In the new coming-of-age comedy Edie Arnold Is a Loser, Catholic school best friends Edie and Frances form a punk band called The NunDead, shaking up their rigid school life and catching the eye of a popular altar boy. The film, co-directed by Kade Atwood and Megan Rico, is a love letter to misfits everywhere, showing that even the most awkward teens can find their voice—and maybe win a Battle of the Bands.
For breakout star Adi Madden Cabrera, landing the lead role was a dream come true, especially since she'd never played an instrument before. In a recent interview, Cabrera opened up about how she pulled off playing drums for the movie, the authenticity that drew her to the script, and what's next for her career.
Rock Band to Real Drums
When asked if she could play drums, Cabrera admitted she couldn't—but she had a secret weapon: Rock Band. “I grew up playing Rock Band with my dad,” she said, and that video game experience surprisingly helped her fake it on set. She learned just enough drumming to look convincing, though she's quick to clarify, “I would not say that I’m a particularly great drummer.”
Her love for music runs deep, though. “I love rock music. I always grew up on it,” she shared, adding that she went through the classic teenage emo phase that never really ended. The punk aesthetic also appealed to her fashion sense, making the role a perfect fit.
Authentic Friendship and a Memorable Kiss
Cabrera was drawn to the film because of its realistic portrayal of female friendship. “It felt like a real female friendship, and I think the dialogue is very accurate to real teens,” she said, contrasting it with shows where “you can tell it was written by an old guy because nobody talks like that.”
One of the most talked-about moments is the kiss between Edie and Walter. Cabrera called it “a stand-out” and hinted that it was a highlight of the shoot. The film also features a fight with the popular girl, Kati, which Cabrera described as intense and fun to film.
A Nod to the Nuns
While the punk rock rebellion is front and center, Cabrera had a soft spot for Sister Sheena, played by Luseane Pasa. “She is one of my favorite characters in the movie,” she said, praising Pasa's performance. The nun serves as a grounding presence, helping Edie navigate her teenage angst. Cabrera related to this, recalling her own high school experience of sitting in her English teacher's classroom during lunch when she had no friends.
The film's world is filtered through Edie's perspective, which explains why some nuns are villainous and others are kind. “In Edie’s world, she’s a devil,” Cabrera said of the strict nun, but Sister Sheena represents the real world seeping in, reminding viewers that not everything is as extreme as it seems.
What's Next for Cabrera?
With her debut role making a splash, Cabrera is already thinking about the future. She's open to more acting roles and even music, though she's still figuring out her path. “We’ll see now,” she said with a smile, hinting that this punk rock journey might just be the beginning.
Edie Arnold Is a Loser is now available to stream. For more on the film, check out our weekend streaming picks or see what's new on Prime Video.
