From St. Olaf's Halls to Hollywood: How a Math Professor Inspired an Alien in 'No One Will Save You'

In a delightful twist of fate that blurs the lines between academia and the silver screen, Minnesota native and accomplished actor David Rysdahl has revealed the unlikely muse behind his chillingly unique alien character in the acclaimed Hulu sci-fi thriller, "No One Will Save You." The inspiration? None other than his former calculus professor from St.

Olaf College, Karen Saxe.

Rysdahl, a proud alumnus of the Northfield institution, has been garnering significant attention for his pivotal, albeit brief, role as an alien in the nearly dialogue-free film. Directed by Brian Duffield, the movie stars Kaitlyn Dever as a young woman battling extraterrestrial home invaders.

While Rysdahl's screen time is limited, his portrayal of the alien's distinct, almost stilted, yet profoundly specific way of moving has left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.

The genesis of this peculiar physical performance stems from Rysdahl's college days. "I was thinking about someone who walked around in a really particular, almost elegant way," Rysdahl recounted in a recent interview.

He remembered his calculus professor, Karen Saxe, whose distinctive gait had stuck with him. He didn't consciously decide to mimic her at the time; rather, the memory of her unique movements subconsciously informed his character development for the extraterrestrial.

Professor Saxe, a revered figure in the St.

Olaf mathematics department, expressed both surprise and immense flattery upon learning of her unexpected influence. "It’s not every day you find out an alien in a Hollywood movie is moving like you," she quipped, clearly amused by the revelation. She recalled Rysdahl as a bright and engaging student, a detail that adds an extra layer of charm to their unique connection.

Rysdahl's journey from Breckenridge, Minnesota, to Hollywood has been marked by a series of compelling performances.

Before "No One Will Save You," he appeared in Christopher Nolan's Oscar-winning epic "Oppenheimer," the suspenseful thriller "No Exit," and independent films like "Nine Days" and "Black Swell." His career trajectory highlights his versatility and commitment to embodying diverse characters, with his alien role perhaps being his most unconventional yet.

"No One Will Save You" itself has been lauded for its innovative storytelling, relying heavily on visual narrative and the powerful performance of Kaitlyn Dever, rather than dialogue.

Rysdahl’s contribution, though brief, is crucial to establishing the otherworldliness and the unsettling nature of the invaders, a testament to the power of physical acting and the unexpected sources of creative inspiration.

This charming anecdote serves as a reminder that inspiration can strike from the most mundane yet memorable corners of life.

For David Rysdahl, a college classroom and the distinctive walk of his math professor proved to be the unlikely catalyst for bringing an alien to life in a way that truly resonated with audiences, solidifying a unique legacy for both actor and academic.