BLOOD AND BEATS: INSIDE FRANCESCA BARKER MCCORMICK’S HORROR PLAYLIST

BY IRVIN RIVERA

FRANCESCA BARKER MCCORMICK steps into 213 Bones like a storm of purpose, her county coroner Laurie not merely cataloging clues but wrestling with the shadows that lurk between life and death. Set against the neon haze of a 90s college campus, director Jeff Primm’s whodunnit horror rallies a tight-knit ensemble led by rising stars and anchored by Francesca’s razor-edged performance to chase down a masked killer before the next body falls. 

From the first echo of Laurie’s stethoscope in a blood-spattered morgue to her determined sprint through mist-choked pathways, Francesca crafts every frame with the precision of a forensic artist and the heartbeat of a thriller devotee.

On set, she found horror’s greatest paradox: one moment she’s steeped in gore, the next she’s swapping vintage-shop tips over lunch with co-stars. With a curated playlist in her earbuds and a dancer’s grace in her stance, Francesca transformed each life-or-death scene into a playground of moral inquiry, always asking, what would Laurie risk and why? “Every role is written to plant a little doubt in the audience’s mind, which means digging into those moral lines of where Laurie would stop, what lines she’d never cross, and why,” she reveals, inviting you to follow her down the rabbit hole where every heartbeat could be your last. Read more on our conversation with the rising star on 213 Bones and more. 

You’re the female lead in 213 BONES, what can you tell us about the film and what initially drew you to the project? 

213 Bones is a 90s-set whodunnit horror about students who discover human remains on campus and soon realize a masked killer is targeting them. It becomes a race to unmask the culprit before the next murder. I play Laurie, the county coroner, who’s pulled into this fight to stop the killer before it’s too late. 

What initially drew me to the project was the opportunity to be part of a whodunnit narrative. As an actor, that genre immediately challenges you to ask: if it were my character, what would their motive be? Every role is written to plant a little doubt in the audience’s mind, which means digging into those moral lines of where would my character stop, what lines would they never cross, and why. It was such a fun, layered process. 

And then there’s the pure thrill of taking on a horror project. The stakes are life or death, which is the ultimate playground to push yourself as an actor. I loved taking on that challenge, and I think audiences are going to have such a good time unraveling this thriller. 

What was it like diving into the horror genre? Were you always a horror fan or was this completely new territory for you? 

It was a blast! I wouldn’t have called myself a horror super fan coming into the project, but I’ve definitely joined the fandom now for a multitude of reasons. I love the inventive ways writers and directors raise the stakes or land twists you never see coming. 

As for my prior knowledge of horror, growing up, movies like The Ring, The Grudge, and The Exorcism of Emily Rose were my first real exposure to the genre. Those are the kinds of films that haunt you for years. 

Since then, I’ve found my sweet spot in thrillers and stories with psychological edge. Some favorites that come to mind are Parasite, A Quiet Place, Get Out, Fatal Attraction, and Black Swan. And then there’s Heathers, which is one of my favorite campy takes on a psychological thriller. I love when a dark film weaves in playful fashion. It makes the whole world so much more vivid. 

What was the most surprising aspect of shooting a horror film? 

The energy, hands down. It’s the weirdest contrast: you’re filming a gruesome scene, and then not even half an hour later you’re at lunch with someone still streaked in fake blood, another person recovering from a sob or scream take, and everyone’s just chatting about their favorite vintage shops they’ve found in Spokane. 

Our director Jeff and our producers John and Tyler really took care to keep  the environment light and healthy, so it never felt like the tone stayed dark for too long. 

How did you prepare for the more intense moments of filming? Do you have a pre-set ritual? 

Music is key for me. Nothing clicks me in quite like a curated playlist, which probably stems from my background in dance. For the more intense moments, I’d put in my earpods and carve out a little space to get in the right mindset. 

What’s a dream role for you? What were some of your earliest inspirations as an actress? 

A dream role for me would be playing a character like Midge Maisel from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I love witty, fast-paced writing paired with the fashion of a different era, all anchored by a narrative that breaks the status quo. 

My earliest inspiration in film was Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz. I think I was in middle school when my hometown’s community theater announced they would be doing a stage version, and I knew I had to be part of it. I ended up landing the role of a dancer in the Lullaby League of MunchkinLand. It was my very first taste of bringing together everything I love, including acting, dance, and costume. I enjoyed every second of it. 

What can you tell us about filming FORELOCK? How was that experience similar/different to 213 BONES? 

I can’t say much about Forelock, since the plot is still under wraps, but it was such a fun experience to shoot right here in LA. It’s a dark comedy starring David Krumholtz and Caleb Alexander Smith that explores Los Angeles and the American Dream from a bold new perspective. 

Like Jeff on 213 Bones, Caleb was both the writer and director, with the added dynamic of also leading the film on screen. It was really inspiring to be part of another project guided by someone so immersed in the story from every angle. That always makes for a collaborative, passionate set. 

In contrast, playing a role set in contemporary LA was a far cry from being a coroner in the '90s. My character in Forelock tapped into a particular energy where ambition is high and self-awareness is, let’s say, negotiable. 

As 213 BONES begins to enter the festival market, what are you looking forward to heading into FRIGHT FEST in London? 

I’m just so excited to share this film with an audience, especially at such a renowned genre festival like FrightFest. There’s something electric about experiencing a horror movie in a packed theater, and I can’t wait to hear the reactions in real time. 

But what I’m looking forward to most is seeing Jeff’s vision have its world premiere. He poured so much of himself into this film, as both the writer and director, and it’s incredibly special for all of us to come together and honor him in such a momentous way. 

It’s one thing to create something you’re proud of; it’s another to watch it resonate with people as you’re sitting right there next to them. That’s the magic of festivals, and the best tribute we could ever give Jeff’s incredible legacy. 

Top 3 films of all time? 

It’s challenging to whittle it down to just three, but these always bubble up to the top of my favorites list: Black Swan, Butterfield 8, and The Favourite. 

Do you tend to sway more towards comedy or drama when you’re binge-watching anything? What was the last series you binged? 

I gravitate toward dramedy. I love dry, witty humor that plays alongside high stakes or intense situations. My latest binge-watches have been Your Friends and Neighbors, Overcompensating, and The Studio. Apparently, I can’t resist a little existential crisis with my laughs. 

If you're a book, what book would you be and why? 

Probably The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid for the ambition, the style, and the unapologetic drive to build exactly the life she desired. She’s not perfect, but she follows her heart as best she can, writing her own story with grit, glamour, and artistry. Minus the seven husbands part, I’m happy with just one.