Sidney Flanigan
Nominated Breakout Star of
Never Rarely Sometimes Always
Photography Erika Long
Fashion Rachel Gilman
Sidney Flanigan is an actor and musician who made her debut on screen in the critically acclaimed indie film Never Rarely Sometimes Always. She also fronts the dreamy punk band Starjuice. I asked her about her breakout role, how she fell into acting, what makes her hometown Buffalo so special, and where her career in both film and music is heading.
Blazer by Judy Zhang, Necklaces by H(our) Objects and Presley Oldham
Headpiece by Chained By Sedona, Dress by Bella Freud, Bracelets by Marla Aaron, Sneakers by Vans, Rings by Bea Bongiasca
I’d like to start by asking how you’re doing after what has felt like a very long year.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel burnt out as I assume most of us do. It’s been a rough year to navigate. A positive perspective I’ve come to realize, though, is that this time allowed me to slow down and reflect on my life in a way I couldn’t before and to explore new hobbies such as screenprinting and skateboarding.
I’ve read that you never really considered acting until Never Rarely Sometimes Always. Is this true? How did you fall into it?
It’s true that acting wasn’t a path I was pursuing prior to NRSA. I have been a musician since I was a kid, and I followed wherever that passion took me. I’ve always enjoyed performing and surrounding myself with other artists.
I briefly met Eliza Hittman once in passing when I was 14. It’s a vague memory, but we became friends on Facebook at the time. Over the years, I posted videos of myself playing music in my bedroom, and Eliza would see them. She later reached out to me about auditioning for NRSA when I was 20. It came out of the blue for me, and I was terrified at the idea at first. I was struggling with the onset of panic disorder at the time, and the idea of trying something entirely new away from home seemed impossible. When I read the script I saw an uncomfortable and familiar truth in her story. There was a power in it that resonated with me. I wanted to be a part of what she was doing, so I faced my fears and decided to go for it. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Dress by Rodarte, Belt by Chained By Sedona, Tights by Moochi, Shoes by John Fluevog, Sunglasses by Gentle Monster
What do you remember most about filming Never Rarely Sometimes Always?
What I recall most was all of the people it took working together around the clock to make this thing happen: cast, crew, producers, the folks at Planned Parenthood. I was so amazed at how many working parts there were and how dedicated people were to telling stories, especially one like this. I found an intimacy with people on set that I’ve never felt anywhere else. It’s like being a part of a little family.
What do you think about acting now?
During my time on NRSA, I found a magic in being able to harness my own emotions and experiences for the purpose of art and telling someone else’s story. While struggling with my anxiety disorder, I always felt powerless with my emotions. Both music and acting have given me ways to channel them into something greater.
Blazer and Shorts by Judy Zhang, Tights by Gatta, Necklaces by H(our) Objects and Presley Oldham, Rings by Bea Bongiasca
Tank, Vest, and Blazer by Peter Do, Necklaces by Bea Bongiasca, Earrings: Vintage, courtesy of Albright Fashion Library
The Los Angeles Times describes the film as feeling like “truth captured on-screen.” Where do you think the truth of the film (and your role) comes from?
I believe the truth of this film comes from the quiet way it is told. It doesn’t feel like a rallying cry or propaganda. It doesn’t get into the family drama or the moral dilemma of deciding to have an abortion. It stays focused on Autumn, her journey, the bureaucratic barriers and obstacles she and Skylar face, and the antagonistic, male-dominated world they must navigate through. It stays true to the experience and not all of the questions about how she got there and why she is doing it.
I recently interviewed your Never Rarely Sometimes Always co-star Talia Ryder. She described the experience of preparing for the film as really being about forming an authentic connection between you both offscreen. Do you think that allowed you more creative freedom to explore your character?
I believe Talia and I creating a bond off-screen, especially as women, was powerful in developing our characters. I felt that connection at all times with all the women working on the project. I felt, at least in my own head, that we were all doing this for each other. For all women.
Buffalo, NY, seems like a central point in your creative life: both you and Ryder are coincidentally from there, and it’s where director Eliza Hittman first met you. What’s it like?
I love Buffalo. I was born and raised and still live there. It’s home to so much culture, and the arts scene is very alive and kicking. The music scene here has truly been a home for me for as long as I can remember. My dad played in a local punk band and I was always around eccentric, interesting people. I started attending shows at 14 and playing them at 16. I ran shows out of my basement at 19.
The artists and performers around here continue to amaze me and have shaped me into the artist I am now. They’re my friends, my community, and they’ve supported me wholeheartedly, whether I’m playing acoustic guitar in a living room or on the big screen. This place and these people keep me grounded to my roots and values.
Dress by Rodarte, Belt by Chained By Sedona, Sunglasses by Gentle Monster
Headpiece by Chained By Sedona, Dress by Bella Freud, Bracelets by Marla Aaron, Sneakers by Vans, Rings by Bea Bongiasca
You also front the punk band Starjuice (also based out of Buffalo). Can you tell us more about the music you make?
Starjuice is my latest musical project borrowing influences from punk and indie genres. We formed shortly before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic prevented us from playing any shows or touring. Instead we were able to use the time to cultivate our sound, record a demo, and basically plan ahead for when things start to open up again. I’ve been playing music for a long time and I am really excited about this project and how it’s coming along. My bandmates (Corey Wilde and Spencer Eck) are family to me, and I am so grateful to make and share music with them.
Are there any music artists you really admire right now?
This is always a hard question because I admire so many artists but my go-to is always Brian Fallon. I’ve been listening to his various projects since I was 16, and I go see him live whenever he plays anywhere remotely near Buffalo. Both his musical composition and lyricism has been a huge influence on my own writing over the years. His music has pretty much soundtracked every high and low point in my life, especially helping me through the low points. My friend Josiah and I saw him live once when I was 19, and I said, “One day I’m going to share a stage with that dude, that’s the dream.”
Blazer by Judy Zhang, Necklaces by H(our) Objects and Presley Oldham, Rings by Bea Bongiasca
Tank, Vest, Blazer, Shorts and Boots by Peter Do, Necklaces by Bea Bongiasca, Earrings: Vintage, courtesy of Albright Fashion Library
You have a role in the upcoming thriller Rounding. What can you tell us about the film and your role?
I’m not entirely sure how much I’m allowed to say about this one, but I will say that I had a blast working on Rounding. I absolutely loved everyone I got to work with and would hands down work with any one of those individuals again.
What’s next for you?
I have a role lined up on the project My Twin is Dead with director Matthew Kaundart, which I am very excited about. Official shoot dates are still to be determined. In the meantime, I am still auditioning for projects and working with my band Starjuice on producing more music. I am also preparing to record a solo album at the moment under the stage name Siddo.
Dress by Rodarte, Belt by Chained By Sedona, Sunglasses by Gentle Monster
Photography
Erika Long
Fashion
Rachel Gilman
Interview
Colter Geist
Makeup
Inge Borg @CallMyAgent
Using Dior Makeup & skincare
Hair
Rebekah Calo @JulianWatsonAgency
Location
Canoe Studios
Thank you
Focus Features
View the trailer for “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” here:
