Locarno 2022: Meet Daisy Edgar-Jones, star of Normal People

While much of the world was confined within four walls due to the pandemic, Daisy Edgar-Jones became a star. In a few months, the series Normal People, in which he plays one of the two main roles, became a phenomenon. His interpretation is appreciated by the public and critics, to the point that he even won his first Golden Globe nomination.

Since then, the face of this 24-year-old Briton has been everywhere. Last March, he starred alongside Sebastian Stan in the cannibal thriller Fresh – available on Disney+. More recently, he starred in another series, By God’s Order, opposite Andrew Garfield – also available on Disney+. In cinema, she is the heroine of Where the Crabs Sing, an adaptation of the bestseller that was very successful in American theaters. The film is scheduled to be shot in France on August 17.

The Locarno Film Festival for its 75th edition, which takes place from August 3 to 13, 2022, honors this young actor with an honorary prize, the Leopard Club Award. An award that hails remarkable growth in a context that is turbulent, to say the least. Several journalists, including AlloCineThey were able to visit him at the hotel to ask some questions.

How does it feel to be here in Locarno to present this film, to receive this award and to be in the spotlight?

Daisy Edgar Jones: I’ve never been to a film festival before, so it’s really magical to be here. Then look at this view! (It returns to the landscape, editor’s note). It’s great to come here and know that the public will discover the film tonight and I’m honored to receive this award. One of the first films that I made when I was 19 years old, the so-called pool lifeIt’s also previewed here, so it’s kind of fun to get my first and latest work at the same time.

How did this desire to act come about?

I always liked theater at school, even though I was quite shy, quiet and reserved. I remember doing plays for the first time and being able to play characters that were very different from me, a little more brash or rough. And I really enjoyed seeing how much you could do when you weren’t yourself.

Then when I was 15 I joined the National Youth Theatre, which is a big company in London. After coming to this school, I played a play with them every year. It was thanks to them that I got my agent and started listening professionally at the age of 16.

Your parents are both in the industry, right?

My mother was a film editor before I was born. My father actually worked in television, but in a different kind of media. He hosted Big Brother, which was a television show. I was too young to watch this (He smiles, editor’s note).

Did they encourage you?

They knew the environment, so they were more confident. It’s scary to let your child do a job that may not always be very reliable or stable. The fact that I wasn’t afraid of it, that I had this experience, was beneficial to me.

I wonder your reaction after the phenomenal success Normal people. It’s not just the fact that it’s a hit, but a lot of people identify with the characters. I feel like it was more about Paul Mescal and yourself and your presence and the whole vibe that came out on screen. Did that put too much pressure on you?

when i did Normal peoplePaul Mescal and I have never played lead roles before. I don’t even think Paul has ever done any film or television, which is incredible. He was in front of the camera for the first time. I had experience before, but none of us had been exposed to this scale.

On the set, we didn’t know how big it could be. We didn’t even think he was going to watch the series. Today is completely different. I had a little more awareness. I know that people will pay more attention to my work. I try not to think and forget on set. When the film is released, it takes a different form and still does not belong to you.

I want to play a villain.

When we see your last three projects, Where the crabs singseries By God’s command and new, all talk about violence against women and how systemic it is. Is this a coincidence or a deliberate choice on your part?

I think it’s a coincidence. I’ve always wanted to play complex women who don’t fit into boxes and who don’t conform to what a woman should be. I think playing complex characters, both gentle and strong, brave and shy, and all these different aspects, that’s what I’m interested in. But I think it’s a coincidence that they all had this experience in different ways.

What are the future goals you would like to achieve in your career?

I want to be able to play characters that are really very different, try to transform myself and not choose characters that are maybe too obvious. For example, I want to play a villain. And I want to work for great directors. I love directing and immersing myself in the artist’s vision.

You talk about “too obvious” characters. What do you mean ?

Well, I feel like I play a lot of sweet, quiet, pretty young women. I guess I hope to be a good enough person in life, but I want to play a character that’s very different from me, that’s for sure.

Do you have any projects coming up soon?

I have several plans for next year. I can’t really comment on them because they haven’t been announced. I’m going to star in a new book adaptation. I don’t know why I do this to myself (He starts laughing, editor’s note). It’s a literary classic this time that’s a little different.

Interview by Thomas Desroches, Locarno, August 5, 2022.

Where the crabs singAugust 17 in the cinema.

The Locarno Film Festival will run from August 3 to 13, 2022.