Severance Actress Britt Lower Starts New Role as Toronto Librarian

Fresh off her captivating performance in Severance, American actress Britt Lower is making a splash at the Canadian Film Festival with her lead role in Darkest Miriam. The Canadian indie drama, based on Martha Baillie’s novel, follows the story of Miriam Gordon, played by Lower, a grieving librarian in Toronto who starts receiving threatening letters. Directed by Naomi Jaye, the film opened the festival earlier this week and is now hitting theaters.

Lower’s connection to her character Miriam was immediate and almost magical. According to the actress, some roles just tap you on the shoulder and you can’t look away. She admires Miriam’s bravery and vulnerability, finding strength in the character’s ability to navigate life’s challenges. Lower’s portrayal of Miriam has earned her a Canadian Screen Award nomination for best lead performance, with the film also receiving nominations for best picture and best director.

To prepare for the role, Lower dove into the physical aspects of Miriam’s world, spending time at a Toronto library to understand the daily routines and movements that shape her character. The actress also enjoyed filming in the city, exploring landmarks like Allan Gardens Conservatory and biking through Toronto’s streets, immersing herself in the city’s commuter culture.

Beyond her work on the screen, Lower is no stranger to stepping out of her comfort zone. During a break from filming Severance, she even joined the circus, drawn to the sense of community and creativity that come with each new project. Whether navigating the mysteries of a severed mind, the emotional journey of a librarian, or the chaos of a circus ring, Lower’s dedication to her craft shines through in her performances.

Darkest Miriam, featuring Lower’s poignant portrayal of Miriam, is now showing in select theaters.