Lauren Harris

 Lauren Harris was cast in the role of "Britney #2" in the film Beyond The Farthest Star. As part of the 'popular crowd' of Leonard High School, she is not the leader of the group, but is the best friend of Susan (Brooke Peoples). In this small Texas town, someone who dresses all in black, makes no effort to fit in, and is an outsider is naturally treated with suspicion.

Following a scene that convinces the class that Anne (Cherami Leigh) is potentially a domestic terrorist, the  "Britneys" approach Anne. Britney #1 firmly paces a petition on the table and assures Anne that it has been "signed by everyone". In spite of their fears, they want to offer Anne Wells a "big Leonard High School hug". With obvious reluctance, an insincere hug is given to the appalled Anne by Britney #2 (Lauren).

 Read the scene, with images, in the unique BTFS Pages at LINK (and use arrow < on left side to navigate this section):
http://beyondthefartheststar.com/fb-special/scene-36/


The cheerleader types, who have been called "Barbies" or "Britneys", or "Heathers" (back in the 80s), are at the top of the social rung in most schools, along with the "jocks". Anne, as the only Goth kid, is like someone from another universe to them. How early do these cliques begin to form? Were you part of one? Are they harmless or do they lead to bullying and violence? Two interesting articles I found about the pressures of being an outsider or fitting in with a certain crowd are "High School Cliques And Teen Peer Pressure" and "How Cliques Make Kids Feel Left Out". To read them, click (no pun intended) on the highlighted words.

You will want to see Lauren Harris as Britney #2 in Beyond The Farthest Star. I suspect we will be seeing much more of her in future films.
 *********************************************************

  Part 16 in a series on the cast of Beyond The Farthest Star.
(*I am NOT affiliated with the film or Pathlight Entertainment. Just an appreciative fan.)