Ella Bright and Mika Abdalla Talk About Their Character Chemistry and Musical Moments in Off Campus
Editor’s Note: This article includes mentions of sexual assault and physical abuse/domestic violence as part of the main characters’ storylines.
In the Prime Video series Off Campus, actresses Ella Bright and Mika Abdalla portray best friends and roommates, Hannah Wells and Allie Hayes. A pivotal scene in the finale served as their chemistry read, showcasing the intense bond between their characters.
Hannah, a survivor of sexual assault, harbors this trauma until she forms a romantic relationship with hockey captain Garrett Graham, portrayed by Belmont Cameli, following a fake dating scheme. Throughout the series, she struggles to confide her past, revealing it only to Garrett rather than to Allie, who is aware of Hannah’s backstory in Elle Kennedy’s original work, The Deal.
Rather than disclosing her trauma directly, Hannah references a friend who was roofied in high school. However, in a revealing moment during the finale, Allie admits she knew it was Hannah all along, choosing to wait for her friend to share when she was ready.
Bright reflected on the emotional weight of the scene, stating, “That being the chemistry read scene, it was definitely an intense scene, but I think it was so important because that is such an integral part of Hannah’s healing journey and also their friendship. Mika and I always say that it was one of our favorite scenes to film. We honestly didn’t do a take where we weren’t crying, even if the other one was on camera and we were behind.”
This heartfelt conversation leads to a breakthrough for Hannah as she prepares for the Pop Music Showcase at Briar University, where she aims to secure a scholarship after losing funding for her previous one.
Abdalla praised Bright’s dedication, saying, “At that point in production, Ella, she’s such a pro—she did all the prep, and she did all the work, and my job was just being there for her as a friend.” She added that filming was challenging, yet rewarding, emphasizing Bright’s incredible talent in their joint scene.
The emotional exchange also plays a significant role in Hannah’s songwriting, specifically for the piece “Girl That I Am,” crafted by Amy Allen and Ethan Gruska. Louisa Levy stated that the title reflects Hannah’s journey of rediscovering her identity.
Bright described the moment as cathartic, stating, “It’s such a beautiful moment. I think a lot of what Allie talks about to Hannah—about all these broken pieces of Hannah’s life making who she is—that is such a beautiful moment.” She noted the extensive preparation leading up to this day, which included training with her music teacher for three weeks.
Allie, a theater major at Briar University, also connects with Beau Maxwell over show tunes and showcases her vibrant personality in a karaoke scene. The show depicts her dressing as Jennifer Lopez in her iconic Versace dress, a moment that foreshadows her developing relationship with Dean, a character from Kennedy’s The Score.
Abdalla recalled the process of preparing for her role, remarking on the extensive fittings required to create her iconic outfit. “It felt like a bajillion fittings, but it was really great. It was so much fun—dancing around, hanging out, having fun. It was one of those days the whole cast was together, which isn’t super common,” she explained.
In her preparation, Abdalla drew inspiration from various female artists, expressing a desire to feature ABBA in future episodes, should her character take a lead role.
The RAINN Hotline for survivors of sexual assault is 800.656.HOPE or 800-656-4673. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is 988 for those seeking assistance.
