Natalie Becker steps into the world of organ trafficking in new thriller

Actress Natalie Becker has been cast in a lead role in new medical thriller Bypass and hope the movie will inspire people to help each other.

The locally produced movie delves into the chilling underworld of organ trafficking, after a leading cardiac surgeon, Dr Lisa Cooper (played by Natalie) is faced with difficult decisions to save her son's life.

Cooper enters the world of organ trafficking as a last resort to save her only son's life after hopes of getting a liver transplant through the system are shattered.

Speaking to TshisaLIVE Natalie described being cast in the lead role as a privilege.

"The movie looks at strong themes that aim to create awareness around important issues, so to be a part of that is a blessing. It has also been a privilege that the director was brave enough to challenge stereotypes of what a leading cardiac surgeon looks like in 2017," Natalie said.

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Natalie added that playing a successful, strong and resilient woman  taught her many lessons.

She recalled how she and some of the other cast members watched an open heart surgery as part of their research before filming started. Natalie said that even though she was "white as a sheet" she was left in awe over the way doctors do their jobs on a daily basis.

The actress added that watching real-life surgeons helped bring her character to life.

"One does not know the reserve of strength, resilience and resourcefulness one has until one is faced with a situation and has to draw on that reserve," she said.

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Natalie also said that being cast in Bypass opened her own eyes to the problem of organ donation and trafficking.

"There is a lack of awareness around organ donation and trafficking and Bypass makes it top of mind. The movie was created to get everyone's attention and I hope that people will lift their gaze from their own problems to look at the world around them and help. It may help lessen the separation and create a happier existence," she said.

Bypass opens at cinemas across the country on Friday, 12 May.