DAKOTA FANNING
The ‘I Am Sam’ star, 24, plays police employee Sara Howard in ‘The Alienist’ (now streaming on Netflix).
What drew you to a drama about a serial killer preying on children in 1896 New York?
The character I play. She’s the first female to work for the police department who had a more significant role than cleaning the station. And I’m always fascinated to glimpse a time I’ll never get to experience.
The show is based on Caleb Carr’s bestselling period novel.
Once I saw the magnitude of the set, I got so excited because I knew people really cared about this story. I’m such a fan of what’s happening on TV right now and was excited to do something people could come back to each week. When you make films these days, it can be such a crapshoot whether people see them. This is more accessible.
Is it nice having your sister Elle, 20, in the business with you?
It is. We don’t talk about our work a lot, but we kind of have a unique experience going through this together.
There are so many voices calling for equality in the entertainment industry. Does that inspire you?
I’ve always believed women should step into new roles, and it’s wonderful to have a global conversation at this point. Only good can come from women supporting other women.