STARS IN FILM “CHERRY”
Photography: MIKAYLA MILLER
Creative Director: DEBORAH FERGUSON
Interview by Allie King
Ciara Bravo, American actress, brings Emily to life in the new Apple TV+ film, “Cherry.” Acting alongside Tom Holland, she tells the ill-fated story of one attempting to support a veteran through PTSD and addiction. Bravo, originally from “Big Time Rush,” has proved to us her abilities and drive as an actress to take part in difficult projects, tackling tough subject matter again and again. She talks to us about her start as an actress, the path to “Cherry” and what it took to create Emily on screen.
Dress and Bag: CHANEL SS21, Heels: Christian Wijnants
AK: You were discovered by Nickelodeon and joined the “Big Time Rush” cast as Katie Knight when you were just 11-years-old. Is acting something you wanted to do since you were born, or was it less planned than that?
CB: Acting didn’t come into my world until a few years before “Big Time Rush.” Growing up in the Midwest, it never occurred to me that acting was a career choice. Previous to acting, I was taken by the idea of working with horses or the outdoors for a living.
AK: During your time at Nickelodeon, you did a lot of side voiceover work. Can you talk about your time at the network and what types of opportunities it opened you up to?
CB: I have so much gratitude for my time at Nickelodeon. It gave me the space to grow as both a young person and an actor. I could not have asked for a better launching pad. I still consider many of the people I worked with during that time family.
Suit by Milk white @ TATA-LA, Heels: Christian Wijnants
Dress: Solace London
AK: You landed your first lead role in “Jinxed” at Nickelodeon when you were just 15. What do you learn from leading a project at such a young age? How do you look back on this experience?
CB: Looking back, being on that set didn’t feel much different from the other projects I had worked on. I never felt like the “side character” previous to my first leading role because I was always surrounded by people who had nothing but kindness and respect for their peers. I’ve made sure to carry this on to every project I have worked on since. Knowing that without every single person on set, we would never be able to tell the story we want to tell.
Suit, Blouse, Heels, Bag, and Jewelry: CHANEL SS21
AK: You already have 12 years of experience acting. But at 23, what do you look forward to most in your career for the years to come?
CB: The people. I hope with every fiber of my being that I continue to get the chance to work with people that I love.
AK: You are not shy to tough subject matter, considering your roles in “To The Bone,” “A Teacher,” and now “Cherry” on Apple TV+, which brings light to PTSD and addiction. How does working on projects with tough subject matter fulfill you as an actress, or simply as a person?
CB: Getting the chance to shed light on issues typically kept in the dark is a great honor. It’s my hope that by telling these stories we are able to open world-views or inspire empathy, connection, or conversation. Every project that I have worked on has changed me and the way I live and think for the better. I can only hope that these projects do the same for those who view them.
AK: Can you talk a little about your time on the set of “A Teacher” and working with Hannah Fidell?
CB: Hannah Fidell is one of my favorite creators in this industry. The way she was able to walk such a fine line with “A Teacher” is remarkable. She told a version of this story that explores the grey areas of this type of abuse with such expertise, and that will never cease to amaze me. I’m so incredibly grateful that she asked me to be a part of it. I left that set with lifelong friends.
AK: I read that your audition process for “Cherry” was a little different than normal. How do you relate to Emily, and why do you think you were such a good fit for the role?
CB: I will never be able to answer why I think I was a good fit for the role because I truly do not know. All I know is, after reading the sides for Emily for the first time, I felt like I knew this woman. Not unlike meeting a stranger for the first time and feeling that click of recognition; knowing you are going to be friends. Other than that? I guess I know what it feels like to be a young woman trying to figure out the world.
AK: In “Cherry” your character, Emily, deals with addiction. What sources of research did you turn to in preparation for this film?
CB: I was lucky to have a friend connect me with a family member who works at a rehab facility in Cleveland. They were kind enough to open their doors to me and allowed the chance for me to speak with anyone who felt comfortable sharing their story. I’m immensely grateful for their generosity. Without their vulnerability, I would not have been able to do half of the job that I did on this movie.
AK: In the process of preparation, what did you learn about the men and women in Emily’s shoes in real life, who are challenged with supporting Veterans through something they can’t understand?
CB: As someone who has never been through anything similar, I never realized how difficult access to professional help could be. When we hear stories about PTSD it’s usually about those battling it and very rarely do we get to hear the voices of those people in their lives suffering the side effects.
AK: How has your perspective on addiction changed with your newfound knowledge and experience with the subject matter?
CB: My perspective on addiction actually hasn’t changed since making this movie. I have always believed that those battling addiction deserve more respect and better help than what many receive. My position on that front has only solidified since making this movie.
AK: We see very little of Emily’s past. How did you build out that character for yourself, and viewers?
CB: It’s amazing what you can learn from a character when you pay attention to the tiniest details. Angela and Jessica did a wonderful job of providing me with plenty to go off of from the script. On top of that, I read every book and play mentioned in association with Emily, created playlists, and pulled from people I knew in my own life and those I had met through my research.
Suit by Milk white @ TATA-LA, Sunglasses: Miu Miu, Heels: Christian Wijnants
Dress: Solace London, Heels: Iceberg
AK: What were some of your happiest moments working on this project?
CB: The delirious laughing fits that would come after long days of emotionally exhausting work.
AK: What projects do you have coming up this year?
CB: Nothing that I am allowed to talk about yet. Annoying, I know. Although, I am very excited to share once I get the go-ahead.
Jacket, Cropped Top, Skirt, and Jewelry: CHANEL SS21, Sunglasses: MBB x Vogue Eyewear, Heels: Kurt Geiger
QUICK QUESTIONS
AK: Actor you look up to?
CB: Toni Colette. I have such an immense amount of respect for her career and her abilities as an actor.
AK: Book you want to be turned into a script?
CB: I’d probably have a better answer for books I don’t want to be turned into a script.
AK: Genre you want to try acting in?
CB: All of them.
AK: Favorite memory that came from 2020?
CB: Getting the chance to safely see my grandparents again.
AK: Favorite show to binge-watch?
CB: Love Island, sue me.
AK: First thing you want to do after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted?
CB: Have a massive dinner party with every single person I have ever met.
Photography
MIKAYLA MILLER
Creative Director & Fashion Editor
DEBORAH FERGUSON
Interview
ALLIE KING
Makeup
KARA YOSHIMOTO BUA using CHANEL Beauty
@ A-Frame Agency
Hair
MARA ROSZAK @ A-Frame Agency
Manicure
BARBARA WARNER using CHANEL Beauty
Web layout
VICTORIA SMITH
Fashion Assistant
JUAN MARCO TORRES
Thank you
Narrative PR, Apple TV,
CHANEL Fashion & Beauty PR
View the trailer for “Cherry” here:
