Abby Elliott, widely recognized for her comedic prowess honed over four seasons on Saturday Night Live and roles in sitcoms like Odd Mom Out and Indebted, has recently showcased her formidable dramatic range in significant projects. While her role as Sugar, Carmy’s grounded sister in the critically acclaimed dramedy The Bear, earned her a Golden Globe nomination and allowed her to explore a more serious side, it is the new drama series All Her Fault that truly pushes her into a full dramatic landscape.

All Her Fault delves into the genres of crime and mystery, starring Sarah Snook and Jake Lacy as Marissa and Peter, parents whose young son, Milo (Duke McCloud), is abducted after school. This harrowing event unravels a tapestry of shocking revelations and long-buried family secrets, deeply affecting Peter’s siblings, the dryly comedic Brian (Daniel Monks) and Elliott’s character, Lia. Lia, portrayed as a recovering wild child, has lived burdened by guilt stemming from a childhood tragedy for which she felt responsible. However, the series' twisty eight episodes challenge everything Lia thought she knew about herself and her past.

In a conversation, Elliott reflected on the challenges and joys of embracing a more gritty and serious role. She admitted to the experience being nerve-wracking, particularly when working alongside such incredibly talented actors. A pivotal turning point for her character and the show itself occurred in Episode 5. Up to that point, Lia's character was clearly defined, but this episode saw her revealing another part of herself as circumstances unfolded, leading to a profound transformation. Elliott highlighted this as the biggest challenge, navigating Lia's evolution from a known persona to a different individual, especially after establishing initial connections with co-stars Daniel Monks and Jake Lacy during chronological filming.

When asked to compare the dysfunctional dynamics of the families in her two major projects, Elliott humorously noted that while both the Berzattos in The Bear and the Irvines in All Her Fault are in contention, she ultimately believes the Irvines are more dysfunctional. She cited moments of "redemption" within the Berzatto family as a differentiating factor.

One of the most layered and "juicy" moments for Lia, and indeed for the audience, comes in the show's finale. Lia is questioned about Peter’s death and, despite initially stating she wouldn’t blame Marissa, she subtly implicates her by stating she "didn't see her look at the labels." Elliott described this as a deeply "cathartic" moment for Lia. Having been "pushed down" and "silenced" her entire life, her impulsiveness often manifested as a "loose cannon" persona. This final act, however, was a thoughtful and smart way for her to achieve a form of redemption, passively complicit yet allowing a significant weight to be lifted from her shoulders.

Looking ahead for Lia, Elliott expressed hopes for her character's future. She envisions Lia maintaining her role as a great aunt, strengthening her bond with Brian, and potentially fostering a friendship with Marissa as they navigate past the dramatic events. Elliott also fondly recalled the chemistry she shared with Jay Ellis, who played Colin. Despite the circumstances not being ideal for a relationship, their dynamic was sweet, and Elliott wished for a prequel spin-off to further explore their connection, acknowledging the "gaslighting" Lia endured from her brother regarding her romantic choices.

Regarding her other significant role, Elliott admitted she has "no idea what's gonna happen" with Sugar in The Bear Season 5, as she hasn't seen scripts or discussed storylines. Nevertheless, she expressed excitement and a desire for "what’s best for her" character. Reflecting on the numerous twists in both shows, Elliott identified the big reveal in Episode 5 of All Her Fault as the most shocking moment for her personally, calling it a "gift" for an actor to portray.

All Her Fault is currently available for streaming on Peacock.