The action thriller 'Shadow Force,' opening May 9, centers on themes of parental protection, according to star Kerry Washington. Washington appears alongside Omar Sy as former special operatives raising a child while underground.
The film features action sequences but focuses on the lengths parents will go to keep their children safe. This core theme resonated with the actors.
"Thereās this kind of generational need to protect our children," Washington stated. She added this is particularly relevant in the United States where children were historically taken from families.
Being parents in real life deeply influenced both Washington and Sy. Their own children were present during filming in Colombia, providing immediate connection to their characters' bond and prioritization of family above other concerns.
Sy, a father of five, found his link to the character in this shared experience. "He's just doing whatever he can to be the best that he can to protect his son, and that all that matters," Sy said of his role. "My only common point with my character is being a dad."
The son in the film is portrayed by Jahleel Kamara. Sy noted Kamara's understanding of his role and his engaging performance.
Washington, who previously appeared as a March cover star, mentioned her own perspective on protection shifted through the role. She executive-produced the film through her production company, Simpson Street.
Sy described a spontaneous moment during a driving scene where he instinctively extended an arm to protect his onscreen son. "That's something you don't even think about when you do it,ā he remarked.
The film suggests that even in intense circumstances, the parental instinct remains constant.
