Jasmine Batchelor is no stranger to the spotlight, but her latest role in the highly anticipated film I’ll Be There is about to catapult her into a new level of recognition. Known for her ability to effortlessly blend vulnerability with strength, Batchelor brings a depth and authenticity to her character that is already being hailed as one of her finest performances to date.
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with the actress to discuss her journey in bringing the story to life, the emotional challenges of portraying a character on the brink of a life-changing moment, and what it was like to work alongside a stellar cast. With I’ll Be There set to captivate audiences this fall, Jasmine opens up about the impact this film has had on her both personally and professionally.
I’ll Be There is a comedy-drama that explores the complexities of sibling relationships in the face of illness. The story centers on Grace and her adopted step-brother AJ as they navigate the aftermath of AJ’s recent prostate cancer surgery. Though there was only a 5% chance of complications, AJ’s recovery brings up issues like swelling, remission rates, and his future sexual health, all while Grace helps care for him. The hospital setting is also marked by the recent death of Michael Jackson, whose presence lingers in the form of a janitor named Maynard Bagang, adding a touch of surrealism to the otherwise grounded narrative.
Directed by Andrew Shea and written by Cindy McCreery, who drew inspiration from her own brother’s cancer diagnosis, I’ll Be There is a heartfelt exploration of how illness reshapes relationships and redefines what it means to be family. The script captures the tenderness and complexity of sibling dynamics, as well as the sometimes awkward, but necessary, moments of caring for a loved one. The film’s emotional depth is enhanced by the natural chemistry between the lead actors, Batchelor and Cooper, whose performances make Grace and AJ’s bond feel authentically familial, despite their lack of blood relation. Though set against the backdrop of Michael Jackson’s cultural impact, the film’s central theme is timeless: the ways illness can bring siblings together and recontextualize their relationships.
