Girlfriend: What was it like going back to horror territory for this movie? Because we know you did Dead of Summer, which was pretty creepy as well.
Elizabeth: Yeah, well it puts you in a scarier mindset, that's for sure, but it's mostly a lot of fun because you get to see how they create a scare. And I'm terrified of horror movies, so it really helps me to see how they make it which helps my fear when I go to the movies.
Girlfriend: Did knowing it was you up there and that it's not real make this movie any less scary for you to watch?
Elizabeth: You would think so, but I had my hands over my face for most of the movie. I was very stressed out! It's the first time you see it with the sound and edited all together, so it just goes to show how effective a movie can be, even if you know the story.
Girlfriend: If there was an app like Countdown that would tell you how long you're going to live, would you use it?
Elizabeth: I would not. Mostly because I believe in being in the present moment as much as possible. And I think it would cause me anxiety, even if it was really based in science and has to do with your genetics. I don't want to turn a certain age and be like, "Oh yeah, I read once that I'm going to die this year." I don't ever want to have that in the back of my mind for my life, so I'd rather just kind of hope for the best and live in the now.
Girlfriend: One interesting aspect of the plot was how reading — or not reading — the terms and conditions affected your fate. Are you the type of person who reads the T&Cs?
Elizabeth: Never! I don't learn from any of my movies. I think I can quite mindful about how I use my phone and how much I use it, but no, I agree to that kind of thing pretty haphazardly myself.
Girlfriend: What are some of your most-used apps?
Elizabeth: Oh, Google Maps. I probably use that just to get around and look at what's nearby, restaurants and reviews. So I would say that's my number one app. And then, Instagram. I don't consider myself that big into social media, but I definitely participate in Instagram, and I think that I, unfortunately, probably spend too much time scrolling through it. Although I'm trying to limit that these days!
Girlfriend: In the movie, you star alongside Jordan Calloway, who's one of our faves from Riverdale. What was he like to work with?
Elizabeth: Oh, he's so much fun. He's amazing. He's just a really hard worker, and really funny, and so wonderful to work with. We had the best time. One of the things that drew me to the movie in the first place is that two characters are going through something totally crazy together. You know, they're strangers, but they have this weird connection. It's kind of like being able to tell all your truths to someone you don't know, quickly having to be so open and going through high stake emotion would bond you. I just thought that was really a beautiful part of the story and a lot of fun.
Girlfriend: Speaking of co-stars, what was it like working with Penn Bagdley in YOU? Did you know him as Dan Humphrey on Gossip Girl?
Elizabeth: Yeah, I did. I watched Gossip Girl when it was on TV, pre-Netflix. But he's such a open-hearted, kind soul, that probably the moment I met him, I felt like, "Oh we're working together, we're establishing a new relationship." I think as an actor, you're meeting so many actors all the time that we get pretty good at separating them from the characters. But I will say, my 16-year-old self is over the moon that she's making out with Penn Bagley
Girlfriend: Will you still be watching the next season of YOU despite your sad fate?
Elizabeth: Yeah, of course. I just love the creators of the show, and I love Penn so much, so I'll be their personal cheerleader from afar.
Girlfriend: Being 27, it would be your 10-year high school reunion this year. What's the biggest piece of advice you would give your 17-year-old self?
Elizabeth: I would tell her to allow herself to suffer out loud. Ask for help when you need it, don't hide how you're feeling. Confide in those that love you because you'll just be such a happier and healthier human being if you speak out loud. Whatever kind of pain you have or shame that you have, it turns out everyone around you is going through the same thing. And, you're incredibly loved. I had a lot of people who loved me really well, but I just stood in silence a lot of my adolescence. I've learned as an adult to ask for help and to express myself more freely, emotionally speaking.
Countdown is in cinemas on November 21 and coming to Blu-Ray, DVD and digital download in 2020.
