" When we were filming ‘The Darkest Hour,’ we didn’t even know what the aliens were going to look like, we didn’t even have a graphic reference. So it was definitely a big challenge to sell those kind of extreme moments when you’re just generating them from your own imagination. "
- Olivia Thirlby

In the given statement, Olivia Thirlby discusses her experience working on a film called "The Darkest Hour." She explains that during production, the creative team did not have any visual references for how the aliens would appear. This lack of concrete imagery made it challenging to convey the intensity and realism of scenes involving these alien creatures purely through imagination.

Thirlby's statement highlights several key aspects of filmmaking, particularly when dealing with science fiction or fantasy elements that require a significant amount of creative speculation. The quote emphasizes the difficulty in bringing abstract concepts to life on screen without tangible visual aids, such as concept art or digital renderings. It underscores the importance of creativity and imagination within the film industry but also points out how these qualities can be tested when filmmakers need to rely heavily on their own visions for characters that have no real-world counterparts. This scenario requires a high degree of trust in one's creative instincts and the ability to convince an audience of something unseen.

Olivia Thirlby is an American actress known for her roles in various films, including "Shaun of the Dead," "The Darkest Hour," and "Sucker Punch." She has established herself as a versatile performer with a talent for both comedic and dramatic roles. Her statement reflects not only on her personal experience but also provides insight into the complexities involved in creating believable science fiction narratives.