Samantha Brown Offers Insights into Her Character in the MGM Series 'From'
From, created by the producers of Lost, delves into the unsettling ongoing mystery of a town that ensnares all who enter. The residents, trapped and desperate, strive to maintain a semblance of normalcy while seeking a way out. To complicate matters, they must also contend with the lurking dangers of the surrounding forest, which harbors malevolent creatures and deadly secrets.
Now, amid its third season, actor Samantha Brown is already set to make a significant impact in the hit MGM+ horror series From — taking on the role of Acosta, a new police officer in the eerie, nightmarish town that serves as the show’s central setting. From her introduction, Brown’s character enters the fray as a tough, observant, and strategic addition who quickly becomes a pivotal figure in the community’s fight for survival — displaying relentless determination and a strong moral compass. And Acosta’s primary goal is clear: to get herself and everyone else out of the town.
Now, with the third season currently airing, we took the opportunity to chat with Brown about joining the dark horse genre series, what her character brings to the table, and all things From.
First and foremost, congratulations on joining the cast of From! What can you tell us about your character Acosta, and her role in the new season?
Samantha Brown: Acosta is a rookie police officer who finds herself in an unprecedented situation. She is tough, observant, brave and intuitive. She has to adapt to this supernatural environment very quickly, try to understand what’s going on and what next steps need to be taken to get herself and everyone else home.
Acosta is also described as relentless and someone who won’t take no for an answer. How do these traits manifest in her actions throughout the season?
Samantha Brown: In the real world, her job as an officer is to protect and serve the public. However, as she finds herself trapped in From, she doesn’t have access to the same resources and tools she’s used to having in the field in order to properly do her job. Simply put, Acosta needs information. And in her search for answers, she faces some roadblocks that she has to plow through, but in her persistence, she will absolutely not stop until she gets what she’s looking for.
As someone with a background that requires being hands-on or assertive – what challenges does Acosta face as a newcomer in this group?
Samantha Brown: As the newcomer, Acosta is a lone wolf. She is faced with the challenge of trying to wrap her mind around this supernatural world and try to make logical sense out of a situation that is utterly illogical. What do you mean we can’t leave? How is this possible? She has to quickly determine who in From can be trusted, and who serves as a risk as she gathers as much information as she possibly can to sort through the madness. Acosta wants information, but will people willingly give that to her?
How do the new elements introduced in season three, such as Acosta’s character, change the dynamics within the town and among the residents?
Samantha Brown: Boyd is the sheriff of the town and Kenny is his deputy. Acosta is a police officer in the real world, but how does she now fit into the current dynamics? How much of her profession, knowledge, experience and skill set will be respected in From where the rules are different? We know what her badge means on the outside, but what does it now mean in this new world? Will she team up with the sheriff and the deputy? Or will she carve out her own path? You’ll have to tune in to find out!
From has been compared to Lost due to its creative team, and of course, its mysterious, ongoing nature. How does season three build on the suspense and cliffhangers from the previous seasons?
Season three, as our writer John Griffin puts it, “is the end of the beginning.” After the first two seasons, the audience is now very much familiar with the world of the show, the threats in the forest, as well as having formed a visceral investment in these characters as they’ve spent 20 episodes getting to know each and every one of them. This season, the stakes are higher as things begin to unravel. The residents are just constantly hit with one thing after another, no one is safe, and the monsters are closing in. The mystery of the true nature of the town will begin to come into focus.
Are there any particular scenes or episodes in season three that you are especially excited for fans to see? And if so, what can you tell us without revealing too much?
Samantha Brown: Now that it’s aired I can say that episode four is my favorite episode of the season. It is non-stop action from beginning to end. Every single character is in the mix and very much in danger.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of playing Acosta so far?
Samantha Brown: The highlight of this entire experience for me has been the people. The cast, crew and creative team behind this project are some of the best I’ve ever worked with. Professionally, the level of talent we have on our show is unmatched. Every single department is absolutely locked in and performs their job at the highest caliber. But most importantly, the personal aspect has been my deepest takeaway. I have met some of the kindest and most genuine people on From that are now my friends and teammates for life.
In closing, what do you hope viewers take away from Acosta’s journey and the overall narrative of the season?
Samantha Brown: I hope viewers in addition to seeking answers to the mystery behind our show, also take time to enjoy the journey and the human connections between these characters. The audience will get answers — our creative team has made you that promise. But during the ride, take note of each character’s journey, where they’ve come from, who they were before they arrived, how they’re now evolving, and how their relationships are changing. I personally find it fascinating to see how different people react to the same scenario and that’s what our show explores — the human expedition of survival. What do we do when our lives suddenly become a nightmare? How do we hold on to hope? So while digging for answers, enjoy the roller coaster ride in Fromville and remember that we are right here with you along the way — talismans of course in hand!