Sophie Swiszcz stars as Margie.
Margie’s personality is multifaceted. She comes across as defensive and cynical, with a tendency towards defiance and sarcasm. This rebellious streak reflects her struggle to adjust to her new environment. Her resourcefulness and street smarts are evident in her comment about having been “escaping” since she was fourteen, hinting at a history of difficult experiences and a reliance on her own wit. Margie often employs dark humor as a coping mechanism, using crude jokes and drawings to deal with her situation. This humor, while providing comic relief, also reveals her tendency to use humor defensively. Additionally, Margie is resentful and distrustful, particularly evident in her interactions with Gracie and Brenda. Her reluctance to engage seriously with Brenda’s concerns and her dismissive attitude towards Gracie’s rules underscore her resistance to authority and her struggle with her current circumstances.
Margie’s background includes significant legal trouble as she hints at past legal or personal issues contributing to her rebellious nature. She often talks of “escaping” which suggests a struggle with substance abuse.
In the film, Margie serves as a source of comic relief through her dark humor and irreverent remarks. However, her interactions also add tension among the housemates. She plays a role in the group dynamics, initially dismissing Brenda’s distress and Gracie’s rules, creating friction and highlighting her troubled adjustment to the house. Margie’s secretive behavior and reluctance to take the situation seriously contribute to the unfolding conflict, particularly in relation to the mysterious and eerie occurrences in the house.
Margie’s key relationships include a complex dynamic with Brenda Peters. Although initially wary of Brenda, Margie eventually bonds with her over shared experiences, showing empathy despite her sarcastic demeanor. Her relationship with Gracie is marked by tension and conflict, with Margie often mocking or disregarding Gracie’s attempts to maintain order and address issues in the house.
Throughout the story, Swiszcz gives Maggie a gradual development of empathy, transitioning from a self-centered, sarcastic individual to someone who acknowledges and addresses her own vulnerabilities and the needs of those around her. Her experiences in the house, including her nightmares and the eerie events, lead her to confront deeper fears and unresolved issues. Swiszcz develops Margie into a complex character, blending toughness, humor, and hidden vulnerabilities, making her a significant figure in the dynamics of the rooming house and the unfolding horror…
