truly American only if they are white. Everyone else gets a hyphenated label.
"I think it's a very real thing," Barrera states firmly. "This country, the United States, is a country of immigrants. Many communities have built this nation. Yet, from my own experience living here - and I think many would agree - it constantly reminds you that you're different."
She elaborates further. "It's like this unspoken rule. If you're American, you're white. Everyone else becomes Chinese-American, Mexican-American, or Native-American. That hyphen makes a big difference." Barrera made these comments during a virtual interview with PTI.
Exploring Identity in 'The Copenhagen Test'
Her new series delves into this very complexity. In "The Copenhagen Test", Simu Liu plays Alexander Hale, a Chinese-American agent. His brain gets hacked, forcing him to prove his loyalty to his country.
"Alexander's character goes through this exact struggle," Barrera explains. "There's a deep-seated feeling of not belonging, of not being American enough. That's really the heart of our story."
She describes the character's motivation. "Alexander desperately wants to belong. He wants to be seen as fully American and trustworthy. That yearning drives the plot. He's shouting, 'I'm not a traitor. I need to prove myself.'" In the show, Barrera portrays an undercover agent. The series is currently available for streaming in India on JioHotstar.
A Thriller with a Technological Twist
Created by Thomas Brandon, "The Copenhagen Test" is set in the near future. It follows Hale after hackers breach his brain. They gain access to everything he sees and hears. He then embarks on a mission to find the culprits and demonstrate his allegiance.
When asked about modern technology and its pervasive role in daily life, Barrera admits to some anxiety. She jokes about trying to delete certain apps from her phone. "I'm always saying, 'Oh, I'm going to delete them off my phone,'" she laughs.
Her co-star Simu Liu adds a humorous note. "And then I go on Instagram, and I see seven stories from Melissa Barrera," he quips.
Despite the show's high-tech premise, Barrera assures viewers it won't cause undue stress. "It's a fun, character-driven thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat," she promises.
However, she acknowledges the realism. "This idea of a brain hack doesn't feel too distant from something that could actually happen. As humans, we enjoy seeing stories set a little into the future. It feels possible."
"The Copenhagen Test" also features Sinclair Daniel, Brian d'Arcy James, Mark O'Brien, and Kathleen Chalfant in its cast.
