Actress Rachel McAdams has expressed a desire to learn rain acting techniques from fellow star Margot Robbie. McAdams, known for her role as Allie Hamilton in the iconic 2004 film The Notebook, spoke on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show about her interest in mastering performance during rainy scenes, particularly after viewing teaser clips from the upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights featuring Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
During her interview with host Scott Mills, McAdams commented on the frequent rain depicted in the new film, which is directed by Emerald Fennell. “I can see there is a lot of rain in this movie, and I have acted in a fair amount of rain but I never really figured it out yet,” she said. The actress is eager to gain insights from Robbie, who she believes could be the “queen of drama in the rain.”
McAdams reminisced about her own experience filming the memorable rain-soaked kiss scene in The Notebook, which earned the Best Kiss Award at the 2005 MTV Movie Awards. The scene, shot in frigid conditions, utilized artificial rain machines over a lake, as natural rain was not available at the time. “You have to keep your eyes open, but they’re driving giant hoses of rain into your eyeballs,” she recalled. “It’s usually cold; they were pumping it from the bottom of the lake in the winter. They do not warm up the hoses they spray you down.”
The actress pointed out the challenges of acting under such conditions, stating, “When you’re that cold, I find the acting is not as good. Cold does not promote great smouldering love feelings.” With her candid admission, McAdams hopes to learn from Robbie’s experience and improve her craft in similar situations.
Transitioning to Horror
In addition to her interest in rain acting, McAdams has recently taken on a darker role in the survival horror thriller Send Help, directed by Sam Raimi and co-starring Dylan O’Brien. The film has made a significant impact at the box office, debuting as the third highest-grossing American film of 2026, amassing over $28.1 million globally during its opening weekend.
Despite the film’s commercial success, McAdams confessed she has not yet watched it, citing her fear of horror movies. “I’ve not done much horror because I can’t even get through the script. I won’t be able to sleep for a few weeks; I’ll have to sleep with the light on,” she shared. Even knowing when jump scares will occur does not spare her the thrill of the experience. “I know when the jump scare is coming, and I still jump and still scream,” she admitted.
As McAdams navigates her career, her willingness to seek advice and embrace new challenges reflects her dedication to her craft. Whether in the rain or the realm of horror, she continues to evolve as an actress, demonstrating a commitment to both personal growth and the art of storytelling.
