Zoe Renee is an Atlanta-born actress whose star is on the rise. You may know her from her breakout role as Summer in the festival-darling, Jinn. In the coming of age film, Zoe plays a carefree teen whose mother’s conversion to Islam causes her to reevaluate everything in the emotional drama. It was her “very natural, very alive” performance in Jinn that writer-director Mariama Diallo recalled when casting her debut feature, Master. She knew Zoe would be a perfect fit.
In the film, which Filmthreat calls “a masterful blend of social analysis and horror,” Zoe plays Jasmine Moore, an optimistic freshman at an elite New England university, rife with elitism, tradition, and ghosts from the past. Jasmine isn’t alone in her struggles at Ancaster. Professor Gail Bishop (Regina Hall) is the university’s first Black “Master” of a residence hall, while Liv Beckman (Amber Gray) is embroiled in her own racially charged tenure review. The perfect facade of Ancaster College begins to crumble as the sinister happenings within come to light. On March 18, Master premiered on Amazon Prime and in select theaters, and I think it’s one everyone needs to see!
Wait just a few minutes before pressing play, though! At the press junket for Master, I got to chat with Zoe and heard some of her behind-the-scenes insight. We chatted about what it was like to work with acclaimed actress Regina Hall, her thoughts on the character of Jasmine Moore, and what it was like growing up with a father in the music industry. Oh– did I forget to mention? Zoe is the daughter of musician Speech, from the hit ’90s group Arrested Development.
Zoe’s creating her own path, and I can’t wait to see where it will lead. Get to know her now, because I know we’ll be seeing a lot more of this talented actress!