The new Hulu limited series “Nine Perfect Strangers” does not fit into any typical genre, actor and executive producer Nicole Kidman told the media. “I dare you to ask any of us what genre this is. We have no idea.” The cast gathered online to talk about this series and shed light about the production and story.

The story takes place at an unusual health resort/retreat and brings together nine people who are each there for a different reason. Kidman plays Russian-born Masha, the owner who oversees all the activities. The actor said she stayed in character during the production. “I only related to them (the cast) as Masha and stayed in the character. And the first scene we shot was the scene where I come in in the room and say, ‘I am Masha. Welcome to Tranquillum.'” Kidman added. “They would talk to me or use my name, Nicole, and I would completely ignore it. I’d only respond to Masha.”

This series was filmed on location in Australia, although the resort is located in the United States. For Kidman, it was going home to her country. The others in the cast found the birds and koalas a bit daunting at times.

“And it was kind of extraordinary to all be shooting there and the magical quality of the environment I think really helped us,” Kidman explained. “It was like one of those things where you walk in and you go, ‘Is this real?’ And then we existed in this dream state for almost six months and then we left, and it was really kind of weird and magical. I’m a huge believer in using what you have to penetrate the show and the performance, and we were just given that.” The atmosphere of the resort is definitely magical and mystical and viewers will undoubtedly relate to that feeling as they watch the story unfold.

But this is not like any other resort or retreat. There is an underlying secret that comes out about halfway through the series. And even though this comes from Masha, others in the group are also revealing their inner secrets that brought them to this retreat. It is a unique blend of characters that have been chosen to come to the resort for their secrets and personal troubles.

When asked about the limited series format, Kidman stated, “It’s so difficult. You know, when you have 90 minutes or two hours to tell your story, that’s very different than trying to keep it compelling and intriguing and hypnotizing over the course of a much longer time span.” This eight-episode series keeps viewers waiting to see what happens next and who will be affected by the roller coaster of emotions that come out during their stay at Tranquillum.

“Nine Perfect Strangers” premieres Aug. 18 on Hulu.

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