Interview Sophie Lin
Ariela Barer has always been in the spotlight. Starting out in the musical theater as a kid, she landed several guest appearances on Disney Channel and Nickelodeon shows such as “Liv and Maddie” and my personal favorite, “Yo Gabba Gabba”. She then went on to star in the popular Marvel series, “Runaways” where she played the telekinetic and sarcastic Gertrude Yorkes. Having earned both critical acclaim and a loyal fan base due to that role she secured her status as a breakout star in Hollywood. Her star keeps rising as she co-wrote, produced, and produced the music for her latest film, “How to Blow Up a Pipeline”.
“How to Blow Up a Pipeline” received rave reviews as an unapologetically political dramatic thriller. In the film, Barer stars alongside Lukas Gage as Xochitl, a young environmental activist who becomes embroiled in a high-stakes battle against a pipeline company. Her portrayal of Xochitl is raw, authentic, and deeply moving and it’s clear that Barer poured her heart and soul into the role.
Despite all of her success on screen, Barer remains grounded and committed to making a positive impact in the world. Having grown up with a “hippie mother” she remains true to her upbringing and is a passionate activist for environmental and social justice causes. She uses her platform to raise awareness about issues she cares deeply about.
Black Long Sleeve Shirt & Patterned Tights: Acne Studios, Black Boots: Stylist’s Own, Purple Sequined Skirt: Poster Girl, Silver Earrings: Justine Clenquet
White Lace Dress: Acne Studios, White Tights: Praying, Pink Sneakers: Asics
How did you get involved with the film “How to Blow Up a Pipeline,” and what drew you to the project?
The book was brought to me by Daniel and Jordan with the idea of turning it into a heist movie. The themes of the book were already something I felt passionately about so the opportunity to make human stories around these rhetorical arguments felt like a very fun and interesting challenge.
Black Long Sleeve Shirt & Patterned Tights: Acne Studios, Black Boots: Stylist’s Own, Purple Sequined Skirt: Poster Girl, Silver Earrings: Justine Clenquet
Grey Skirt and Top: Nodress, Pearl Necklace: Shushu/Tong, Lace Tights: Calzedonia, White Leg Warmers: Praying
What was the most challenging aspect of portraying your character, Xochitl, in the film? How much of the performance was derived from personal experiences, if any?
The main challenge in playing Xochitl was trying to juggle my responsibilities as a writer and producer while trying to stay focused and honest to this character. A lot of who she is is based on personal experience in terms of how she is grappling with her disillusionment with systems that she once believed in that are [now] failing her. At a certain point it became intentional, writing her in a way that mirrored my experience of making the movie so that when everything would go crazy and I’d be completely overwhelmed, I could tap into that honestly to play Xochitl, who is also overwhelmed and terrified of her plan falling apart.
The film deals with environmental activism and the fight against corporate interests. How do you personally feel about this issue?
I’ve always cared about these ideas and the opportunity to write a movie that explores the nuance of this battle through multiple narratives is everything I’ve always wanted to do. I think my feelings about the issue are laid out plainly in the movie. Writing the Xochitl and Alisha conflict was mostly where my exploration of the ideas lived.
Black dress and Rose Earring: Shushu/Tong
Black Long Sleeve Shirt: Acne Studios, Silver Earrings: Justine Clenquet
You’ve played a range of characters in your career so far. Is there a particular type of role or genre that you’re particularly drawn to?
I’ve been asked this question more and more recently and I think the thing I have truly realized is that when the writing is good I can be excited about any type of character. To me, I am interested in exploring the wide range of human experiences and I love the idea of getting to tap into a person or a story I hadn’t previously thought much about at all.
You’ve had a recurring role in “Runaways.” What was it like to be part of those ensemble casts, and how did you approach building relationships with your co-stars?
It is funny, I realized as we were writing and then making this movie how much of a bias I have for ensemble pieces due to my career. I think it brings a certain energy when you genuinely bring together a cast of interesting people that bring things out of each other that can be so special and it was great seeing that happen in real-time with this project. These characters we had thought about for so long came to life in such interesting and unpredictable ways when we got our cast together and I love who each character became.
Black Long Sleeve Shirt: Acne Studios, Purple Sequined Skirt: Poster Girl, Silver Earrings: Justine Clenquet
Grey Skirt and Top: Nodress, Pearl Necklace: Shushu/Tong, Lace Tights: Calzedonia, Pink Sneakers: Asics, White Leg Warmers: Praying
What was your first professional acting gig, and how did it come about?
I think my first acting job was some kid’s show pilot I got through a friend of a friend. I grew up in LA so things like that just sort of happened. I was too young to remember much, but I remember eating unlimited Cheetos.
You’re also a musician and singer-songwriter. How does your music intersect with your acting career, if at all?
I got to be the music supervisor on ‘Pipeline’ and put a bunch of my friends from the music scene in the movie; which has become a great little treat for me now when I revisit it.
Black dress and Rose Earring: Shushu/Tong
Black dress and Rose Earring: Shushu/Tong, White Socks: Stylist’s own, Black Sneakers: Asics
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Do you have any hobbies or interests? Any causes you give your time to?
Mostly I’ve just been writing and playing Zelda lately, but I do still play music. I have my guitar here in New York with me, but I miss playing bass and piano. In terms of causes, we’ve been doing a lot with the movie to work with grassroots organizations fighting climate change every day. We did an event with Uprose Brooklyn that was beautiful and something I’ll think about for the rest of my life.
Who are some actors or filmmakers who have inspired you in your career?
My mom started my film education at a young age with filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Pedro Almodóvar. She also loves “Blade Runner” and would talk about it all the time and it has also become probably my favorite movie of all time. I think more recently though my favorite filmmakers are Lynne Ramsey, Claire Denis and Kathryn Bigelow.
White Lace Dress: Acne Studios, White Tights: Praying, Pink Sneakers: Asics
Grey Skirt and Top: Nodress, Pearl Necklace: Shushu/Tong, Lace Tights: Calzedonia, White Leg Warmers: Praying
Are there any upcoming projects or roles you’re particularly excited about?
None that I can talk about yet! Currently in support of all the strikes so everything is a bit on hold.
You’ve done both film and TV work. Is there a particular medium you prefer, or do you enjoy the unique challenges of each?
I just enjoy the unique challenges of each. There’s something special about TV and getting to live with a character for such a long time. But throwing yourself headfirst into a film, the sort of sprint of it is also extremely exciting and has taught me a lot about myself as an artist, especially lately.
White Lace Dress: Acne Studios, White Tights: Praying, Pink Sneakers: Asics
Black Long Sleeve Shirt & Patterned Tights: Acne Studios, Black Boots: Stylist’s Own, Purple Sequined Skirt: Poster Girl, Silver Earrings: Justine Clenquet
What advice would you give to aspiring actors trying to break into the industry?
Oh God, no idea. I feel like I am still constantly learning. The only thing that has ever stayed true to me is to keep the focus on the craft. The rest is noise.
Finally, what do you hope audiences take away from “How to Blow Up a Pipeline,” and why do you think this film is important in the current cultural moment?
I hope this movie can bring people together to talk about these ideas and bring this conversation into the mainstream in a new way.
Black dress and Rose Earring: Shushu/Tong, White Socks: Stylist’s own, Black Sneakers: Asics
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Deborah Ferguson
Stylist
Makeup
William Scott @ The Wall Group
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Interview
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