Emma Mackey Dishes on ‘Hot Milk’ Romance and Vicky Krieps’ Electrifying Presence

When Emma Mackey met Vicky Krieps, she couldn’t help but blush.

In “Hot Milk,” the two actors portray lovers Sofia and Ingrid for the first time they’ve genuinely connected on screen, as this is their debut scene working together. This significant moment coincided with Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s directorial premiere, which will be unveiled at the Berlin Film Festival this coming Friday.

Mackey shares with EbMaster that he hadn’t met her prior to filming, and our first scene together was on the beach. It was when Sofia first saw Ingrid, and as Vicky looked at me, I turned red.” Mackey added, “That moment really impressed me – I was taken aback, thinking ‘Wow, how did she manage that?’

Hot Milk,” Deborah Levy’s 2016 novel, narrates the story of a mother-daughter duo, portrayed by Mackey and Fiona Shaw, who grapple with issues of co-dependency and desire in a picturesque Spanish coastal setting. The daughter seeks independence, finding herself entangled in a passionate romance. However, is this newfound freedom what she truly craves, or does it lead her into an even more dangerous predicament?

In this new development, Mackey’s latest venture serves as a sequel to the 2023 blockbuster hit “Barbie,” where she starred alongside others as Physicist Barbie. Prior to that, the multi-talented British-French actress made her mark with her debut lead role on Netflix’s popular show “Sex Education” (season 4) as Maeve. However, Mackey yearned for a fresh challenge, and it was then that she took on the role in “Hot Milk.

She expresses that it seemed extremely refined and distinctly feminine, given its independent nature. All the pieces simply fell into place for her. It was clear as day to her that she should pursue this opportunity.

Below, Mackey elaborates on the project “Hot Milk,” sharing her experiences collaborating with Lenkiewicz, and reminiscing about her beginnings in “Sex Education.”

Here’s another option:

Mackey delves deeper into the production of “Hot Milk,” discussing her time working with Lenkiewicz, and recollecting her early days in “Sex Education.”

And a third one:

Mackey goes into greater detail about the creation of “Hot Milk,” talking about her partnership with Lenkiewicz, and recalling her initial steps in “Sex Education.

Tell me a bit about how you got started in acting. Was there a moment where you thought, this is what I want to do?

During my final semester at college, I vividly recall approaching my parents with a determination in my voice, “I plan on moving to London. Don’t fret about me; I’ll find a way, I intend to become an actress and train here, let’s see how it goes. I feel compelled to give this a try or else I might regret it.” And that’s exactly what I did. My focus was on gaining as much experience as possible, which is what I pursued. Then, through good fortune, I encountered the right individuals.

Most people know you from you breakout role as Maeve on Netflix’s “Sex Education.” How did that show change your life? 

That experience transformed everything for me. I entered it rather naively, with a lot of apprehension, as I had no point of reference. It was an innocent, enlightening adventure due to the fast-paced nature of the work and the numerous tasks at hand on set, which I embraced eagerly. It unexpectedly served as a powerful springboard for various diverse projects that followed. I never imagined I’d be considered for roles like those in “Death on the Nile” (2022) or “Eiffel” (2021), so I felt incredibly fortunate and taken aback by Kenneth Branagh’s interest in me or being selected for a French film. My luck continued as I was offered a wide range of opportunities, distinct from Maeve, which was exciting and promising because it allowed me to avoid being typecast and explore different characters. After the four-five year stint on “Sex Education”, it was crucial for me to seek out roles that were significantly different from Maeve to broaden my horizons as an actor.

And then there was obviously “Barbie.” How did that help you grow as a performer? 

The scene was remarkably charming from the start. I recall being quite eager and inquiring from my representative, “Should I pen her a letter, what’s the procedure? I’ll play a tree, I’ll do whatever it takes!” It was truly delightful to be a part of that team and observe talents such as Greta [Gerwig], Margot [Robbie], Ryan [Gosling], Will [Ferrell], and many other remarkable individuals with diverse careers, all relishing their work and performing exceptionally well. There was something genuinely straightforward and innocent about the entire production, even though it was a large-scale project labeled as “Barbie.” Despite its size, it never felt intimidating or terrifying. Instead, it seemed everyone was present for the right reasons, and this positive energy permeated throughout the filming period.

Now you’re premiering “Hot Milk” at Berlin. How did you get involved in the project?

Initially, I joined their project quite late as another actor had initially been assigned the role. I received the script in May or June, and they were planning to start filming that very summer. Upon reading the script, I met Rebecca Lenkiewicz the next day. Over tea, she was incredibly warm, confident, and inviting, and offered me the part on the spot. It took me by surprise, as I had been eagerly seeking a project like this. The film felt sophisticated, female-centric, and independent, which aligned perfectly with my interests. Given all these factors, it seemed clear to me that I should pursue the opportunity.

What drew you to the role of Sofia?

Sofia exhibits a keen interest in studying human behavior as an anthropologist, yet she seems unaware of her own personality traits. This intrigue, coupled with a captivating allure, immediately drew me in. I’ve always admired individuals who observe silently, and Sofia is no exception. Her struggle to understand and manage her own emotions while navigating her place in the world resonates deeply.

This film carries an undercurrent of tension and introspection, primarily focusing on Sofia’s self-discovery journey. The central theme revolves around her constant care for her mother, a role that has left little room for personal growth during her twenties. As she strives to establish herself in the world, this struggle is palpable and intense.

What was it like working with Rebecca Lenkiewicz on her directorial debut? 

She’s a considerate, affectionate, giving individual with a gentle touch. Everything felt seamless and conflict-free throughout the process. We had limited time, typically only 23 days for such productions, but she placed a great deal of faith in me, Vicky, and Fiona. I leaned heavily on her advice, as well as Fiona’s signals. Since much of Sofia’s experiences are influenced by others and her mother, I had to rely on the actions of other actors and adapt my performance accordingly. Rebecca encouraged this approach and allowed us the freedom to simply be ourselves.

Vicky Krieps plays your love interest. What was it like working alongside her?

Vicky is simply remarkable, as many of us can attest. She possesses an extraordinary aura and an uncanny sense of liberation. She seems lost in her own thoughts yet firmly rooted simultaneously. I had not previously met her before our filming began, but I recall the first scene we shot on the beach, which is at the start of the movie. It’s the moment Sofia encounters Ingrid, and Vicky looked at me, causing me to blush. And that moment spoke volumes – I was left in awe, thinking, “Wow, how did she manage that? That’s incredible.” She is truly a powerful presence, and we had the opportunity to collaborate again last year on a short film my partner and I produced, so our friendship has remained strong.

And how about Fiona Shaw as your mother? 

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I found myself deeply immersed in a film where the actress portrays a character suffering from a perplexing illness. Her performance required an immense physical commitment, as she was unable to move on her own. To ensure authenticity, Sofia, our director, was constantly by her side, carrying and moving her around set. Every scene we shared was meticulously crafted to brim with intensity, matching the raw emotion written in the script. She was nothing short of extraordinary, and her exceptional leadership skills shone through, as I often rely on her cues to guide my performance.

What do you hope the audience takes away from the film?

The movie isn’t light-hearted per se; it carries a certain eerie quality if executed effectively. The bond between mother and daughter may resonate with many viewers on various levels. It’s about the intense attachment through blood, but also the love that can coexist with pain, misery, and confinement in some aspects. The complex interplay of affection and animosity is intriguing, and this tension is what we attempt to delve into in our film.

What’s next for you?  

Last year, I worked on a film directed by James L. Brooks, an experience that was nothing short of thrilling and transformative. Following that, I embarked on a project with J.J. Abrams, which continues to be a rollercoaster ride of excitement. What makes this even more rewarding is the variety of roles I get to play in both these films. Needless to say, I’m really looking forward to it!

Read More

2025-02-14 14:18