full look. Sportmax
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full look. Sportmax
German actress Lisa-Marie Koroll is known for her work in film and television, gaining recognition for her role as Tina Martin in the popular German film series Bibi & Tina, based on a popular audio drama series where she played the character in several movies within the franchise. Aside from her role as Tina, Koroll has also appeared in other German film and television productions and due to her acting career beginning at a young age, she has garnered a significant fan following in Germany.
In 2019 she has stunned in the daunting and thought-provoking movie Aus Haut und Knochen where she portrays sixteen year old Lara who struggles with an eating disorder. Additionally, she won numerous awards for the portrayal of Laura in the RTL II series Wir sind jetzt, a heartfelt and moving story about growing up and first loves which is disturbed by the death of a member of the group of friends. For both productions, Lisa-Marie was nominated for the award “Deutscher Fernsehpreis für die beste Schauspielerin” in 2021. In the same year, for Wir sind jetzt, she was nominated for “Deutscher Fernsehpreis für die beste Drama-Serie.”
In a world where time is a coveted currency, Koroll stands at the intersection of artistry and innovation. With a soul echoing the sentiment, “If it’s meant to be, it will be,” she embarks on a riveting journey as the enigmatic Marie Theissen in the dystopian tale Paradise. In the thrilling Netflix production, the bio-tech start up AEON makes the trade of human lifetimes possible. Max, who is portrayed by Kostja Ullman, works at AEON and tries to convince people everyday to sell their lifetimes. Suddenly, his wife Elena is forced to give away 40 years of her life and Max tries everything possible to stop the process. Throughout his journey he meets Marie and as the curtain rises, Koroll’s portrayal unveils the intricate layers of a character entangled in a quest against time itself. Through the lens of this near-future sci-fi/thriller, Koroll guides us into a realm where selling lifetimes for perpetual youth is the cost of existence.
Schön! steps into the sphere of Lisa-Marie Koroll’s artistry and explores how her enigmatic allure intertwines with a dance of emotions, choices, and the ceaseless passage of time.
dress. Galvan
shoes. Tory Burch
earrings. & Other Stories
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dress. Galvan
Lisa, if you were to capture your current emotions in a quote, which one would resonate with you?
I truly believe in the quote: “If it’s meant to be, it will be.“
Let’s delve into the realm of Paradise, an exhilarating narrative set in a dystopian world where perpetual youth comes at a price. Could you provide deeper insights into the story and your character, Marie?
To be honest, I’m the worst when it comes to summaries but I’ll try my best without spoiling too much. Paradise is a near-future sci-fi/thriller, in which people in need of money sell their lifetime to those who want to extend their lives. The main character Max is one of the most successful employees of the tech company Aeon, which provides said service only to the richest. After his wife is forced by foreclosure decree to give up nearly 40 years of her lifetime, Max is trying his best to stop the process and get her years back. The means he takes are at least as questionable as the whole system which the Aeon-leader Sophie Theissen has created over the years. As the suspicion creeps up on Max that Sophie Theissen used the years of his wife to rejuvenate herself, he kidnaps her. Only to find out that he got the wrong person — it’s not Sophie but Marie Theissen, her daughter. A hunt against time is about to start.
Regarding your portrayal of Marie, what aspect of the character did you find most compelling? Can we perceive parallels between her and your own persona?
Marie seems to move between the two worlds that Paradise portrays. She grew up in a very wealthy and sheltered environment, but she also had to deal with personal blows of fate. Her relationship with her mother is difficult and her view on Aeon is sceptical. Marie’s sense of justice seems to be strong, but what she is willing to do to save her own life was one of the main draws of the role. She’s quite a complex character. Once you’ve seen the film, you’ll understand what I mean. You can’t be sure whether she’s being honest or manipulative. She’s got a talent for reading the room and using every opportunity to try to free herself, that’s for sure. One parallel between Marie and me is definitely the sense of right and wrong, but I couldn’t guarantee how I would react if someone threatened to suck 40 years out of me. Would I do what she did? Maybe.
shoes. Tory Burch
Within the tapestry of your performance, which scenes presented the most formidable challenges from an acting perspective?
The final scene for my character was the most complex and testing for me. In this scene, Marie seems to have already hit rock bottom. But on top of everything that had happened to her, her fundamental trust gets absolutely crushed. To play that kind of emotional free fall let alone is difficult. Combined with physical distress and everything Marie went through made it a real challenge. The toughest moment for Marie turned out to be the toughest scene for me, too.
Could you share your process of preparing for your role and immersing yourself in the character?
Two weeks after I was cast as Marie, I was on an aeroplane to Lithuania for the first weeks of rehearsal. This was at the beginning of March last year, just two weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine. It felt strange to carry out the typical routine: reading the script with the whole cast, rehearsing my stunts, and doing camera checks. By that time we were not even sure if we’re going to be able to film at all. The entire project was at a tipping point. It affected not only my preparations but those of the entire team. Nevertheless, the Lithuanian team was determined to be the best crew you could wish for. Which, in turn, only motivated me as an actress to try even harder to use everything for my acting. The freezing temperatures, the long night shoots, the constant uncertainty of what’s next, all that helped me play Marie.
dress. Galvan
earrings. & Other Stories
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dress. Galvan
earrings. & Other Stories
What was it about the role that captivated you initially? Did you delve into the book prior to commencing your work on the film?
The casting director Liza Stutzky had a brilliant idea. Instead of auditioning for Marie, I recorded two scenes from Sophie Theissen. The speech on the Aeon stage and the negotiation between Sophie Theissen and Max. The two scenes and very little information was all I got at that point. They wanted to see if I had any similarities with Iris Berben. Can you imagine how nervous I was when I heard that? She is an absolute icon.
The concept of everlasting youth versus embracing the natural aging process: where do your personal sentiments align?
I find myself in the middle of this debate. Am I worried about wrinkles and grey hair? Absolutely not. But the idea of ageing and getting older is an intimidating one for me. I’m definitely trying to eat and live as healthily as possible without cutting back on all the fun of living. Still, a rejuvenating donation such as that offered by Aeon would never be an option for me. It’s an ethical disaster in my eyes.
Could you expand upon your experience collaborating with Kostja and Iris? Are there any profound pieces of advice they imparted that have stayed with you?
I really enjoyed working with Kostja again. He’s a great actor and it’s always fun to work with him. He rocked this shoot in a way nobody else could’ve done. And to work with Iris – that has always been a dream of mine! But, to be fair, the whole cast is a wonderful mix of personalities and talent. There’s always something you can learn from each other. That’s one of the main things I love about my job.
dress. Galvan
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dress. Galvan
When the audience experiences Paradise, what key message or emotion do you hope resonates with them?
Most of the people who’ve seen the film have written to me afterwards to say that they were surprised by how overwhelming it is. And that was intentional, because the idea behind the film is a complicated and upsetting one. The exploitation of refugees, social inequality, the enrichment at the cost of each other – that is happening right now. The big moral question the film poses is: What are we willing to do to improve ourselves? And to what extent?
Despite your extensive tenure in the acting realm, is there an aspect of the industry that still manages to surprise you?
It still fascinates me how long it can take from the first idea for a film to its completion. For example, Boris Kunz (the director) and the production company started writing the script for Paradise nine years ago. You have to have a long breath in this business.
Your artistic journey has witnessed significant growth over the years. What are the aspirations and objectives that continue to drive you forward?
I’m neither a big fan of repetition nor one of boring, stereotypical roles and stories. I work in a creative field, so I want to be creative. The best part of acting for me is the fact that you never stand still. The opportunities to dive into different personalities and life realities, learn new skills and challenge myself physically and mentally over and over again is what drives me.
full look. Tory Burch
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full look. Tory Burch
What counsel would you offer to aspiring actors seeking to make their mark in the industry?
Keep going, be professional at all times and protect yourself.
Could you share some of your current favourite literary works?
Don’t get me started! I love reading. Ever since I read The Wall by Marlen Haushofer in school, it’s been one of my favourite books. Closely followed by Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, an absolute must-read! Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica is still one of the books I think the most about even after all these years. But be warned: This book is not for the faint-hearted.
Envision a perfect day unfolding in Berlin. What activities would fill your day, and who would accompany you?
I love late breakfast, so I would definitely go for brunch. Best at Frühstück 3000 or Two Trick Pony. Then a stroll around the market to pick up some fresh flowers. In the afternoon I’d find myself at a coffee shop to read and watch people pass by. And there’s no better way to end a perfect day than going to the cinema, preferably the Hackesche Höfe Kinos. As I spend most of my time with other people, I would probably spend the day just with my dog.
dress. Tory Burch
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dress. Tory Burch
Given your extensive association with Berlin, are there other locations that inspire you and have a special place in your heart?
Since I moved to Berlin in 2016, the bookstore Ocelot has been a special place for me. You can enjoy a great selection of books there, have a coffee or simply enjoy the calming atmosphere. If you like ramen, go to Iimori Ramen in Mulackstraße and order the cheese ramen and a yuzu tea. One of my soul foods. Whenever I want to relax and have a moment to myself, I go to Plänterwald. A beautiful forest in Treptow.
As you gaze into the future, what aspect of your life or career are you most eagerly anticipating?
Working on an international level is by far one of the most exciting things for me at the moment.
And lastly, what is something that you want to be remembered for?
That’s a question I can’t answer yet. Ask me again in 70 years! [Laughs]
dress. Tory Burch
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dress. Tory Burch
photography. Sarah Storch
fashion. Leena Zimmermann + Lisa Maria Lohmann
talent. Lisa-Marie Koroll
hair + make up. Anne Marie Wittchen
retouch. NATLYF
interview. Maja Bebber
