EXCLUSIVE: Vanessa Hudgens Unrecognizable in Upcoming Drama 'Gimme Shelter'

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, October 24, 2013

Vanessa Hudgens drastically transformed her appearance in order to portray an impoverished pregnant teen in the upcoming drama "Gimme Shelter," and The Christian Post has the first look.

The Disney actress is barely recognizable in the powerful role as Apple Bailey who flees from her drug-addicted mother in a plight to save her unborn baby.

The all-star cast of "Gimme Shelter" includes Hudgens, Brendan Fraser, Rosario Dawson, James Earl Jones and Ann Dowd.

However, Hudgens steals the show, pouring her talent into the role after making herself virtually unrecognizable. The 24-year-old actress does not appear as the glamorous star we all know her to be; but instead, Hudgens purposefully opted for heavy black eye makeup, a short-cropped hairdo, and boyish clothing in the film.

Meanwhile, "Gimme Shelter" is based on a true story which follows 16-year-old Apple's struggle for survival and search for redemption after the harsh realities of life on the street. Along her quest for shelter and an opportunity in life, Apple is taken into a home in a suburban shelter for teens.

Several Sources is the name of the real-life shelter that took Apple in, and where she was able to choose life for her baby and developed friendships. Also, it was there that Apple lived with her baby before she got on her own two feet.

The film takes a hard look at the options young mothers are faced with, and director Ronald Krauss delivers a positive, pro-life film that could have an effect on millions of viewers.

"Gimme Shelter" is scheduled to hit theaters on Jan. 24, 2014.

Roadside Attractions, who acquired rights to the film, praised Hudgen's efforts in the film.

"We were quite impressed with Vanessa Hudgens, who delivered a terrific, and transformative, performance," explained Roadside Co-President Howard Cohen. "We feel the film will appeal to moviegoers on many levels and hope they leave the theatre feeling uplifted."

Watch a clip from the film " target="_blank">here.