Jodie Foster, ‘True Detective’ Star, Recognized Pro Boxer Kali Reis as the Ideal Choice for Season 4 Lead

Navigating the aftermath of the groundbreaking first season of HBO’s “True Detective” has proven to be a challenging road. The crime drama, created by Nic Pizzolatto and starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as Louisiana State Troopers on the trail of a serial killer, set the bar exceptionally high in 2014. However, subsequent seasons in 2015 and 2019 failed to meet the lofty expectations of both critics and fans.

Now, a decade later, two-time Oscar winner Jodie Foster joins forces with former world champion boxer Kali Reis for “True Detective: Night Country” in Season 4. Despite her gratitude, Foster acknowledges feeling daunted by the prospect of following the original series. In a joint interview at LA’s London Hotel, Foster and Reis express their awareness that Season 1 holds a special place in the hearts of fans, akin to the iconic status of the first “Rocky” film.

Reis emphasizes the challenge of not comparing the new season to the seminal first installment, recognizing the enduring impact of Season 1. Nevertheless, to the delight of fans, “True Detective: Night Country” has already received strong critical acclaim for its dark narrative set in Alaska.

The success of Season 4 is attributed in part to the compelling chemistry between Foster, portraying Liz Danvers, the fictional police chief of Ennis, Alaska, and Reis, a relative acting newcomer, in the role of state trooper Detective Evangeline Navarro. The two characters, former colleagues, reluctantly reunite to investigate the mysterious deaths of Arctic research station employees, with mystical connections to a past domestic violence case.

“True Detective: Night Country” continues the series’ tradition of foreboding moodiness, incorporating the recurring spiral symbol from previous seasons. However, it distinguishes itself by featuring two women, Foster and Reis, as the central investigators unraveling a frozen mystery, a departure from the male-led dynamics of earlier seasons.

Foster, who also serves as an executive producer, underlines the beauty of anthology series, emphasizing the opportunity to reinvent the narrative with each installment. She notes the significance of being part of the first female detective team in the series, highlighting the refreshing direction that Season 4 takes.

The casting of Reis, a former welterweight boxing champion, was a pivotal decision. Reis, who co-wrote and starred in her first independent film, “Catch the Fair One” (2021), caught the attention of “Night Country” screenwriter, director, and executive producer Issa López. Foster, having seen videos of Reis, was convinced she was the ideal choice for the role.

Foster’s role as Liz Danvers was tweaked by López to emphasize Reis’ character, making Danvers appear more challenging. Foster describes Reis as “badass central,” highlighting the revision to the script to enhance the dynamic between the two characters.

Reis, of Wampanoag Native American and Cape Verdean descent, retained her tattoos and face piercings for her role as Navarro, who is Iñupiaq and Dominican American. The decision to keep these elements authentic to Reis’s identity added a unique layer to the character portrayal.

The setting of “True Detective: Night Country” in Alaska, substituting Iceland’s silent tundra fields, adds to the atmospheric intensity. López, a fan of frozen thrillers, drew inspiration from locations like Antarctica to create a chilling backdrop that naturally conceals mysteries.

The challenges of shooting in below-zero temperatures are evident, with Foster acknowledging the difficulty of speaking in the cold air despite the presence of heating pads. Reis humorously shares her attempts to warm up her mouth before delivering lines, a futile effort given the harsh conditions. Pivotal scenes set in a snow cave required elaborate sets and parkas, with computer-generated breath added in post-production.

Beyond the on-screen challenges, Foster and Reis developed a strong partnership, extending to a real-life vacation in Alaska after shooting concluded. Foster expresses her gratitude for such a great partner, even playfully entertaining the idea of teaming up with Reis to solve real crimes, with the condition that Foster wears her glasses.

As “True Detective: Night Country” unfolds, it not only captures the essence of its predecessors but also introduces a fresh dynamic with its female detective team. The success of the latest season rests not only on its chilling narrative and atmospheric setting but also on the compelling performances of Jodie Foster and Kali Reis as they navigate the complexities of the frozen mystery in the dark landscapes of Alaska.