You know you’ve heard her name at least and realized that she is for real when it comes to acting, but Stella Maeve is more than just a pretty face that shows up now and again when it’s convenient to have her around. She’s a serious actress that has been in a few shows and movies that have been truly special even if they haven’t gained as much attention as they deserved. Her career has been one that’s been climbing since she started up and is at this moment still on a role as she continues to appear on the screen in various roles. She’s shown her dedication to the craft and has managed to land some good roles here and there that have kept her career moving forward, and she has also managed to become one of those actors that you know by name, but sometimes only if you get to see her as well.

Here are a few other things you might not know about her.

10. Apparently she’s part Blackfoot and Cherokee.
She’s let it be known that she’s Native American and no one’s going to dispute this since there’s really no point. If she’d claimed such a thing and someone had spoken out against it then there might be an issue, but otherwise there’s no point in saying anything against it unless there was good reason.

9. She has a moderately impressive filmography.
She’s done a lot in the past thirteen years but it seems to amount to a very back and forth career between TV and film. That’s pretty normal actually but it also implies that a person is a jack of all trades but master of none. While that’s not entirely accurate it’s still the kind of perception that is given when it can be seen that one’s TV credits are just as long as their film credits, if not longer.

8. She’s been in several Law & Order episodes.
Stella has had six different roles in several Law & Order shows. These shows tend to cycle their actors over and over it seems, bringing back the same actors in different roles for different episodes. It makes for a fun time remembering where you’ve seen them before, but it also kind of begs the question as whether the budget for such shows is up to snuff or if they just enjoy seeing the same faces over and over.

7. She was in The Runaways.
The Runaways was a film based on the band of the same name that comprised Joan Jett, Cherie Currie, and Sandy West to begin with. Of course there were other band members added and of course Hollywood took some liberties with the narrative but overall it seemed like it was a stunning look at how the band formed and then dissipated. The Runaways were lauded as the first all-female rock band to come onto the scene and were extremely popular in their time. Once Cherie left the group however Joan and the remaining band members formed Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, continuing to build their fame.

6. She stars in The Magicians.
It turns out in this show magic is very real, and when Julia, Stella’s character, is not admitted into the same academy as her friend she is recruited by another magical society. The problem with magic in this show is that it is a very real danger to humanity, but it is also a tremendous boon if used correctly.

5. She has a modest following on social media.
Her following on Twitter and that on Instagram are only the low thousands, which might indicate she’s not all that active on social media, or isn’t as well-known. It seems more like the former to be honest.

4. There’s not much known about her upbringing.
Right now it sounds like she’s stayed pretty mum on her personal information as is her right. If you want the truth actors don’t owe fans much of anything other than a great performance. There’s no need to divulge personal information unless the celebrity in question wants it to be that way.

3. She started her career in 2005.
Whatever drive prompted her to get into acting it’s been strong enough to last for the past decade and more as she’s been making her way steadily forward in her career, taking the parts that seem right for her and doing the absolute best she can.

2. She starred in Brooklyn’s Finest.
She plays a very small part in this film but it’s enough to know she’s there along with several other big names to credit this to her resume. Sometimes it’s just a matter of showing up that manages to get you the credit you need.

1. She performed her own stunts in the film Flipped.
Imagine being flipped upside down in a car and have no one coming to help you except a mysterious stranger that has no intention of helping once he gets there. Then think of everything that lives in the forest deciding to come have a peek at what’s inside this flipped-over car.

Stella is definitely worth watching.

Source : tvovermind.com

The plot thickens—and sickens—tonight on The Magicians as Julia (Stella Maeve) makes a stomach-turning realization about Reynard (Mackenzie Astin) that leads her into a nightmarish situation alongside a supportive Kady (Jade Tailor). It’s the latest twist to test Julia’s sanity and, according to her portrayer, it may also be a stepping stone toward a stronger, maybe even more magical Julia than we’ve seen before. Let’s hope so, because if anyone deserves a break amongst the Brakebills crew, it’s this one—and maybe Quentin (Jason Ralph), who winds up in his own crazy scenario after abandoning the fantasy world of Fillory.

So Julia seems to be a pain magnet. How bad is it going to get for her?
Oh god, it gets worse than you can imagine. I didn’t think it was possible…but yeah. It’s bad.

Given her penchant for poor life choices, she still has that offer from the Beast (Charles Mesure) to get rid of her Shade self and erase all of her pain.
Right. It’s as if somebody comes to you and says “Hey, here’s an opportunity to [shed] anything awful that’s happened to you, a golden ticket to literally wipe your mind of whatever abuse or whatever it is that you’ve been through so you don’t have to deal with it.” That’s essentially what The Beast offered her. In the beginning, she toys with this enticement and later we get to see whether or not she decides to take his offering. It’s so enticing! I mean, imagine, if you didn’t ever have to feel anything again? God, if it’ll stop her pain? Absolutely.

But with the pain, there could also go her other emotions?
See, that’s the grey area which we will get to discover later in the show. It’s like, you won’t feel the pain anymore, but with that, you might not feel anything else either. So is it worth it? Is it worth relieving yourself of the pain and the hurt, but also suppress everything else that’s possible good?

Beyond all of that, where is she headed as far as her relationships with the others who are trying to save Fillory?
It’s cool because we do get to see more of Julia in Fillory, which is so much fun. I hope if we get a Season 3 that we get to really develop her there. We will get to see her interact with the people there. She’s got some things with Margo (Summer Bishil) and one of the last scenes we shot [this season] was Eliot (Hale Appleman) and Julia, which has never before been seen on the show. So I’m really excited to see how that comes out. It’s gonna be awesome. [Laughs]

And how do those two get along?
I think there’s a mutual respect.

I can totally see Eliot being like, ‘Oh, we should be best friends or something.’
Right, like ‘I hate you but I love you…I think.’ [Laughs]

Reynard—can the others forgive her for making a deal with the Beast that essentially led to Alice’s death?
Oh she feels so terrible. And with Julia, you know, there’s already the self-pity and the guilt. This is a woman who’s struggling to love her self, struggling to find her identity and pseudo-hates herself. Now she finds out that because of her, [that pact] has caused death. She blames herself. But I like to think that these characters are empathetic. Anytime somebody breaks your trust, you’re wary. But, that being said, you can forgive. Forgetting is another thing entirely. Totally different animal. But forgiveness is definitely alive within this world and these characters.

Can you tell us if Julia factors into saving Fillory?
She might be a missing link. I think everyone has something to do with it, you know what I mean? I think that’s where we can kind of see these characters come back together again…Fillory depends on it. Magic depends on it.

Has Julia come to grips with her feeling for Quentin?
I love that story because we never know where it’s gonna go. I don’t even know where it’s going! It’s just one of those relationships, I’m sure you’ve had them, I’ve had them, where there’s a sexual tension but there’s a best friendship and you love each other. Do you take it there or do you not? I think there are times where it’s like Julia’s into him and it’s unrequited. Or he’s into her and it’s unrequited. It’s like a balancing act and I think only time will tell. Ultimately, she just wants Quentin to be happy. And, I think, in this season we get to see that Julia believes her happiness is a lost cause. In fact, there’s a certain turning point in the season where it doesn’t matter to her anymore. She just wants him to have happiness because I don’t think she believes she’ll get it again.

Source : tvinsider.com

Hidden behind big, hazel-brown eyes and a bright smile is the heart of a dreamer. Stella Maeve is a performer searching for challenge with each new role she takes on. Returning to the SyFy hit series, The Magicians, we caught up with the engaging artist to find out more.

Let’s go back to the beginning. Where did you grow up?
The greatest city in the world New York, New York. Hell’s Kitchen, to be specific.

When did acting come into the picture?
I’d like to think the picture was acting and I came into it predestined… if you believe in that sort of thing. According to my mom, when I was four years old, my dad showed me To Kill A Mockingbird, and that was it. I was hooked. You couldn’t get me to sit still for anything except for a black and white classic film (and of course Boo Radley).

Biggest influences…
It’s too hard to pick just one! I’m constantly finding inspiration from many different outlets. My parents shared the gift of music, film, theatre, and the arts with me from an early age.
Prince continues to have a huge impact on me. He’s incredible – from playing 27 different instruments to composing every song he ever put out, directing/writing/starring in his own films, not to mention all of the artists he discovered/developed. He was one of the firsts (in my time, at least) to make sexuality fluid and androgyny acceptable. Being weird and different was a beautiful thing. We are all human – all one. I could write a novel on my love for and connection to this man. I think we come from the same alien planet.
My favorite movie is The Panic in Needle Park. You can’t take your eyes off Al Pacino in that film. It is astounding all around. Joan Didion, who is one of my favorite authors, wrote the screenplay.
And Malick… anything Terrance Malick puts out consistently blows my mind to pieces. His work is awe-inspiring, my favorite director.
Didion and Malick have this way of writing that’s stream of consciousness. It’s the only way I understand how to write. It puts you, as the audience, in the driver’s seat, in the characters mind, and takes you on a journey viewed through their (the characters) eyes.

You’ve jumped feet-first into a tough industry where there are more actors than roles to go around. How do you deal with the competitive nature of it all and the pressures, particularly women face to be a certain size or look a certain way?
It is a tough industry, you’re absolutely right. It is not as glamorous as one might think. I’d say my biggest competition is with myself. My team is constantly reminding me, “only you can get in your own way” and it’s true (and, oh boy, have I). It’s hard not to get in your head about things or put added pressure and stress on yourself. I’m still guilty of it. I remind myself in any given moment that all I can do is my best – be prepared, work my butt off, do the research, the reading, the homework and be present and find the joy. I try not to overthink things or beat myself up too much and to be ready for the next opportunity.
Society has us conditioned about what “beauty” is, but beauty comes from within, from the soul. These bodies are only temporary vessels which will eventually age, deteriorate and fail us. It’s what’s inside that really matters. I genuinely believe that. Beauty is like art. What deems someone or something as beautiful? It’s all relative, it’s all perception. There should be no wrong or right answer. I guess I just hope that the world will start to judge beauty on more than what is on the surface.

Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain, Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep… whose career do you look at and think, “I love their creative choices. I love their body of work…”?
You didn’t mention the messiah – Cate Blanchett! Yes, Charlize is incredible. So are Tilda Swinton, Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Jake Gyllenhaal, Daniel Day, Gary Oldman. I could go on and on.

Best career advice you’ve gotten…
I’m not sure what the best advice I’ve gotten is. Maybe I haven’t gotten it yet.

You’ve appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, Chicago P.D., Rizzoli & Isles and Law and Order S.V.U. to name a few shows. What did you take away from those experiences?
I think I’ve learned something different from every job experience. Whether I realize it at the time or in retrospect, gaining knowledge through experience is the only way to grow.

You are returning for season 2 of The Magicians on Syfy. For those just jumping on board, what do they need to know about the show?
Yes, season 2. The Magicians is based on a trilogy of books written by Lev Grossman. If you’re into the fantasy genre, then you’ll really enjoy it, but even if you’re not into fantasy, the books are a great read. The first season of the show is on Netflix, so you should catch up if you haven’t already!

You play Julia Wicker on the fantasy series. Tell us about her…
I do indeed. Julia Wicker… where do I begin?! She’s such a complex character. It’s extremely challenging to sink into her skin as she has so many layers. She’s fierce and feral, beautifully tragic, terrified, yet unbelievably strong. I think there are ways we all identify with Julia. We watch this young woman start out as a privileged Upper West Side girl and then turn into a street magic-practicing survivor. We get to watch her navigate this journey and hopefully come out on other side but, no matter what, she’s someone you root for.

What was your approach to playing her?
I wanted to play Julia as she was written in the novels, the way Lev (Grossman) had envisioned her and the way Sera Gamble and John McNamara formatted her for the screen.

Let’s talk a bit of fashion. Three designers you are digging right now…
I love what YSL is doing right now. Prada. I thought Burberry had a really cool fall collection (2016). Toga Pulla makes the most incredible boots I’ve ever seen. I just bought three different pairs.

How would you describe Julia’s style?
Hmm, Julia’s style is pretty conservative. It’s very A-line, solid colors, preppy and simple but chic, with some black jeans. I’m hoping next year we get to play more and explore with wardrobe and costumes in Fillory.

On a day off, what would you be wearing? How would you describe your style?
I’m liable to wear anything. My favorite thing is lingerie. For street clothes, most likely high-waisted black ripped 70’s style jeans, cropped tee shirt, no bra, with a loud vintage jacket (my army one or multi colored purple faux fur). Most days I look homeless… haha.

If you could raid one celebrity closet, whose would it be?
One?! I think Prince, Stevie Nicks, Chloe Sevigny, Cher, Bianca Jagger. Some of the greatest style icons of our time. The music world always takes such great risks with fashion, whereas actors (with some exceptions) tend to play it safe. I’m hoping to bridge that gap, blur those lines a bit and open up some room to play in.

When you have downtime, what do you like to get into?
What’s downtime? Ha. I love reading, playing music, jam sessions with friends, cooking, watching Netflix, hanging with my pup and my family, dancing around the living room naked. Traveling is always a treat and anything having to do with a spa is always awesome. People watching, seeing live theatre, art exhibits, museums, learning. I want to constantly be learning. That said, I love what I do so if I can be doing that, that’s what I’d prefer. Oh. Baths… I love taking baths. In fact, I might be addicted to baths.

Tell me something we’d be surprised to know about you?
I don’t know what would surprise you. I guess that I play bass and drums? Or that I have a secret passion for making floral arrangements.

What’s the master plan?
Okay. The master plan. Wait, isn’t there that quote “life happens when your busy making plans?” I just want to be happy, make my art, reach people through it and connect the world.

Source : hydrogen-mag.com

When we last left The Magicians, Julia was making a deal with the “devil” and essentially leaving her friends to die in Fillory while she seeks revenge for her rape. That’s a pretty heavy place to leave the show. If you have seen the trailer you know that everyone lives, but that just means there is more weirdness in store.
I sat down with Stella Maeve, the actress who plays Julia, who tells me about Julia’s journey this season, the ramifications of her rape, and more.

What can we expect from The Magicians this season?
Expect the unexpected. Expect everything that you wouldn’t. That’s the best tease I can give.

When we last saw Julia, she was pretty much bailing on her friends in Fillory. How is that going to play out in Season 2?
That’s an interesting take on it. I don’t think that Quentin views it as her “bailing.” He understands the severity of the trauma she has experienced, and with that comes great responsibility and great residual effects. I think that he gets that, that he understands that, and he doesn’t blame her for it. I think he understands that she is on her journey to do whatever is necessary to live with this pain. I don’t even think she was doing it intentionally to ditch everyone. I think in the moment, Julia was like, “He’s about to kill Quentin, I’m going to make a deal with the devil, essentially, to save Quentin’s life.” “Take me instead” almost, or like, “Let’s dance.” Get him away from the situation. In those moments, there is nothing saying that the beast wouldn’t kill Quentin immediately. So Julia is like, “Let me see if I can use him as a tool to get the revenge that I want, that will maybe help heal me, and also save my friend.” I think my intentions were good!

When we last saw her, Julia had the ‘god power’ in her. How long is this ‘god power’ going to last?
It’s not really defined, to be honest. We get glimpses of it, then it dissipates, then it comes back, then there is an undertone of that. In the books, there is a thru-line with that, and it ends with a result. Whether or not they are going to do that with the TV show, I don’t know. Julia, in the books, does essentially become a god. I think it is foreshadowing. Leaving breadcrumbs. Possibly. They won’t even tell me.

The Magicians always has weird and quirky plotlines going on. What kind of weird stuff can we look forward to this season?
It’s so hard for Julia’s character, because here we are on this culty occult show — I’d like it to be comparable to the John Waters of the world — all of these characters are having ludicrous, crazy, fantastic situations … and Julia gets the shitty end of that stick. All my stuff is dark and serious and I don’t get to play! That being said, Fillory is an awesome thing that gets to happen much more in Season 2. Julia does some … interesting things in Fillory.

Were you all dark this season, or did you get to shoot any fun stuff?
I loved shooting the Fillory stuff. I loved going to Fillory. It was while Vancouver’s weather was still warm, so it was wonderful. It was nice to be outside in this beautiful forest.

So you do get to go back to Fillory.
Oh yeah. Which is very fun. I hope in Season 3 we’ll get a lot more of Julia’s story.

Have you been picked up for a new season?
Unclear yet. I think we won’t find out until we air the second season. But that would be super fun. No one knows anything yet. But right now we are Syfy’s number-one show, so that’s positive, right?

What have been some of your favorite things to do this season?
Getting to work with Jason [Ralph, who plays Quentin] is always one of my favorite things.

Have you seen any episodes yet?
I haven’t. They sent them to me, but I don’t know whether or not to watch it. I have a hard time sometimes watching my own work. That being said, I probably should. Maybe I will. I caught glimpses, bits and pieces, of the first season.

I can tell, you are getting visually anxious just talking about watching yourself!
I want to exist in that moment and make the art that other people can enjoy.

Source : blastr.com

For Stella Maeve, a career as an actress was a no brainer. After falling in love with 1962’s screen adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, the New York native was motivated to follow in the direction of her parents, both of whom were accustomed to life in the entertainment industry.

“My mother was an aspiring theatre actress in the ’80s and trained with Stella Adler, which is how I got my name,” Stella told Maxim. “My father toured with a dance company for years and is a musician. As far as ‘breaking into the industry,’ you could say I’m the first but I come from a long line of creatives. It’s in the blood.”

Since landing her first feature film role in 2005, the brunette bombshell has continued to prove she’s way more than just a pretty face, with featured roles on Law and Order, Gossip Girl, House, and Chicago P.D. Despite a penchant for tackling more intense scripts, Stella is game for anything you put in front of her.

“I love all types of roles, from dramatic to comedic and anything in between,” she said of her career thus far. “I’m always up for a good challenge. I was recently talking about this the other day; I would love to play Courtney Love in a biopic about her and Kurt Cobain. That would be a dream.”

While she’s patiently awaiting for that dream to come true, the 26-year old has her hands full living out a completely different fantasy as Julia on Syfy’s The Magicians. Labeled by critics as ‘a more adult take on the world of magic,’ the trilogy-inspired series (formatted by Sera Gamble and John McNamara) follows Quentin Coldwater as he enrolls in fictional Brakebills College to train as a magician only to find humanity on the brink of destruction. Stella’s role as Quentin’s best friend, Julia, finds her denied from Brakebills and living on the outskirts of the magical world while she craves the taste of magic at all costs.

“Julia is a force. She’s intellectual, fierce, wild, beautiful, and passionate,” she said. “To have such a strong female character drive such a huge story line is an honor. I’m looking forward to anything they throw at me this year so, naturally, I’m anxiously awaiting season two.”

While magic may not be real, Stella certainly has us under her spell.

‘The Magicians’ star talked to Maxim about being an island girl, loving lingerie, and her ideal magical power.

1. If you could have any magical power, what would it be?
I’ve been asked this question A LOT. To pick one is just too hard. I’ve been able to narrow it down so here are two of many: I would love to be able to time travel, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure style, or to be able to render myself invisible at any given moment, yet still have the capacity to be the eyes and ears of any situation.

2. Do you have a favorite curse word to use?
I would say “cunt” because it’s just so volatile and vile. It really expresses whatever the sentiment is. It’s better than any other curse word.

3. What do you wear to feel your sexiest?
Lingerie. I may have a slight addiction. In fact I know I do. Kiki de Montparnasse and Agent Provocateur are my favorites.

4. What’s something on your bucket list that you’ve yet to accomplish?
To be directed by Terrence Malick. He’s my favorite. It’s my dream to be in a Malick film. I think he is incredible. One of the greatest directors of all time.

5. Do you have a favorite part of your body?
Aren’t we perpetually dissatisfied with all our parts?! [laughs] I guess if I had to pick, I’ve got great feet! I also like my freckles on my nose, across my face. I think imperfections are beautiful.

6. Is there a movie that you can watch over and over again without getting bored of?
Along Came Polly is fun, I could watch it over and over again. In fact, I have and I have yet to be sick of it. I think the supporting roles (Philip Seymour Hoffman and Alec Baldwin) in that film change the game of secondary characters. They’re incredible and hilarious.

7. How can a man go about getting your attention?
By fully being comfortable with themselves (and not to say awkward isn’t ok, just if it’s authentic). Being passionate about what it is they do and being passionate about me, or us, together. Being present. Funny, witty banter. I’m a sucker for romance and passion. I love when a man chooses me, initiates contact and shows his interest in me. But it’s got to last, it can’t just be about the conquest.

8. What is the worst pick-up line you’ve ever heard?
I’m from New York so I’ve heard the best of them. I have to say, the best one is, “Damn ma, how’d you fit all that in dem jeans?” That one is pretty brutal.

9. If you ever have any downtime, what’s your favorite spot to just hang?
On an island in the sun. I’m planning a trip to Jamaica and then a surf trip to Nicaragua. I love the hot hot heat and a warm, sandy ocean. What can I say? I’m an island girl! I also always love a good spa day. But when time doesn’t permit for travel, beach visits on a 90-degree day in California aren’t too bad.

10. So what’s next for you?
I currently have a film premiering at SXSW called Long Nights Short Mornings, directed by my friend, Chad Harbold, starring Shiloh Fernandez.

Source : maxim.com

Q) We are a few episodes into “The Magicians,” how has the fan feedback been on social media?
A) The fan feedback has been, from what I have seen and heard, fantastic. People seem to be responding well in regards to my Julia…our Julia.

Q) What can you tease about dynamics shifting as the season progresses?
A) Throughout the season, we get to see all different sorts of dynamics among the characters. Their relationships with themselves and with each other. What is great is that none of these progressions of change are ever “over” or “finished.” They fluctuate and sometimes back track (progress, regress) – emulating real life. We do get to see Julia and Quentin together again towards the end of the season. That much I’ll give away! And it’s worth it.

Q) Is there anything you have added to the role that was not originally scripted?
A) I tried to keep Julia as true to the books as possible, except for what was changed for TV format.

Q) What has been the most challenging aspect of your role?
A) I don’t think I can narrow it down. So much of this role is challenging. To be able to take a character as complex as Julia, already written in novels, and bring her to life on the screen…That, in itself, is challenging.

Q) What drew you to this project or role?
A) The people involved, the trilogy of novels and the element of magic and how it’s a metaphor for our lives. It was the depth, the darkness, the humor and the dark humor. And Julia. She is one of the most interesting characters I have ever gotten to play.

Q) What have you learned or taken away from your experiences working on the show?
A) I have learned how much art imitates life and how life enhances the art. I think with each character I play I learn another fact of myself. I grow more as an artist and a human. And with Julia in particular, I’ve learned a lot about my personal life. I have been through a lot of darkness. I made it through and I’m still here. It reminds me of this quote that I saw somewhere, “Let us walk through the fear as we reach for the stars.”

Q) Is there a specific moment coming up that you can tease or share you are most looking forward to fan reactions?
A) Later in the season, Julia goes through a very traumatic and awful experience. It will be interesting to see how viewers respond.

Q) What do you think it is about the show that has drawn so many viewers in?
A) I think because of the trilogy of books that the show had already secured a fanbase. And in moving forward with the television adaption, it has found a way to encompass fun, campiness and darkness all in one hour.

Q) Are there any special guest stars coming up this season?
A) A magician never reveals his secrets…

Q) Congratulations on the Season 2 pick up! What would you like to see happen for your character?
A) I’m so excited for Season 2! Thank you. I hope to stay close to the books and perhaps see Julia get to speak and develop her special relationship with animals.

M&C: The Magicians is terrific. It’s smart, cinematic and unique. What struck you most when you read the script?
Stella Maeve: Julia, these characters, and the books have this underbelly of darkness and grit. The show is also not afraid to make fun of itself.
Most shows in the fantasy genre don’t possess a raw, real, organic element combined with magic and fun, flawed human beings, which makes them difficult to understand. I love that.

M&C: Julia so wants to develop her powers, powers that seem to come easily to her friends. We can see how important it is. Is there anything you can relate to in that longing?
SM: I felt as if Julia’s “determination” and “longing” was more comparable to an addiction. This “thing”, this “magic”, got a hold of her, she became consumed by it.
And as a result, she was behaving in ways she never would have prior, finding herself in compromising positions with an entire spiral of events to come.

M&C: The Magicians is set in a series of worlds, some real some not, that stir the imagination. Does that help you as an actor?
SM: I think it’s harder as an actor to go to a “fantasy world”. However it’s extremely fun to get to travel to these mystical magical lands to play and to use your imagination.
However, there are no rules. It isn’t real life so what are the boundaries?
Luckily, the way this is written, we as these characters get to have those “uh…what the hell” moments where weird creatures pop out of nowhere and we can remind ourselves of the obscenity and ridiculousness of it all.

M&C: There are really disturbing moments that spring from naturalism, not from shock or gore. Did you find it scary?
SM: Julia goes through the most horrific journey in the entire series. It gets really, really dark. It’s always scary, being vulnerable. Being able to throw yourself into what you’re doing, and make those events, those emotions, true to yourself at that time and believing your truth as that character.