Exclusive Interview
Darrin Zammit / Hallmark Media
What To Know
- In Hallmark’s new movie Caught By Love, Rachael Leigh Cook plays Annie, who embarks on a self-discovery journey and gets involved in an undercover investigation for stolen jewels while on vacation.
- She stars alongside Hallmark veteran Luke Macfarlane.
- Cook spoke with Swooon about Annie’s exciting adventure, which includes a fun romance.
When life gives you lemons, just get involved in an undercover investigation for stolen jewels while on vacation. In Hallmark Channel’s newest Winter Escape movie, Caught By Love, Annie (Rachael Leigh Cook) ventures out on a journey of self-discovery and finds adventure (and maybe a lasting love) as well.
Annie steps outside of her comfort zone on this getaway and crosses paths with the dashing Jake (Luke Macfarlane), who is working as a private investigator. When her world collides with Jake, Annie can’t help but get swept up in this exciting chapter of her trip. Rachael Leigh Cook spoke with Swooon about how Annie’s yearning for adventure leads her straight to a new beginning and a new romance.
“I think she’s looking to find a courage she doesn’t think that she’s capable of,” Cook said. “I think she’s looking for her own voice. I think she’s looking for something to give her a sense of empowerment that she doesn’t realize she has to get from herself.”
Dominic Catania / Hallmark Media
Jake isn’t looking to “make any new connections” when he first meets Annie, according to Cook. He’s a “little bit jaded” by his job, but Annie’s presence begins to defrost Jake’s attitude. “The way they ultimately respond to each other is, shall we say, a surprise to both of them,” Cook teased to Swooon.
Annie approaches her involvement in the investigation with “so much wonder and enthusiasm that’s probably very annoying to his character at points.” However, the actress noted that Annie helps Jake get “his love for what he does back.” And as the mystery unravels, Annie “shows herself that she has the ability and worth and smarts that can help.”
For Cook, Caught By Love is a “nice slow burn,” and there is “a lot of room” to possibly explore more adventures in a potential sequel. “There’s definitely room for their adventures to continue,” she pointed out. The She’s All That star would jump at the opportunity to work alongside the “incredible” Macfarlane again, whom she gushed had a “throwback movie star” vibe.
Caught By Love, Movie Premiere, January 24, 8/7c, Hallmark Channel
