Photography Liam Bundy
Fashion Yasmine Sabri
Interview by Stella Hofferman
People can’t stop talking about Mia McKenna-Bruce, and rightfully so–she’s had quite a year. From receiving the prestigious Prix un Certain Regard at Cannes in May, to giving birth to her son Leo in August, to winning Best Lead Performance at the British Independent Film Awards in December, “quite a year” is an understatement. Despite her recent breakthrough, the twenty-six-year-old isn’t new to the industry. Starting as a child actress in 2006, McKenna-Bruce gained traction for her roles in British television programs such as Tracy Beaker Returns and The Dumping Ground. She has since starred in the 2022 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, alongside Dakota Johnson and Henry Goulding.
Mia McKenna-Bruce stepped into her biggest role to date, starring in Molly Manning-Walker’s critically acclaimed debut How to Have Sex (2023). The film is an intimate and honest coming-of-age drama following three British teenagers on a life-altering holiday, partying on the island of Crete. Her role as Tara–a sexually inexperienced teen, looking to catch up to her friends during their time at the resort–has earned her accolades from the British Independent Film Awards and the European Film Awards, as well as a nomination for BAFTA’s Rising Star Award. How to Have Sex (2023) will be released in the US on February 2nd, 2024.
Shirt: Brunello Cucinelli, Sequin Dress & Leather Gilet: Longchamp, Shoes: Casadei
How did you think the film–specifically your performance as Tara–would resonate with its audience? Upon its release, has there been anything that surprised you?
I knew Tara was someone who embodied a lot of young people. She’s a character that as soon as I read the script, or once you’ve watched the movie, you feel like you know on a very personal level. She feels familiar, and I think that’s because she’s so desperately trying to live up to the expectations her friends and society are putting on her, which is something that resonates with so many of us. It surprised me just how much this story and its characters have hit home to so many people, of all ages. I think the biggest shock is how many people have admitted to being or knowing a ‘Paddy’. It’s incredible that the film handles the subject so well that people are able to admit that because that’s where change begins to happen.
Shirt: Brunello Cucinelli, Sequin Dress & Leather Gilet: Longchamp
How to Have Sex has garnered praise for tactfully approaching issues with teen sexuality and womanhood. What do you think sets the film apart from its contemporaries of a similar nature?
I think what sets the film apart is that we figure out–in real time–what’s happening along with Tara, so we aren’t told how we should or shouldn’t feel. The emotions you experience when watching the film are your own. Molly really wanted to ensure that no one was cut out of the conversation. We didn’t want to make Paddy a monster, because then it’s easy for an audience member to switch off because it feels so far removed from themselves.
How has it felt to receive so much critical recognition and acclaim for your role as Tara?
It’s been surreal; I’m so grateful that the recognition means we get to continue speaking about this film–this story–and the pure joy we had whilst making it. Personally, as well, it’s just incredible to be recognized for the thing you love doing most!
Jacket: Longchamp, Shoes: Brunello Cucinelli, Denim Skirt: Uma Wang, Choker Necklace: Robert Wellington from Layers London
Did Molly Manning Walker (director and writer of How to Have Sex) have anything specific she wanted you to include or prepare for the role of Tara?
I think Molly’s goal with us bringing her characters to life was just to make them as real and as human as possible. We had a good rehearsal period where we got to deeply know our characters and their backstories so they were real to us too, and it was about bringing parts of ourselves–our own little quirks, I think. Also, having a genuine connection and chemistry with each other was really important.
On set, how do you maintain a comfortable work environment while covering such heavy source material?
Firstly, we had an intimacy coordinator throughout, which meant for any intimate scenes, or any scenes really she was a port of call for us and would continually check-in. Any intimacy scenes were fully choreographed as well so we’re as comfortable as we could possibly be! We also had access to a therapist the entire shoot and afterward. I think one of the biggest things for me though was how much of a unit the entire cast and crew were. It really felt like we were all in it together. We had weekly football, games nights, music nights…So we were a family.
Jacket: Longchamp, Denim Skirt: Uma Wang, Choker Necklace: Robert Wellington from Layers London
What takeaways did you have from working on How to Have Sex that you hope to carry with you in future projects?
I think the importance of working together, being this unit. I think when everyone has a genuine love and care for what they are creating, that’s when the magic happens. That’s what HTHS taught me.
What are some other stories you hope to tell in the future of your career?
I think just more stories that matter to people. It’s an honor to be able to give a voice to people’s stories, so I hope I get to keep doing so.
Jacket: Longchamp, Dress: Rundholz, Knit Shorts: Simone Rocha, Boots & Earrings: MM6 Maison Margiela from Layers London
Photography
Liam Bundy
Creative Director
Deborah Ferguson
Interview
Stella Hofferman
Stylist
Yasmine Sabri
Makeup
Charlotte Yeomans
Hair
Sandra Hahnel
Web layout
Naveed Shakoor
Thank you
DDA Personal Publicity