Emily Alyn Lind

Emily Alyn Lind, the talented star of Prime Video’s adaptation of *We Were Liars*, recently opened up about the show’s dramatic twist that captivated audiences. The series, which premiered on June 18, 2025, is based on E. Lockhart’s bestselling novel and follows the complex lives of a group of friends known as the Liars. With all eight episodes now available for streaming, fans are eager to delve into the intricacies of the plot and the performances that bring it to life. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Lind discussed her approach to portraying Cadence, the narrator and central character of the story. Spoilers ahead for those who haven’t yet watched the first season. The twist of *We Were Liars* reveals that Cadence, along with her three friends—Johnny (Joseph Zada), Mirren (Esther McGregor), and Gat (Shubham Maheshwari)—set fire to their grandparents’ house on Beechwood Island. While Cadence survives, her friends do not, leading to a haunting exploration of memory, trauma, and guilt. Lind explained that during filming, she did not dwell on the twist. “The Liars in Summer 17, once they’re ghosts—that feels weird saying that out loud,” she shared. “I basically threw that out the window and just acted like I was acting with them.” This approach allowed her to fully immerse herself in her character’s emotional journey, even as the narrative unfolded in unexpected ways. For Lind, portraying Cadence’s interactions with her deceased friends came naturally. She noted, “It was really easy to act as if the Liars were still alive because to Cadence, they were. Any time that they were being weird, it felt like they were being weird.” This sense of disconnection added depth to her performance, as Cadence grapples with the reality of her friends’ deaths while trying to piece together the events of the past. The show’s narrative is told through Cadence’s perspective during Summer 17, a time when she is still interacting with the Liars, unaware of their true fate. This creates an intriguing dynamic as she struggles with amnesia following a traumatic brain injury from the fire. Lind described her portrayal of Cadence as feeling like an outsider during this pivotal summer, which only enhanced the emotional weight of the story. “So many times, I just forgot what had happened—that they were supposed to be dead,” she said. The connection among the cast members was crucial in conveying the complex relationships in the story. Lind emphasized that all the actors decided to approach their roles with the understanding that their characters were still connected, despite the tragic circumstances. “We all decided to go at it the same way, which was we’re not going to— they didn’t act like they were dead,” she explained. The series not only stays true to the essence of Lockhart’s novel but also introduces fresh elements that enhance the viewing experience. For example, Caitlin FitzGerald, who plays Cadence’s mother, Penny, highlighted the delicate balance required in portraying the reality of the characters’ situation without revealing too much too soon. “It was a balance of not tipping our hand, obviously, but also letting the truth of the reality of dead children permeate these scenes,” she noted. This nuanced approach adds to the show’s eerie atmosphere and maintains the mystery that keeps viewers engaged. As fans dive into *We Were Liars*, they can expect a blend of suspense, rich character development, and emotional depth. Lind’s portrayal of Cadence is a standout, as she navigates the complexities of grief and memory while delivering a haunting performance that resonates with audiences. All episodes of *We Were Liars* Season 1 are now streaming on Prime Video, inviting viewers to unravel the layers of this gripping tale. With its blend of intrigue and emotional storytelling, the series is set to leave a lasting impression on fans of the genre. As the conversation around the show continues, Lind’s insights into her character and the creative process offer a fascinating glimpse into the making of a modern adaptation of a beloved novel. In a world where the line between reality and illusion often blurs, *We Were Liars* challenges viewers to confront their perceptions of truth, friendship, and the consequences of our actions. With a talented cast and a compelling narrative, the series is sure to spark discussions and keep fans eagerly anticipating what comes next.