The Truth Below's Gillian Zinser Says MTV Movie Examines "Consequences of Living Dishonestly"
Gillian Zinser
What happens when four college kids are stuck in their car after an avalanche hits? "The Truth Below is about the emotional unraveling of these four kids who become vulnerable and have no choice but to shed a bunch of layers," star Gillian Zinser tells TVGuide.com.
The MTV film follows Jenna (Zinser), Ethan (Reid Ewing), Dante (Nick Thurston) and Liam (Ricky Mabe), who go on a snowboarding trip during spring break. After an avalanche hits, leaving them trapped, the movie takes a psychological turn that Zinser says "examines the themes of truth, the relationship between truth and fear, and all the consequences of living dishonestly."
Although the thriller seems a far cry from the actress' role on 90210, she was drawn to this character for some similarities Jenna has to Ivy. "They're both layered individuals who present themselves in a singular tough façade and with moxie, but the pleasure in playing this role is watching those tougher exterior layers unravel." Jenna breaks down throughout the movie when she learns one friend is in love with her and another is a complete jerk. As the hours go by, the group fights to survive the deteriorating temperatures as well as each other.
While The Truth Below isn't typical MTV fare, Zinser believes it will appeal to the network's audience. "It's a really interesting developmental period of the characters' lives, freshman year, something that we can all relate to," she says. "You're meeting so many new people and forming new friendships and relationships and really getting to know other people, but digging deep into who you are as a person."
Watch the trailer for The Truth Below:
The Truth Below premieres Thursday at 10/9c on MTV.