Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
September 28, 2021
“I’ve been very fortunate to have worked both in Mexico and the United States,” said Los Angeles-based actress Cristina Rodlo. “Honestly, the biggest difference is the budget. Other than that, it’s pretty much the same.” Rodlo is the star of Netflix’s horror film, “No One Gets Out Alive,” where she plays an immigrant whose hopes for realizing the American Dream are sabotaged by the strange occurrences in her apartment. Fans may stay in touch with Rodlo on Twitter.
Q: How have you been handling this pandemic?
A: For me, the pandemic was the stop and reset that I needed. I had been working nonstop for the last six years (for which) I’m very grateful. I was actually shooting “No One Gets Out Alive” in Cleveland when everything happened. We were on our first day of shooting and at the end of the day, the producers came over and told us that we had to stop and fly back home. But then six months later, we resumed production in Romania. I was part of the few productions that kept shooting during the pandemic.
Q: What did you do before shooting resumed?
A: I packed my things and went to Mexico to spend most of the last year, which was the height of the pandemic. And I cooked a lot, read, and wrote. It was a moment for me to reconnect with myself and with what I want. As actors, we’re always wondering what’s next. Even when we’re working, we’re bugging our reps to see what’s next. The first thing every person in the industry asks to another person in the industry is, “What are you working on?” It was a time to change my mindset. There’s much more to life than just what’s next. We have to really enjoy the moment because we don’t know when the circumstances are going to change completely. So, that’s what I did.
Q: If you had to cancel travel plans due to the pandemic, where were they to?
A: I was planning to fly to Greece after we wrapped filming, but then production got pushed to September and all the circumstances changed by then. We were no longer allowed to just travel from one country to another in Europe. There were a lot of restrictions. So, in the end, I couldn’t do that trip.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: Near Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca. I’m a beach person. When I discovered Punta Pájaros in Oaxaca, that became my spot. I can only say that if you go there, be ready to do nothing. Just enjoy the view, your pool, and the beach. Be ready to eat like a king or queen for a very affordable price.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: I think it was to Mazatlán, Sinaloa, a beach in Mexico. I loved it! I remember we would take the bus from Torreon, where I’m from, to Mazatlán. It used to be around a 13-hour drive. I would have my bathing suit underneath already. When I would wake up and arrive at the hotel, I would be ready to jump into the water. I guess that’s proof of how much I loved it.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: To plan as little as possible and just go with the flow. Many things can happen during your trip, and you should just be open to new experiences and not be too attached to whatever you had planned.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: It depends where I am. If I’m in Los Angeles, it would be Valle de Guadalupe. If I’m in Mexico City, Tepoztlán, Valle de Bravo or even a quick flight to visit my family in Torreon.
Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A: It was my last trip before the pandemic hit. Christmas of 2019 and New Year’s Eve. I spent Christmas in Rome. It was amazing. And then New Year’s Eve in Venice. It was a dream!
Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?
A: I speak Spanish. It’s hard to pick up new languages. I’m shooting a film in Italy and I’m trying to learn Italian. I feel like if I stay longer, I would be able to learn it, but that’s because it’s very similar to Spanish. I tried to learn French, but it was very hard.
Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: Los Angeles, Paris, Madrid, New York City and Mexico City.
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: I’m honestly a terrible packer. I usually end up packing a huge suitcase with a bunch of clothes that in the end I don’t even use. And every time I see those clothes, I’m like, “Why did I pack these?” Every time, I tell myself, “Next time, I’m just going to pack a small suitcase.” But then again, I just keep making the same mistake. (Laughs)
Q: What would be your dream trip?
A: A house by the beach with a pool, a big kitchen, a lot of fresh food to cook and wine. My dog, a great novel, my laptop to write whatever comes to mind. No internet. That way, I’m completely disconnected with the world. That’ll be my perfect trip.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: Chips! I usually don’t eat junk food, but when I’m on the road, let’s bring the chips!
Q: What is your best vacation memory?
A: My best vacation memory is when I went to France for the first time. I started in Paris and then rented a car and did a road trip, first to Épernay – where the champagne is made – and then I drove to Brussels, Ghent and Bruges. That trip has been my favorite so far.
© 2021 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
