What would you do if aliens invaded Earth? Set across multiple continents, Invasion follows that very scenario through different perspectives around the world. From school children in England, to a US sheriff, to Japanese astronauts, to a young family, the new Apple TV+ series is a character-driven sci-fi drama about ordinary people trying to understand the chaos that has suddenly surrounded them.
Young Sarah Malik (played by Tara Moayedi, pictured above) is one of those ordinary people. Forced from her home when her street is attacked, Sarah, her mother (Golshifteh Farahani), father (Firas Nassar) and brother (Azhy Robertson) go on a road journey to try and find safety. Though perhaps it isn’t just the aliens they should all be afraid of…?
We spoke to Tara Moayedi about the series and filming during the Covid-19 pandemic…
What were your first thoughts on the series when you read the script for Invasion?
I noticed it would be very different from any other sci-fi show. I love how original and unique the storytelling approach was and that the series would be filmed on location around the world to show the authenticity of the characters and their storylines.
What are the overall themes of the show?
When the world is going through a traumatic change, family issues that might normally seem small can really be exacerbated.
Can you tell us about your character, Sarah Malik, and her family?
Sarah is the playful, curious six-year-old daughter of Aneesha (Golshifteh Farahani) and Ahmed (Firas Nassar). The Malik’s have to stick together and make difficult choices to survive the alien invasion.
The family relationship feels very real between you and the rest of the Malik family. Was that natural or did you all work together beforehand to build those bonds?
My screen test was with Azhy Robertson [who plays Sarah’s brother Luke]. The first time I met Golshifteh and Firas was the day before we started filming. It was at a playground for a quick 30 minute Malik family photoshoot. Golshifteh, Firas, Azhy, and I each have our own individual characteristics which made it easy to naturally bond. Gol and I would be chatting in Persian, Firas was always joking and making us laugh all the time, and I see Azhy as my real brother.
What was the most challenging aspect when filming the series?
Being away from home for almost five months and filming with COVID-19 restrictions.
What are you looking forward to most for audiences to see?
I’m looking forward to everyone seeing how Sarah’s character evolves. A particular scene that stands out is, Sarah will have an accident right in the middle of an alien trying to attack them…
What do you want audiences to take away from the show?
I want viewers to think about how the invasion magnifies the drama and relationships in regard to the characters. Also, what makes Sarah more scared of people than alien invasions.
[Main image credit: Kristine Canterbury]
Invasion Season One premieres globally on October 22, 2021 on Apple TV+.
