Interview with "Bond of Silence" Star Kim Raver

Lifetime has a way of making movies that compel their viewers to become emotionally attached to the outcome of the story. I was definitely excited about the opportunity to get an advance screener of the upcoming movie “Bond of Silence” starring Kim Raver which premieres Monday, August 23 at 9 pm et/pt.  Based on a true story, “Bond of Silence” is about a woman, Katy McIntosh (Raver), whose husband was murdered at a teenager’s New Years Eve party. While the teens and their parents were trying their hardest to protect the murderer, Katy wouldn’t give up until she found out what really happened to her husband. Through her determination Katy discovers more than just who the murderer is; she learns a sometimes too forgotten lesson in the art of forgiveness.

I got the opportunity to interview Kim Raver and ask her a few questions about her experience on taking a break from “Grey’s Anatomy” to film this Lifetime Original Movie.

Q: When you first read the script for “Bond of Silence” what was your initial reaction to it?

Raver: Initially I had some concerns. I didn’t want it to be the movie of the week or to tell people how to feel. If I was going to do it, I wanted it to have meaning and not have it be a preachy story. The theme of forgiveness was really intriguing. I decided to do it because of that, because of the journey that she went through.  Also my having kids and the thought that this will reach out to other kids, influenced me.

Q: What was it about the project that made you want to do it?

Raver: I love doing new projects. I was definitely looking for something that I found compelling enough to take away from my vacation time. I’ve never done a real life story. What was a turning point for me was when I read the book. I thought the way that she handled this tragedy was interesting. We all deal with certain things in our lives, and how she was able to turn it around, I don’t know many people who are able to go on after something like this. She worked with the person who killed her husband afterwards to tell her story. Her forgiveness is what got me interested in this project.

Q: Was there anything about your character that you could relate to?

Raver: I could relate in the parenting aspect because I have two children. The idea of having to go on without my husband; how Katy had to go on for many reasons but definitely for her children. Because I have kids I can understand what that means. In one scene Katy is kind of losing it. As a parent we try to keep it together for our kids, but at that moment in time she is having a hard time. But in the end she does go on and she is now happy.

Q: Was Katy Hutchinson available to you?

Raver: She was very available. The real story took place over a period of four or five years. In some ways I found it difficult because I had to change some things and not be able to tell it exactly like it happened. Like the forgiveness. I had to stretch it into a shorter amount of time. There were things that we had to change in the piece to make it very dramatic. Her book was the greatest asset to me.

Q: Did you come around to see her point of view and how she reacted to such a tragedy?

Raver: I think the most fascinating thing is her taking on restorative justice. It has got me thinking in a forgiving way. I admire her and we never know until we are faced with similar things how we would react. We can only imagine. She was able to overcome her tragedy for the greater good. I admire and respect that.

Q: How did you balance family life while making this film?

Raver: I’ve done it my entire parental experience. I was pregnant on “Third Watch.” I nursed both of my kids. I was pregnant on “Lipstick Jungle.”  My children have always been on set because I’ve entered into this new realm where actresses are able to have kids and still work. A couple of years ago that wasn’t feasible. My kids love it on set. We figure out things for them to do; whether it’s reading or giving them something to do in the trailer. There’s a lot of down time in between takes. I use that time to be with my kids. My eldest son is very good. He can now be on set and watch the scene close up.

Q: Do you think it’s empowering to see women in different roles?

Raver: I think it’s important for women to be in all different types of roles. I think we learn from all kinds of different characters. It’s great for women to see these very strong, complicated, successful women. It’s saying to women you can be this. You don’t have to just be this-and-this. You can be this person and we’re showing you examples.

Q: What message do you hope this movie delivers?

Raver: I don’t think of it in terms of what is this going to teach people? What I can say is what I got out of it and that is an incredible, illuminating sense of forgiveness.

The Lifetime Original Movie Bond of Silence premiers Monday, August 23^rd at 9 pm EST.