Lifetime tells engaging stories. Watching one is a cathartic experience that is as satisfying as a good day at the gym — only it’s your emotions that are getting the intense workout. Movies that are “ripped from the headlines,” however, have an extra kick because they are based on actual events.
This week’s offering, The Girl Who Survived: The Alina Thompson Story (premiering on Sat., Sept. 20 at 8/7c), is no exception. It is a riveting thriller that plays on the parental anxieties of having a strong-willed, gifted daughter who is desperate to taste fame but doesn’t realize how dangerous and cruel the world can be. In pursuit of a career in modeling, Alina Thompson naively puts her faith in the wrong man, which could cost the young teenager her life.
While there are many reasons The Girl Who Survived is such a powerful movie, the relatable dynamics between the main characters are key to the film’s impact. And although there are several stellar performances — we’re talking about you, Steve Byers — it’s Brielle Robillard’s insightful take on Alina Thompson that makes this a must-see/never-forget film. Her effervescent innocence and infectious exuberance will make you genuinely fear for her safety.
Brielle was kind enough to answer a few questions for Entertaining Options. It quickly became clear that she is not only talented but also bright, focused, driven, and extremely professional. It’s an honor to support her work.
Can you give us a synopsis of how you got to this point in your life and your career?
I’ve always been obsessed with TV. I remember watching Wizards of Waverly Place and telling my mom I wanted to be “the girl in the TV.” She asked, “You want to be a wizard?” and I said, “No—I want to be Selena Gomez.” That was the first time I really understood what acting was. When I was eight, landscapers working in our backyard mentioned they were also landscaping an agent’s yard. I begged my mom to let me meet them, and they signed me. I’ve been with Ryan Goldhar at The Characters Talent Agency ever since.
From there, I worked on shows and films every year, even during college. I spent the first two months of school filming The Lake, which was terrifying because I thought I’d miss my shot at making friends. Luckily, I had a great roommate who sent me lecture notes while I was on set and was horribly friendly, so that made it a lot easier! When I wrapped The Girl Who Survived, my insanely kind driver, Ögan — who used to bring me Swiss chocolate on set and tell me stories about the disabled cats he rescues — drove me straight to my graduation ceremony at 4:30 a.m. I made it just in time to cross the stage. It felt like a full-circle moment!
Alina is charismatic and bubbly. She’s such a strong and positive character. How much of Alina was you?
I felt really connected to Alina. It was easy to tap into her warmth, sense of humour, and deep desire to grow and take the world by storm! I knew right away that her sweetness was what made the story so captivating because you don’t want anything bad to happen to her, so I wanted to lean into how pure-hearted she was. At the same time, Alina pushed me out of my comfort zone. I did a ton of research on models and modeling in the ’80s, and I even watched Naomi Campbell’s MasterClass because I knew nothing about that world. I also had to reconnect with my high-school self, who was probably just as naïve and trusting as Alina is. I remember that strange in-between stage of being a teenager: you feel like an adult, but in reality, you’re still a kid, and it’s hard to fully understand the dangers out there. That’s why her relationship with her parents felt so crucial to me; it grounds her and makes her vulnerability all the more real.
You’ve worked with many incredibly talented actors over your career. What was it like being the “daughter” of Ashley Jones (The Bold and the Beautiful)?
Ashley is an absolute joy to work with. She’s so warm and immediately makes you feel comfortable. What really struck me was her ability to switch hats so effortlessly: producer one moment, actor the next. It’s not every day you see a woman in full ’80s hair curlers, carrying a vintage vacuum cleaner, casually telling you she has to run to the trailers to approve wardrobe and sign forms. It was incredibly impressive. Our scenes together were some of my favorites because working with her felt so natural. She’s so experienced that she never misses a beat, and I learned so much just by watching the way she carries herself on set and in front of the camera.
Steve Byers, who plays the villain, William Bradford, made me very uncomfortable (and angry). The chemistry between you and Steve was crucial to the tension in this story. Your optimism and willingness to fully trust him had me yelling at the screen in frustration! What is he like in real life?
One of the best things to come out of working on this movie was my friendship with Steve. We had a few chats before our first scene together, and I remember thinking he was the funniest person I’d ever met. He’s so kind and sweet, and he has this way of making everyone on set feel like they’re the most important person in the room. So, you can imagine my SHOCK when he acted so terrifyingly creepy as William Bradford during our scenes together. But honestly, that contrast made our work even better. Because I trusted him and we already had that friendship, it was easy to play into the moments where Alina is being lured in. Ironically, Steve’s incredibly charming, and it works perfectly because you get why these models go off with William. Because he’s such a good actor, the creepiness he brings to the role is all the more shocking and captivating. Love you Steve!
What was your most memorable on-set moment?
Working with Sam Trammell was so much fun. He’s so generous, considerate, and disarming, and I loved playing his daughter. His performance feels effortless, but you can tell it’s built on years of craft and care. One of my favorite moments on set was teaching him how to use Snapchat, so he could keep up with his kids. He was over the moon when they accepted his follow request — he’s already a “cool dad,” but I like to think I helped him level up!
Why should we watch The Girl Who Survived?
Being set in the ’80s makes everything about this movie more intense. The boy can’t just text you, he has to show up. There’s more freedom, but also more danger. Alina doesn’t have a phone, so when she’s alone, she’s really alone, and that heightens the fear in such a visceral way.
What makes The Girl Who Survived feel unique is the ’80s Los Angeles feel, and it captures both sides of that world: the excitement of chasing your dreams and the very real risks that come with that independence. Every kid can relate to wanting to grow up faster, to feel like a “real person,” and every parent can relate to doing everything in their power to protect their child. That’s why I think it is so interesting and has something for everyone!
How can people follow you and support your career?
I post all my stuff on Instagram when it comes out, so feel free to check it out and keep up with me!! ☺
Synopsis
Based on tragic events that transpired in Los Angeles during the ’80s, The Girl Who Survived follows 15-year-old Alina Thompson (Brielle Robillard) as she pursues a career in modeling without the knowledge of her parents, Carl (Sam Trammell) and Nancy (Ashley Jones). At an amateur photo casting call, she meets up-and-coming photographer William Bradford (Steve Byers) who seems to believe in her more than anyone else. He also happens to be a serial killer who preys on young women by promising to help them achieve their dreams.
The Girl Who Survived: The Alina Thompson Story is produced by Steve Boisvert and Brendan McNeill in association with Studio TF1 America for Lifetime. Pierre David, Tim Johnson, Meghan Hooper White, and Ashley Jones serve as executive producers. The movie is directed by Michelle Ouellet and based on a script written by Christine Conradt.
The Girl Who Survived: The Alina Thompson Story premieres Sat., Sept. 20 at 8/7c on Lifetime. You can stream the next day.
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All photos courtesy of Lifetime.
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