To coincide with the release of Schön! 38, which celebrates #PeopleWithVoices, Schön! presents Not Your Fetish, a mini-documentary film by Rachel Edwards and Curtis Blair. Not Your Fetish explores the fetishisation of identity and the roles that social media, porn, and the fashion industry play in perpetuating it. Talulah-Eve — the first transgender contestant on Britain’sNext Top Model — speaks openly about her struggles with dating men given she is often viewed merely as an opportunity to experience sex with a trans woman. Mati, an actor who at the time of filming identified as a lesbian, has experienced both their identity and their relationship being fetishised by strangers. Sophie, a student and journalist, shares her experiences of being fetishised by men who expect her to behave in specific ways due to her Asian background.
Through soothing melodies and her whimsical voice, singer Mereba keeps the spark of poetry alive through music. With the American South and Ethiopia in her heritage, it makes sense that Mereba is so comfortable painting emotion with sound. When she speaks to Schön!, Los Angeles is still in the midst of some of the fiercest fires its faced in decades. Mereba is safe but reflective under the cloud of uncertainty that covers the city. Taking a moment to talk about her new music is as healing for the artist as it will be for fans who take their first listen to her latest album The Breeze Grew a Fire. Its soothing melodies paired with Mereba’s whimsical vocals explore human themes like childhood nostalgia and personal relationships. Released on Valentine’s day, the album is a love letter to all versions of herself and has a meditative calmness to it. It has a worldly rhythm to it, pulling from the likes of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, Brazilian Bossa Nova and Ethiopian Jazz. In her interview with Schön!, Mereba delves into everything from maintaining a sense of self in motherhood to freeing herself from a rigid career timeline.
How did you first get into poetry?
I tried to ask my mum because I’m having trouble remembering at this point. I wouldn’t say I was a shy child. I’ve always been pretty social but I was a very reflective. I guess you could say melancholy, I think is the word that she used to describe it. So, I think that poetry just gave me this space of my own to process the world through. That kind of deep lens that I would always take things through as a child. And I’ve just always kept it with me, like I always would move around the world with a journal and write about my feelings from this more poetic place. And I think it also created a space where I could make something beautiful out of a lot of the more painful revelations that I had throughout my life about the world, about people, about family.
Is there anything you wish you wish your younger self would have known?
There’s not a rigid timeline on life. I always felt like I was running behind with my purpose. When I was 10, I was like, I’m getting old. When I was 15, I was like, I have all these songs I should have released them to the world. I always felt like an alarm was going off and I needed to turn it off. Life is so beautiful, that if you focus too much on feeling like you’re not where you’re supposed to be, you really do miss out on what’s around you. I would tell her that all the things that make her uncool to the people around her at that current time will eventually make her pretty cool.
What else would you tell her?
The most important thing to focus on is being the kind of person that you’re proud to be. Being the kind of person to other people that brings like light and joy into their lives. We do gravitate towards being our best, fullest, most expressive selves as children without being as critical of ourselves. I would tell her that she’s doing a great job in that area and she’s living in her truth and is helping other people just by her being herself.
They say that sometimes the name that you’re given at birth can predict what you become when you’re older. Your name is related to sunrise which is what many would say your music sounds like. So, what does your music feel like to you?
This album in particular really comforts me. Maybe you just cleaned your house, the wind comes through and you feel that breeze and it just feels like this calm feeling of OK, I’m here in this moment and I’m doing good. I’m loved and I love very deeply. It feels warm. It does feel like a mother’s love. It’s hard to listen to it from an objective place because I was going through becoming a mother for the first time while writing.
How did creating new life influence the sound of your new album?
When I became a mum, mixed in with pandemic times and being in the house, I wouldn’t say it dimmed, but it changed the way that I relate to the spark in me around music, my passions my work and my life. A lot of my work has nature themes infused in it. I love the connection between nature and all of the universal lessons you can learn, and if you just observe something in nature long enough and its cycle, it can apply to getting through life.
What did you learn most about yourself when you transitioned from being just a girl to being a mum?
The balance between wanting to give your child an amazing life and also still tending to the child within yourself. That person inside of me that still has something to say and still has something to show my son like, this is who your mum is as an autonomous person. And then this is who she is as your mother. The most important part has just been sacrificing parts of life that I normally would have given to myself and making sure that my son has everything he needs. And then balancing that with also bringing him into my life and not losing sight of who I am as a person.
It’s great that you’ve made that intention. I’m sure we all know women who had all these dreams before they became a mother and they’ve let them go along with their identity outside of being ‘mum.’
There are not a ton of road maps for the times that we live in. [For those] not necessarily want to live the reality of suppressing those dreams and desires and then waking up 30 years later and being like my kids are gone and I have to live for myself again. And how do I do it? There’s something so beautiful about that but I do think in the end that everyone — the child, the mother and everyone in your village — benefits more from all of us being true to ourselves, you know? And I’ve learned a lot of lessons about that from the women around me.
Why did you decide to call the album The Breeze Grew a Fire?
These songs which are in large part about friendship, family and those relationships in life that make you really strong, but that you almost take for granted. It feels a lot like what a breeze is. Like those gentle phone calls from your sister or your best friend, or, you know, those constants in your life. You barely notice how gentle and sweet they feel, but they make you feel like life is worth living.
Is there a song on the album that feels most sentimental to you?
The first obvious one that comes to mind for me is Starlight. It was on my heart that I I wanted to write that song that day when I went into the studio, I was, like, very clear. I’m gonna make a song that’s essentially a letter to my son. But not a lullaby. I wanted it to definitely have a certain level of like grit and depth to it sonically. I’m explaining to my son that there are all sorts of things to watch out for in life, but really honestly, you have all of the tools inside of you that you need for the game. He does sing at the end so that’s really cute. You can like hear it if you’re really listening.
suit. Tibi
shoes. Stylist’s Own
jewellery. Pandora
suit. Tibi
shoes. Stylist’s Own
jewellery. Pandora
Credits
Molly Brown wants you to know that “If you don’t get Deb in Dexter: Original Sin, you just don’t get teenage girls.” The actress, who hails from Iowa, has carved out a notable presence in the entertainment industry over the past eight years, starring in projects like Evil and Bloody Axe Wound, along with guest appearances in Billions, FBI: International, and Chicago Med. But, her most recent role stands out as a testament to her tenacious commitment to her craft, not only challenging her as an actress but also allowing her to explore the complex emotions and experiences that define the teenage experience.
In Dexter: Original Sin, a prequel to the cult-followed TV series Dexter, Brown portrays 17-year-old Debra “Deb” Morgan, a character originally played by Jennifer Carpenter. The series follows a young Dexter, Deb’s older brother, as he begins his transformation into an avenging serial killer – and all the complexities that come with leading a double life. Throughout the season, Deb bursts into scenes with a barrage of colorful curse words that underscore her fiery personality, but beneath her tough and brash exterior, she’s grappling with the deep sense of isolation that comes from feeling like the odd one out within her family.
While fans of the original had a lot to say about the casting, Brown let it slide off her back, saying, “I have unearned confidence in my ability; I did feel prepared to take on the role. I knew once people saw it, they would change their minds.” Watching Brown’s mannerisms, facial expressions, and all-around attitude on-screen, she’s not only got Deb down pat, but her confidence is anything but unearned.
In a conversation with Schön!, Brown shares how she found out she got the role, portraying a young and rebellious Deb, and discusses the pressure of joining an established fan base.
I want to start by congratulating you on Dexter: Original Sin. I read that you were a huge fan of Dexter before booking this project. What were some of the emotions running through you when you got the call that you’d be playing Deb?
It was a lot! The other thing is that I’ve been a working actor for 8 years, so there was an overwhelming sense of like, “Wow, this is much bigger than something I’ve done before.” On top of that, it was a character I already love, and I feel like I know. That’s why the audition went the way that it did, because when I was reading the audition material, I was like, “I know how Deb says this; I know how this sounds.” It was a lot of emotion all at once. I was at the Eras Tour, so that was a very crazy place to learn about it. It was right at the end of the show, and every part of it felt like it was out of a movie. It didn’t feel like real life.
You were in Paris for the Eras Tour, right? And was Karma playing when you got the call?
Yeah!
That’s such a crazy thing to have happened! Do you look back at that and go, “Is this real life?”
It’s the kind of thing that seems made up; it sounds too much like a story. That whole week, I had been telling myself, “There’s nothing left for me to control with this. The audition is done. All I can try to do for myself is have good karma,” and Paris can be a very particular place to exercise that.
It’s almost one of those things that, once you let it out of your hands, it comes back to you. Keeping on theme here, if Taylor Swift was around in the 90s, what song would Deb be listening to on repeat?
Oh my God! It’s interesting because Deb’s music taste in the show is a bit different than what I would’ve imagined her music taste to be… It’s so hard because there’s probably a perfect answer somewhere, and that’s what I’m looking for – I feel like I’m going to give a mediocre answer. My girlfriend just said, from the other room, ‘Reputation.’ I was also thinking of ‘Now That We Don’t Talk’ – probably something with a bit more angst behind it.
Going back to when you got the role, what was the most exciting part about getting it and what scared you the most about taking it on?
What scared me was that Deb is a beloved character, and people had thoughts about me based on just a picture and pre-judged my ability to do the role. Knowing that kind of pressure is intimidating.
What excited me was that, on the contrary, I felt super up for it. Because of Jennifer Carpenter, I know who she is and who she’s supposed to be at 17. I had the full backing of the creator, Clyde Phillips, and the producer, Robert Lewis. I was also really excited about reading the scripts; it was so fun to read a Dexter story before we started working on it.
We spoke a bit about how you’ve been a fan of the show for a while. What was your first introduction to Dexter?
I wish I remembered. I think I watched it in college or when I first moved to New York. The show’s pilot is one of the best pilots I’ve ever seen. It hooks you from the very beginning, so my experience with it was, “I don’t want to stop watching. I love this.”
With this prequel, Deb had such a fiery introduction to the show. What was it like to immediately jump into her character?
The craziest part was that because we shot it with a block shooting schedule – and we had a 10-day shoot in Miami before we went to LA – the first scenes I filmed were from episodes 4 and 5. Then I filmed a lot from episode 8 in the very beginning. In true Deb fashion, it was either sink or swim from the beginning. We eased our way into it, but it did start with a bang.
Speaking of episode 8, the scene on the boat between Deb and Dexter is a touching moment where they connect. How does this relationship evolve over the final two episodes of the season?
That’s what excited me most about Deb’s arc and her relationship with Dexter. Throughout the whole season, Dexter is learning how to at least fake being a better brother, and episode 8 in particular, is a really big turning point for them, in terms of how Dexter is able to offer comfort. That’s the key difference between who Deb is at 17 and who you meet her as in the original. When Dexter comes and rescues her, very intentionally, there’s a hug that happens, and it mirrors a moment in the pilot when Harry’s in the hospital. Deb hugs Dexter, and he doesn’t hug her back. Then, in the graduation scene, he tentatively hugs her back and here, more quickly, he understands what he should do and how he should act as a brother. It’s not just the relationship with Dexter, but also with Harry. There’s more growth happening there because she’s pretty upset with Harry for a lot of the season.
It’s interesting you say that because when watching, Deb is definitely on the outskirts of Dexter and Harry’s relationship and feels like the odd one out. What was it like getting into those details?
It played out in reality sometimes. Paddy [Patrick Gibson] and Christian [Slater] just had more scenes together, and they never excluded me (they’re lovely people), but they spent more time together. There were several times when we would have a scene: I would come in in the middle of it, yell at someone, leave, and they would continue the scene. When they would wrap, I would hear them both laughing and I was literally on the outside of the house looking in, wondering what they were laughing about. It’s them laughing – sometimes it’s the whole crew laughing – and I’m the only person that doesn’t know what’s going on. So, there’s little things like that that you tap into.
With that being said, what was it like building these on-screen relationships?
The first scene that Paddy and I shot together was that scene on the beach. It helped that we were starting from a place where they’re closer. Then, pulling back from that, it is weird acting with someone who’s supposed to be a sociopath. It’s like, “What are you doing? Why are you not responding?” He’s not supposed to.
The best part about acting with Christian – I was a fan of his, I love Heathers – is that he’s so amazing, down to earth, and friendly and welcoming. He didn’t feel like a father; they honestly both felt like my brothers.
There’s an emotional moment for Deb in episode 8, which has stayed with me, as the audience gets to see a very vulnerable side of Deb usually hidden by her snappy one-liners and curse words. When acting that scene out, what was important for you to tell the audience without speaking?
What I talked about with Monica [Raymund], who directed that episode, is that Deb’s alone. We’ve only seen Deb cry twice in the series thus far, and both times, she’s alone. She’s been upset before, but those are the only times when it’s a full release. That is, ultimately, the only time she’s been fully vulnerable, when she hasn’t been with anyone else, and that’s a key part of who Deb is. She has this tough exterior, and she doesn’t let everybody see the part that’s hurting. You see the abrasive reactionary part before, but you don’t see her break down like that unless she’s alone.
You said earlier that there was a lot to live up to with this character. When you approached this project, how did your portrayal of Deb differ from Jennifer’s, and why was that distinction important to you and the prequel?
I’m sure people have a lot of critiques about every part of us that’s different, but one thing I felt very freed by, from the very beginning, was that I’m playing a 17-year-old Deb. If you thought Deb had a lot of emotions in the original, she’s an adult there. I’m playing a version of Deb where her brain isn’t even fully formed yet, and she has stronger hormones and is more temperamental than she is when you meet her in the original – which is saying a lot. That felt a little bit easier; like I could relax into that part and make it mine. It would be a whole different thing if we were rebooting the show, and I had to come in and redo [Jennifer’s] scenes, which I wouldn’t want to do. I just tried to make her younger and a bit rougher around the edges.
There’s a lot to say, in that respect, that nobody is the same as their 17-year-old self.
Thank God.
But that’s important to enhance Deb’s character and ensure you’re not imitating Jennifer’s work.
Exactly. And, I know Paddy is slightly freed by the part that Dexter’s still learning things, he’s still a novice, and he’s making mistakes. But, it would be a total lie to say there’s no pressure with stepping into these shoes and for me, it didn’t hit me until I got there. Even the way you interact with your parents as a teenager is different. I think that Deb has a lot of respect for her father in the original, but that’s kind of a rose-coloured glasses situation in my interpretation. It’s a lot easier to say nicer things about people when they’re gone.
We’ve spoken about how this project has made you expand your perception of Deb, but were there any other ways it changed your view or understanding of Deb as a character?
It’s funny because you can’t really spoil a series that’s already a prequel. Everybody knows where Deb is headed and that eventually, she’s going to join the police academy and become a police officer. What became clear to me was her intentions behind that and what she actually wanted. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the primary thing that drives Deb is to feel like she is a bonafide member of her family. It’s something that you wouldn’t necessarily think is a primary struggle for a lot of people, especially a lot of 17-year-olds – it should be a given, but it’s just not. I think that deepened where Deb comes from.
It’s something a lot of people have to deal with, so it’s just another way for viewers to resonate with this character.
Right. Deb is just a teenage girl. If you don’t get Deb in Dexter: Original Sin, you just don’t get teenage girls. And that’s fine, not everyone needs to. They’re very hard to understand. Having been one myself, it’s like, “Well, of course, she’s reacting this way.”
Definitely! On social media, there have been some comments from men on Deb’s behaviour where I was like, “You just don’t get it!”
Like, “You just don’t like teenage girls, and that’s fine. You don’t have to. It’s even better if you don’t.”
Without spoiling anything, what’s in store for viewers in the last two episodes?
There’s a lot to wrap up. At the end of episode 8, there’s a big shootout, so there’s going to be some fallout from that. Dexter knows who has been kidnapping these kids, and something’s got to be done with that. Honestly, the most exciting part for me – and this is what I’ve been so excited for since I read it because I’m such a huge fan of the original – is that in episode 8, Harry discovers who the NHI Killer is, and there’s more to see with that. I knew the whole time that’s what fans were going to be excited about.
Before the show began airing, you attended Comicon in San Diego in July with the cast. What was that experience like?
It was surreal. It was absolutely crazy. I think the hall we were in had a capacity of 8,000, and a part of me was like,“Well, this is going to be so awkward for us when it’s empty.” But it was full; it was packed. There were so many people.
Mentally, the challenge of walking into an established fan base, I was mostly okay with because I have unearned confidence in my ability; I did feel prepared to take on the role. I knew once people saw it, they would change their minds. People can say whatever they want online, but when you get to see people – in person – so excited about something without seeing any footage, it’s an amazing experience.
It must be so surreal because, at that point, it wasn’t out, and you didn’t know how it would be received. It’s also a testament to how loyal a fan base can be.
I’m a part of that fan base, and I’m very grateful for it.
Do you have any upcoming projects you can share?
Right now, I’m waiting – like everyone else – to see if we can do another season of this show. In the meantime, for the past couple of years, I’ve been working on a pitch for a show based on a series of short films I created called ‘Boy Shorts.’ We’re going to start bringing out my show to pitch soon, so I’m very excited about that. It would be amazing to do. It’s exciting to bring sides of myself into Deb and play with that side of myself, but the project I’ve been working on is more fully based on me. I love all aspects of creating film and television, so I’m hoping to become more involved in the production process.
sweater. Zankov
trousers. Hyke
shoes + earrings. Stylist’s Own
bracelet. Pandora
opposite
t-shirt. Le Set
denim. Hyke
ear cuff. Stylist’s Own
earrings + rings. Meuchner
sweater. Zankov
trousers. Hyke
shoes + earrings. Stylist’s Own
bracelet. Pandora
opposite
t-shirt. Le Set
denim. Hyke
ear cuff. Stylist’s Own
earrings + rings. Meuchner
Credits
The series finale of ‘Dexter: Original Sin’ premieres on February 14th. Catch up with the season on Paramount+.
The wait is over — the second season of The Night Agent has officially dropped on Netflix, and if Season 1 had you glued to the screen, prepare for another high-stakes ride. Based on Matthew Quirk’s gripping novel, the action-thriller follows Peter Sutherland as he steps into his new role as a Night Agent, navigating a world where trust is scarce and danger lurks around every corner. Alongside him is Luciane Buchanan as Rose, a young tech CEO turned fugitive who, after barely surviving the events of Season 1, is trying to rebuild her life. But when unanswered questions and an unsettling silence from Peter lead her back into the fray, Rose once again finds herself caught in a deadly game—this time, with even more at stake.
Schön! sat down with Luciane Buchanan to talk about stepping back into Rose’s shoes, the challenges of filming an action-packed thriller, and what fans can expect from this explosive new season.
full look. Paco Rabanne
opposite
jacket. Retrofete
dress. Contessa Mills
shoes. Yves Saint Laurent
earrings. Vintage
full look. Paco Rabanne
opposite
jacket. Retrofete
dress. Contessa Mills
shoes. Yves Saint Laurent
earrings. Vintage
Credits
Luciane, I’m so excited to chat with you about your role as Rose in The Night Agent.
I’m ready, let’s do it!
Why don’t we start talking about your character? How did you prepare for your role as Rose?
I didn’t even get the full script — just two scenes for the audition. But I saw in the audition brief that it was based on a book. We started shooting in 2022, and I got the audition at the end of 2021. I didn’t have time to go to a bookstore to get the book, and I only had about three days before the audition. I thought, There’s no way I can read that fast. So, I got creative and found the audiobook online. I just listened to it for seven hours straight — or however long it was — which helped me understand the story.
When you don’t have a full script, you’re left wondering, How do I play this? Who is this person? Where does the story go? The audiobook gave me the upper hand. My co-star, Gabriel, actually chose not to read it. He said, I don’t want to know because the show is so different from the book — I don’t want to get confused. As for preparation, I had to focus a lot on the dialect because I’m from New Zealand, but I play an American in the show. The funny thing is, during my audition, they asked, Can we hear that scene in your natural accent? And I was like, I don’t think it’s going to work — it’ll sound way too casual, maybe even comedic. But I did it anyway, and it was hilarious. The scene had me talking about things like 7/11, an American peanut butter brand, and Cheetos. In my accent, it just sounded so off. They ended up saying, Yeah, let’s stick with the American accent. And I was like, “Told you!” [laughs]
That was probably the biggest part of my preparation. As for Rose’s tech expertise, I didn’t have to become an expert myself. But I had a week between jobs before jumping into The Night Agent, so I watched videos about women in the tech industry — especially how they navigate such a male-dominated space. That gave me some insight into her world. Beyond that, Rose isn’t a trained agent or government operative. So when she’s running away from bad guys? That was just me. [laughs]
Listening to an audiobook counts as reading! I do that sometimes when I don’t have time to sit down and read. So that totally counts. And it’s very impressive that you did it in seven hours. [laughs]
Literally! I thought, “This is kind of cool — I like this story.”
For sure! And with audiobooks, you can multitask, which is always nice. It’s like listening to a podcast. By the way, I love your accent! Was it difficult to switch to a different accent during filming?
I always say — why don’t actors go on talk shows and talk about how hard it is? They just say thank you and move on. But there’s so much going on while you’re delivering lines — hitting marks, getting the timing right — it requires a lot of focus. I got really attached to my dialect coaches. At some point, they’d be like, It’s my weekend — it’s my day off! And I’d be like, Just one more hour, please!
By the end of it, they became really good friends because we spent so much time together. When you’re exhausted after a long shoot and you have a huge monologue to get through, it’s tough. One thing I learned is that when I eat and talk at the same time, I go straight back to my New Zealand accent. I was like, “Wait, how do I eat and still sound American?” [laughs] That said, I think this is something a lot of actors from outside the U.S. deal with. So many British, Australian, and Kiwi actors work on American projects. We all grew up watching Friends and sitcoms, so the accent is familiar — it’s not too difficult to tap into.
What initially drew you to your character? Why did you want to play Rose?
When I first wanted to be an actress, I was drawn to dramas — family dramas, emotional stories. I never pictured myself in an action thriller — that wasn’t at the top of my list. I mean, it’s super cool, but I just never thought about it. So when I got the audition brief, I was like, Okay, I’ll give this a shot. Never in a million years did I think I’d book it! What really intrigued me was the challenge. I thought, Could I be in an action-conspiracy thriller? Maybe I could. But it’s such a different skill set. This kind of show is so fast-paced, and the acting style is different — it’s not always naturalistic. They’re constantly saying, Faster! And I’m like, Okay, am I Eminem now? Because I feel like I’m rapping. [laughs] It’s definitely a different kind of acting, but that’s what made it exciting.
Would you say that there are any similarities between you and your character?
I’m quite a happy-go-lucky, silly kind of person. I don’t think I tried to inject that in a lot of scenes, and they were just like; Wrong show, like, that’s not her at all. She’s, I mean, what happens to her in season one is quite traumatic, so there’s no room for that. But oh gosh, are we similar? I guess I could. She’s quite bossy. Also, she has authority issues. For sure, she has a hard time taking direction or advice from people. She has a lot of trust issues, and I can be like that sometimes, I think, but I do it more respectfully. Like, okay, there’s an easier way of doing this, but I’ll do what you said. So maybe you have a comment, but she’s what I do. Like about playing her, which maybe is quite different to me, is that she kind of trusts her instincts, and specifically in season two, I think it’s crazy that she went looking for Peter. I was like, if I got that call, I’d be like “stranger danger,” but that she kind of risks it all for love.
I think that’s really admirable. It’s such an action-heavy show. What would you say was the most challenging scene to shoot? Were there any moments where you thought, Wow, okay, this is intense? And compared to Season 1, would you say there were more challenges in Season 1 or Season 2?
Oh, that’s tough because things can be challenging in so many different ways. There was one scene where I was completely alone, communicating with Peter through an earpiece — but he wasn’t actually there. I had two laptop screens in front of me, but no one to play off of. That was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do because I had to pretend I was watching surveillance footage — except the screens were blank. I had to look at specific spots and react as if I was seeing things happen in real time. It got to the point where I had a stress headache because acting is so much easier when you have another person there to feed off of.
Our writer, bless his heart, was reading Peter’s lines off-camera, but in the most monotone voice. [laughs] I had to fully rely on my imagination to create the tension and urgency. That was really tough. Also — running in heels. Who knew?! Oh my gosh. Initially, they told me, We’re putting you in little boots because you’re quite short, and we need to make you look taller. By the end of filming, I wanted to burn those boots. Running in them for 12-hour shoot days was brutal.
I can imagine! I’m also pretty short, and I can barely walk in heels — let alone run in them. I love ankle boots, but running? That’s another story. I totally get the struggle of trying to seem taller. That actually reminds me of something — I’m sure you’ve been to London, right? And taken the tube?
Yes!
It’s always so busy during rush hour, and I was talking to someone about this — when you’re short, no one cares! You just get squeezed between people, and you can’t reach anything. And someone once told me, just wear heels. I was like, What?! How does that even make sense?! [laughs]
That’s so funny! I actually have a quick story about the tube. One time, I stood on the platform for 45 minutes during rush hour because, in New Zealand, we’re very polite. I kept going, “Oh, you go first! No, after you!” And after 45 minutes, I was like, Wait, I actually need to push my way through, or I’ll never get on this train. [laughs]
Oh my gosh, yes! You have to use elbow grease and just shove your way in. Londoners don’t care! [laughs] I’ve been living there for seven years now, and you just have to adapt. Speaking of adapting — what would you say you’ve learned between Season 1 and Season 2? About yourself, or maybe about your character? How do the two seasons feel different?
I still feel like a baby, like I’m constantly learning and taking everything in. But in Season 1, I was completely out of my depth. It was my first U.S. production, and I was just trying to figure out how things worked. In Season 2, I felt much more prepared. Plus, in between, I shot an entirely different show, so I went through a lot personally and professionally. Every new project changes you as an actor.
One of the biggest differences is my confidence. I wouldn’t say I’m demanding, but I definitely speak my mind more. In Season 1, I was just trying to please everyone in charge because I didn’t feel as secure in my creative voice. In New Zealand, I felt confident and creatively free, but in this huge U.S. production, I was treading lightly. Now, after more experience, I trust my instincts. I’m willing to fight for my creative choices. And as a woman, that’s especially important. A lot of these projects have mostly male directors, and their understanding of how a female character would react in certain scenes isn’t always accurate. So I’ve become a big advocate for making sure those details are right. I try to flag things early in the script stage, rather than waiting until we’re about to shoot because by then, there’s no time to change anything. That’s been the biggest shift from Season 1 to Season 2 — owning my creative voice and standing by my choices.
full look. Michael Kors
opposite
full look. Paco Rabanne
full look. Michael Kors
opposite
full look. Paco Rabanne
Credits
As you said, being a woman in this industry can be even more challenging, especially in the action genre. What would you say you learned from your co-workers while shooting? They’re all so talented — I can imagine it was an amazing experience. Maybe three lessons you took away from them?
One of the biggest lessons, especially working in New York, was realizing how many actors have a theatre background — which I don’t! I’m one of those annoying screen actors with no stage experience. [laughs] The thought of performing in front of a live audience every night terrifies me. But maybe one day! A lot of my co-stars started in theatre, though. Amanda Warren, who plays Catherine in the show, went to Yale and NYU—so theatre is in her bones. And you can see it in the way she approaches a character, her physicality, her preparation. I was like, Oh, I’m going to use that in the future.
I also love watching how different actors learn their lines. I don’t have one specific method — I’m always experimenting. I’ll see someone writing out their lines by hand and think, Maybe I should try that. It’s little things like that — picking up different techniques and figuring out what works for me. And beyond the craft, I just love working with people from different backgrounds, hearing their stories, and learning how they got to this point. Getting to know them as people — not just as their characters — really helps with the chemistry on screen, too.
That’s such a great answer! And is there a piece of advice someone gave you—maybe from a co-star or mentor—that really stuck with you? Something you live by, either professionally or personally?
Yes! There’s an actress from Season 1, Eve Harlow, who played the assassin trying to kill me the entire time. [laughs] She’s been working in Hollywood much longer than I have, and she became such a great sounding board for me. I think people assume that women in this industry are super competitive, but honestly, my experience has been so supportive. Eve was one of those people who really looked out for me. When The Night Agent blew up, and I started feeling overwhelmed — like, Whoa, that’s a lot of people watching our show — she gave me the best advice. She said, Just remember who you are right now. This version of you — the person you are today — that’s what makes you special. Don’t lose that. Because as you gain more experience, and more people have opinions about you, it’s easy to lose little pieces of yourself. She reminded me to hold onto me. And that really stuck with me.
That’s so important. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to stay grounded when so many people have opinions about you. But you seem really down to earth! How would you say this project differs from other projects you’ve done so far?
Well, first of all, at the time, The Night Agent was the biggest thing I had ever worked on. When I found out what the budget was, I was like, “Wait, this is NOT a New Zealand budget.” [laughs] It was insane. For a lot of actors coming from overseas, breaking into the U.S. industry usually starts with guest roles. But for my first big U.S. project to be a lead role? It was a whirlwind. I kept thinking, Are they sure? Do they know what they’re doing? [laughs] Later, I found out that some high-profile actresses had gone out for the role, and I was like, Who paid who to get me in there?! It still blows my mind. The scale of it was just so different. Back home in New Zealand, I had done a lot of guest roles, and I had played a lead once before — but never on this level. So stepping into that kind of responsibility, carrying a show like this, was a huge shift for me. But I’m so grateful for the opportunity.
Talking about shooting locations, what was your favourite place to film and why?
Oh, I have a crazy story about this! My character isn’t actually part of the Thailand storyline, but one day I got a call, and they were like, “So, there’s this one scene that’s supposed to be in California, but we can’t find a location in New York that looks like California. Can we fly you out to Thailand and pretend it’s California?” And I was like, “Thailand for five minutes? Sure!” I had never been before, but it was always on my list — I’d wanted to do a proper Thailand trip, learn Muay Thai, and do all the classic touristy things. So suddenly, I’m in Bangkok, staying in this beautiful hotel, going out for dinner, and riding in tuk-tuks. I actually convinced everyone to take a tuk-tuk back one night because I was like, “We have to experience this!”
We were also the first actors to shoot a scene for the show — Amanda Warren, who plays Catherine, and I. That was really special. But, oh my gosh, Amanda was so sick that day. She had food poisoning, but she just powered through. I don’t even know how — she was literally throwing up between takes, then coming back and delivering her lines like nothing happened. I was like, “We can cut! You don’t have to do this!” But she just kept going. And you’d never be able to tell when you watch the scene. It was intense — 36-degree heat, crazy humidity, Amanda in a full black suit, me in cashmere. The moment they called cut, we were both dying. But even in that chaos, I had this moment of, Wow, I get to travel the world and do this for a job.
And then, on my way back to New York, I had a layover in Dubai. Someone asked me, “How has your life changed?” and I was like, “Oh, not much, no one really recognizes me.” And then, right after, a flight attendant came up and was like, “I love the show!” It was one of those surreal moments where I was like, “Oh, this is cool.”
Speaking of those moments, has a fan ever shared something with you that really stayed with you and motivated you?
Oh, absolutely. When I was at university, I actually thought about falling back on my psychology degree and working in social work. But I quickly realized I’m way too much of an empath — I’d take everything home with me and just feel powerless. What I love about working in entertainment is that you can still make an impact but in a different way. You can give people an escape, and bring them joy, even if just for a little while. And I never really thought about that side of it until I started getting messages from fans saying, “I was going through this really tough time, and your show helped me get through it.” That’s when it hit me — oh, this does mean something. It makes all those freezing night shoots worth it. When you’re exhausted and just want to go home, you remember, People love this. It matters. That keeps me going.
jacket. Rue Sophie
dress. Leset
opposite
jacket. Retrofete
dress. Contessa Mills
shoes. Yves Saint Laurent
earrings. Vintage
jacket. Rue Sophie
dress. Leset
opposite
jacket. Retrofete
dress. Contessa Mills
shoes. Yves Saint Laurent
earrings. Vintage
Credits
And what do you hope fans take away from your character’s story?
Ooh, no one’s ever asked me that! Let me think… I love that Rose is someone who puts herself out there completely for the people she cares about. She’s not afraid to go to extreme lengths — even across the country — to protect someone she loves. She risks her life without knowing if she’ll get anything in return. And I think that’s admirable. She’s fierce and loyal, and I love that about her. I hope people see that and connect with it. I’ve read some fan reactions where they’re like, “What happened to her?!” [laughs] But yeah, at her core, she’s someone who fights for the people she loves, and I think that’s a great quality.
How do you think you’ve grown as an actress since you first started?
Oh man — not vertically! [laughs] But personally? So much. When I started, I was super naive — just wide-eyed and open to learning. And I still am, but now I’m much more confident in my instincts. I’ve found my groove, and I trust myself more. I also love collaborating. I’m always asking questions — “How do I hold this gun? Does this line make sense?” I’m in constant conversations with the writers and directors. I used to worry about making everyone happy, but now I’ve learned that it’s a collaboration and my input matters.
Who are three people you’d love to work with?
Oh, off the top of my head—Alfonso Cuarón! I love his movies, and his new show Disclaimer was incredible. Then there’s Cristin Milioti. She’s in The Penguin, and I recently watched it and had to rewind some of her scenes because she was so good. She’s just a phenomenal actress, and I’d love to work with her. And Luca Guadagnino. I love everything he does — his style, his taste. He’d definitely be on my list.
How do you stay grounded and take care of your mental health?
Oh, I’m figuring that out daily! [laughs] But when I’m not working, I try to have a routine. Recently, I’ve gotten into the gym. I’m still new to it, and my co-star Rob Heaps teases me because I’ll come to set like, “Guys, I just did this thing called a hip thrust, it’s so hard!” And he’s like, “Yeah…everyone knows what that is.” [laughs] Also — FaceTime. I live for FaceTime. My best friends and I are all in different countries, but we have each other’s Find My iPhone and will randomly be like, “Why are you there? Whose house is that?” [laughs] They keep me sane. We always say that this is the greatest love story of our lives. My family also keeps me grounded — mostly by roasting me. They’ll watch my projects and be like, “Why do you run like that?” And I’m like, “Okay, and this is why I don’t have a big head.” [laughs] But honestly, the biggest thing is making time to live life. Actors can get so consumed by work — it becomes our identity. But I think it’s important to step away, experience things, and just be. It makes you a better actor in the long run.
Lastly, what do you hope to leave behind, both as a person and as an actress?
As an actress, I just want to know that I gave everything I had. I never want to walk away from a project thinking, “I could’ve done more.” I watch a lot of sports documentaries, and I’m always inspired by that athlete mentality of pushing yourself fully. That’s what I want to do. As a person? I love making people laugh. The best part of this industry is the people I get to work with, and I just want to be someone who makes their day a little better. And, of course, I hope people enjoy the projects I’ve been a part of. That’s really all you can ask for.
dress. Contessa Milla
earrings. Vintage
opposite
full look. Gabriela Hearst
dress. Contessa Milla
earrings. Vintage
opposite
full look. Gabriela Hearst