Aisling Franciosi Shares Her Love for Cowboy Camp, Epsom Salt Baths, and Sudocrem
Aisling Franciosi is venturing into uncharted territory with her performance in Netflix’s upcoming Western, The Abandons. Known for her intense portrayals in The Nightingale and The Fall, Franciosi embodies Trisha Van Ness, a powerful character within a contentious mining family during 1850s Oregon. The series, created by Kurt Sutter of Sons of Anarchy, portrays the brutal landscape of a frontier where two families grapple for land and survival. Her character’s ambition and hidden secrets contribute to the series’ central conflict.
In a recent interview, Franciosi expressed her excitement and curiosity about audience reactions to the show. “I think Westerns have been having somewhat of a resurgence over the past few years…maybe that’s because it’s a world that we all know so well,” she reflected. Importantly, the series introduces two formidable female characters, played by Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson, presenting a notable shift from the genre’s traditionally male-centric narratives.
Franciosi highlighted the allure of working within a well-defined aesthetic. “For me, as an actor, stepping into a world that’s so clear is always fun,” she noted. The actress discussed her initial apprehensions about equipping herself for the role, particularly regarding the use of corsets. However, the production opted for a more flexible costume approach, enhancing her mobility while riding horses in the Rockies, which she described as a joyful experience.
Phill Taylor
Discussing her experience in the rigorous filming environment, Franciosi emphasized the importance of self-care. “We did two weeks of cowboy camp, so the baths were definitely helpful for easing aches and pains,” she said, mentioning her reliance on Epsom salts. She also shared her skincare routine, focusing on cleansing to combat the dusty conditions of the set. “I definitely made sure to cleanse very well and keep my skin in good shape,” she added.
Looking ahead, Franciosi expressed anticipation for the series’ launch and the chance to reunite with her castmates. “It’s always nice to reconnect and just celebrate,” she remarked. “We’ve no control over what people will make of the series, but it’s always nice to meet up and realize, ‘Oh, we did this.’ It’s fun to unleash it into the world now, no matter what happens.”
