EXCEEDING THE DREAM
Taos-based actor stars with Anthony Hopkins in film shot in seclusion
Chris Brochu lives for projects that speak to him. When the script for “Zero Contact” fell on his lap, it was one he wanted to pursue.
That was in 2020 during the pandemic and when the film industry was on a hiatus.
Luckily, “Zero Contact” was written for the cast to film in seclusion.
“It felt like an experiment,” Brochu says. “The director turned it into something I couldn’t have fathomed and it reinforces that the payoff is big when you take chances.”
“Zero Contact” is a hightech thriller that reimagines our isolated, virtual world.
Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins plays Finley Hart, the eccentric genius behind a global data-mining program. Upon his death, five remote agents — including Finley’s son, Sam, played by Brochu — are contacted by a mysterious artificial intelligence entity to reactivate the initiative, which may enable time travel.
As sinister events occur at each of the agents’ homes, they must decide whether entering their passwords will save the world — or destroy it. The film is out in select theaters across the country, as well as on demand on digital platforms.
Brochu says the entire project exceeds the dream and playing Sam was a good challenge.
“Sam is a bit of a loner,” he says. “He grew up in a very privileged environment financially. His father wasn’t around and his mom died a birth. He tends to be quiet and thoughtful. He’s very observant.”
Brochu says though the cast didn’t film together, everything happened organically.
“The film shot quickly and (director) Rick (Dugdale) wanted to release it during lock down,” Brochu says. “As we were filming, the performances were pretty amazing. Each actor had to be hair, makeup and lighting. It was fascinating to be on that side of filmmaking. My wife helped me with her iPhone so I could film. The assistant director would be on a Zoom call with us and going over lines. It was an experience like no other.”
Brochu moved to Taos just before the pandemic and has become part of the community.
When he’s not acting, he will perform gigs around Taos.
“I can’t wait to get back to Taos,” he says. “We’re in Los Angeles right now because of the fires. Luckily, nothing has been lost and we’re hoping that the communities can recover as soon as possible. It’s devastating.”
Brochu is no stranger to New Mexico-filmed projects.
He starred in the TV movie, “Truth Be Told” in 2011 and Disney Channel’s hit movie, “Lemonade Mouth.”
“I’ve always been drawn to the mountains,” he says. “I can’t believe it’s been that long since I started working in New Mexico. Now I’m living there and I love it.”