Laurie Metcalf Takes on Motherhood in ‘Big Mistakes,’ ‘Monster’ — and ‘Scream,’ Again

Laurie Metcalf kicked off the first day of filming Netflix’s “Big Mistakes” with a heartfelt conversation with her co-star and series co-creator Dan Levy. Sitting in the hair and makeup trailer, Metcalf expressed her awareness of the big shoes she had to fill as she was taking on the role of Levy’s second TV mom, following the iconic Catherine O’Hara in “Schitt’s Creek.”

In “Big Mistakes,” Metcalf portrays the frenetic mayoral candidate Linda Morelli, a character who is both a blessing and a curse to her children, Nicky and Morgan. Linda is brash, morally superior, and fiercely protective of her children, leading them unintentionally into a world of organized crime. Metcalf’s portrayal of Linda adds to her repertoire of difficult mother roles, including her recent role as Augusta Gein in “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.”

In “Monster,” Metcalf delves into the complex relationship between Augusta and her son, infamous serial killer Ed Gein. Rather than portraying Augusta as purely evil, Metcalf sought to bring depth to the character and explore the dysfunctional dynamics between mother and son. The challenges of the role required Metcalf to navigate the darkness of the character while finding moments of connection and understanding.

For Metcalf, choosing roles that offer the exhilaration of being on stage is essential. Both “Big Mistakes” and “Monster” provided her with the opportunity to dive deep into complex characters and explore their relationships. Working closely with co-stars like Charlie Hunnam in “Monster,” Metcalf found the collaborative process rewarding and invigorating.

As she navigates the darkness and light of her roles in “Big Mistakes” and “Monster,” Metcalf reflects on her past experiences, including her role in “Scream 2” as the vengeful killer Debbie Salt. Returning to the “Scream” franchise in “Scream 7,” Metcalf finds joy in playing super opinionated characters who give their all, no matter the circumstances.

With a career spanning decades, Laurie Metcalf continues to captivate audiences with her nuanced performances and dedication to her craft. Whether she’s portraying a larger-than-life TV mom or delving into the depths of darkness, Metcalf’s talent shines through, making her a force to be reckoned with in the world of film and television.