SUPERNATURAL GIRL
Abigail Cowen’s always known she would act and now, she’s acting opposite Al Pacino in the horror film “The Ritual”, while playing Emma Schmidt, in an experience that will stay with her forever.“This is happening. This is what I dreamed of.” I don’t think I’ll ever forget that”, she told herself on set. In an exclusive talk, Cowen speaks candidly about staying grounded, her best beauty tricks and what she expects the future to bring.
L’ Beauté: When and how did you know you wanted to be an actress?
Abigail Cowen: I think it was always in me, even before I fully understood what acting was. I’ve always been captivated by storytelling — the way it can move people, create connection, or spark real emotion. I grew up in a pretty rural area, where there wasn’t a ton to do other than play outside and use my imagination. I spent so much time making up characters and little stories in my backyard — it was my version of a stage. Looking back, that’s probably where the seed was planted. I didn’t fully realize it was “acting” at the time, but I knew I loved stepping into other people’s shoes, even if they were imaginary. Later on, when I started doing theater and acting classes, it all started to make sense. That feeling of creating something from nothing; of connecting with people through story, felt like home.
LB: What has been your latest “oh my God, I’m doing it” moment?
AC: Filming “The Ritual” was that moment for me. Acting opposite Al Pacino — someone I’ve looked up to for so long — felt surreal. There was this quiet moment on set where I realized, “This is happening. This is what I dreamed of.” I don’t think I’ll ever forget that.
LB: You’ve done many mystical, witchy characters. Is this something you look for in the roles you choose or have they just come to you?
AC: It’s funny — I never set out to play a string of supernatural or mystical roles, but I’ve always been drawn to characters who live in that gray space between reality and something… more. Whether it’s magic, faith, trauma, or transformation, those kinds of roles challenge me in the best way. And yes, some of them definitely found me.
LB: Talk to us about your character Emma Schmidt on The Ritual. What was it like to play her and how do you prepare for a horror role?
AC: Emma was one of the most demanding and rewarding roles I’ve ever taken on. The character is inspired by the real-life exorcism of Emma Schmidt, and there’s this constant tension in the story— is she possessed, or is she suffering from deep psychological trauma? That ambiguity was something I leaned into. I had to learn lines in five different languages, and shift between different demons and voices within her. It was emotionally exhausting but also incredibly freeing, because it forced me to stretch every part of myself as an actress, Emma was one of the most
demanding and rewarding roles I’ve ever taken on. Working with Al Pacino elevated the entire experience. I’m beyond grateful to him — not just for his brilliance, but for the environment he created on set. He constantly checked in with me, made sure I felt supported, and truly treated me as an equal collaborator. That meant so much
coming from someone with his legacy. He brought so much care and generosity to the work, and because of that, I felt completely safe to take risks and go to some really vulnerable places as Emma. It was a masterclass just being opposite him.
LB: What would you say is the biggest difference between working on TV and film?
AC: TV is such a journey — you grow with your character over time. Film is more like an intense, immersive deep dive. You’re in this concentrated space, and you have to bring everything to the surface quickly. I love both for different reasons, but film allows me to really disappear into a role for a while, and I love that kind of focus.
LB: What’s your all-time beauty hack?
AC: A cold spoon under the eyes. It’s not glamorous, but it works. Especially after long nights or early mornings on set — it’s a little ritual that helps me feel human again.
LB: Three beauty products you can’t live without?
AC: Chi silk infusion hair oil, a good SPF, and IS clinical reparative moisture emulsion. I also like to keep it simple and let my skin breathe when I’m not working.
LB: What’s the key to staying sane amidst the flashes, social media, and all the pressure?
AC: Boundaries are everything. I try to protect my space and my energy as much as I can —whether that’s turning off my phone, spending time with people who ground me, or just stepping outside and taking a walk. Surrounding myself with the people I love and who ground me is probably the most important part for me.
LB: What would be your advice to young girls who want to pursue a career in acting?
AC: Be patient and be kind to yourself. This career takes time, and rejection is part of it — it doesn’t mean you’re not enough. Keep showing up, keep growing, and stay curious. And most importantly, hold onto your love for the craft. Let that be your anchor.
LB: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word “future”?
AC: Growth. As a woman, as an artist, as a human. I want to keep evolving, keep taking risks, and hopefully keep telling stories that resonate and mean something. That’s the goal.
