We caught up with Kylee Levien who stars alongside Hallmark veteran Jen Lilley in the new holiday mystery film “Chrismystery” to discuss her role as the curious and brave young detective, Leia. Released on November 4th, Chrismystery blends cozy festive cheer with a heartfelt investigation, focusing on finding the meaning of “home” after loss. Kylee shares her instant connection to the character – “I know this girl. I’ve been this girl” – and elaborates on how she brought Leia’s hopeful, “wonder-filled” perspective to the screen. She also details her experience building a warm on-screen connection with co-star Jen Lilley and the magic of filming in an authentic small-town winter setting.
Hi Kylee – we’re so excited to chat with you about your upcoming role in “Chrismystery”! Let’s jump right in –>
- “Chrismystery” is a holiday mystery. What was your initial reaction when reading the script, and what specifically drew you to the role of Leia?
After reading the script about Leia’s journey, from trying to blend in to finally standing up for herself, I completely recognized this character. I remember thinking, I know this girl. I’ve been this girl. That connection made me want to bring her to life so badly.
- You mentioned that your inspiration for playing Leia was “capturing the wonder and bravery that she wholeheartedly believes would solve problems.” Can you elaborate on how you brought that curious and adventurous personality to life on screen?
What I loved about Leia is that she leads with curiosity, she really believes that if you look at the world with enough hope and courage, things will start to make sense. To bring that to life, I tried to approach every scene with that same sense of wonder she has, especially during the mystery scenes. Instead of treating it like she’s just following clues, I played her as someone who wants to understand people and make things better.
- Leia is described as a “central figure in the mystery” and the family’s journey to “recalibrate their meaning of ‘home’ and ‘family’.” How does Leia’s perspective as a daughter and a curious kid influence her mother, Annie, and the overall investigation?
I think Leia’s perspective really brings heart and hope to the story. She sees things through curiosity and emotion rather than logic, and that’s what ends up helping her mom, Annie, open up again. Annie is this strong deputy sheriff who is used to protecting everyone, but Leia reminds her that sometimes love and connection are just as powerful as facts and evidence. Through Leia’s eyes, we see how looking at life with wonder, and not just duty, can actually bring people closer together. Her honesty and courage push her mom to slow down, feel, and rediscover what “home” truly means.
- How would you compare Leia to previous characters you’ve played? Was there a particular challenge or a favorite aspect in stepping into her shoes?
Leia felt really different from anyone I’ve played before because she’s so emotionally open. A lot of the characters I’ve done in the past had some kind of guard up or were hiding behind humor or confidence, but Leia wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s curious, brave, and still learning how to express herself, which made her feel very relatable. The biggest challenge was finding that balance between her vulnerability and her strength. She’s dealing with loss, but she’s also the one who quietly keeps her mom grounded. My favorite part of playing her was getting to show her growth; from a girl who feels unseen to someone who learns to speak up for what she believes in. There’s something so empowering about that transformation, and I really connected with it.
- The film features Jen Lilley as your mother. What was it like building that mother-daughter dynamic with a Hallmark veteran, and what did you learn from working alongside her?
Working with Jen was such an amazing experience. She’s not only incredibly talented, but she’s super kind, and very down-to-earth. From the first day on set, she made it really easy to build that mother-daughter connection, she brought so much warmth and energy that it just felt natural. What I learned from her was how important it is to stay present and genuine in every scene. Even though she’s done so many Hallmark films, she treats each moment like it’s brand new, which made every take feel alive. She also taught me a lot just by example: how to lead with kindness, keep things light between takes, and still give 100% emotionally when the cameras start rolling. By the end, it really did feel like we had that real mom-and-daughter bond.
Photo credit: Personal Collection
- “Chrismystery” was filmed on location in Saint Joseph, Missouri, in December 2024. Can you describe the atmosphere of filming in an authentic winter setting? Did the location add a certain “magic” to the project?
You can truly feel the winter in every scene. You can see our breath in a lot of the scenes which truly helped everyone get into the holiday feel of it. Saint Joseph had this charming, small-town vibe that fit the story perfectly. There was something really special about filming there: the old brick buildings, the Christmas lights, the community energy… it all just felt cozy and genuine. Even without the snow, there was this kind of quiet winter magic in the air that made the story come to life.
- We heard there was a running joke about the “traffic jam” in Saint Joseph. How did that small-town setting and the tight-knit production team help foster a fun and focused environment while braving the “freezing” weather?
Yeah, the “traffic jam” in Saint Joseph was definitely one of our favorite inside jokes- they basically have like three cars at a stop sign! The small-town vibe made the entire experience so much more relaxed and personal. Everyone knew each other by the end of the first week, and it really did start to feel like a little family. Even though it was freezing (the kind of cold where you can’t feel your face) the crew kept the energy so positive. Between takes we’d huddled up with hand warmers and feet warmers, joke around, and just try to keep each other laughing. That sense of closeness really helped us stay focused when the cameras rolled. I think you can feel that connection and warmth on screen, which is pretty special for a story that’s all about love, family, and community.
- The film blends a “cozy, festive atmosphere” with a serious mystery. As an actor, how do you balance the lighthearted, Christmas elements with the genuine emotional weight of loss and crime in the story?
That balance was actually one of my favorite parts of the film. A Chrismystery has all the warmth and charm of a holiday movie: the lights, the laughter, the sense of community, but underneath it, there’s so much healing happening. For me, it was about finding those small moments where both could exist at the same time. Leia’s story is full of loss, but she also sees the beauty in life and the hope that still exists around her.
- The film was written by Sean Wathen and produced by a team including Jen Lilley and Josh Brandon. Can you share an insight into the collaborative process with the creative team behind the camera?
I remember the day after I flew into Missouri, I sat down with Director Matt Toronto, Jen Lilly, and Cody Mayo and we all discussed how we wanted to approach our characters and really bring truth to the story. From the start, there was this feeling that everyone wanted to honor what Sean Wathen had written, his script had such a clear rhythm and emotional tone, so it was important to stay true to that while still finding little personal moments to make it feel alive. Matt was amazing about collaboration. He gave us room to explore while always grounding us in Sean’s vision. Jen, as both a producer and actor, brought this warmth and leadership that kept the whole set feeling connected, and Josh Brandon and the rest of the team were so supportive of creative choices. It really felt like a perfect balance following the heart of the script, but also trusting each actor to bring something unique to their role. That kind of collaboration made the story feel genuine.
- You stated that the movie “captures the magic of Christmas… That feeling of hope, wonder, and connection.” What specific message or feeling do you hope audiences take away after watching Chrismystery this holiday season?
I really hope people walk away from A Chrismystery feeling reminded of how powerful connection can be, especially during the holidays. The movie isn’t just about solving a mystery; it’s about rediscovering love, healing, and the meaning of home after loss. For me, the magic of Christmas has always been about that: the little moments of kindness, love and understanding that bring people closer together. I hope audiences feel that warmth when they watch it. Even if life isn’t perfect, there’s always room for hope and for the people who make you feel like you belong. That’s what this story captures so beautifully.
- You have a very exciting project coming up in 2026, the Christmas horror film CATNIP. How does the experience of working on a cozy film like Chrismystery prepare you for, or contrast with, a totally different genre like horror?
It’s definitely a big shift, going from cozy Christmas lights to full-on Christmas frights! A Chrismystery was all about warmth, family, and emotional connection, while CATNIP leans into suspense and fear. But honestly, both genres share something really important: emotion and while the tones are completely different, the heart of the work: being truthful, staying present, and connecting with the audience stays exactly the same.
- From stepping inside a “Holiday storybook” with Chrismystery to working alongside legends like Chevy Chase and Bruce Dern on CATNIP, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about your craft this year?
Honestly, this year has taught me so much about trust. Trusting the process, trusting the people around you, and trusting yourself. Chrismystery showed me the importance of heart, of really connecting with the story and finding the truth in every moment. Then CATNIP, working with icons like Chevy Chase and Bruce Dern, taught me about presence and how much you can learn just by watching how they carry themselves on and off camera. The biggest lesson has been realizing that acting isn’t about perfection; it’s about honesty. Whether it’s a cozy Christmas mystery or a terrifying holiday horror, it all comes down to being real and letting the audience feel something true. That’s what I want to keep chasing in every role.
- What is the next immediate step for you after the release of Chrismystery? Are there any specific genres or types of roles you’re hoping to explore in your next project?
After Chrismystery, I’m really excited to keep challenging myself with new stories and genres. I’d love to do something that combines athleticism and storytelling, like a figure skating series where you get to explore the artistry, discipline, and emotion behind the sport. I’m also super drawn to action, like being part of a franchise where you get to do stunts, train hard, and really push yourself physically and mentally. Both worlds; the elegance of skating and the intensity of action, sound like such fun, immersive challenges. I just want to keep growing and taking on roles that make me step out of my comfort zone in the best way.
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