Movies

Meghann Fahy survived ‘White Lotus.’ Now comes the date from hell

BBG News

Occasionally, you may need to pick up abilities swiftly in a fresh role – take it from Meghann Fahy, she knows all about learning something new, metaphorically speaking, such as mastering a complex task or technique. (Imagine “stabbing” is replaced with “mastering” or “learning” a skill.)

She’s an actress with limited background in portraying violent acts. However, the upcoming movie “Drop” (releasing this Friday), a chilling thriller where she plays a widowed mother whose harrowing choice to reenter dating results in a terrifying first date tale for the history books, pushes Fahy into unanticipated scenarios. This is why she’s now discussing the learning process involved with achieving a flawless piercing cut on a Zoom call.

Fahy, with a playful seriousness, remarks that making the act of stabbing someone appear appealing is quite challenging, a lesson she received from director Christopher Landon on “Happy Death Day”. On the day itself, he showed her the result, which was disastrous. He then demonstrated how to do it correctly, mimicking a downward slash with a clenched fist. He had extensive experience in filming such scenes and was showing her the ropes. It turned out to be much more difficult than she had anticipated.

The Blumhouse thriller offers a significant challenge to the rising fame of the 34-year-old actor, following her breakthrough role in 2017 on Freeform’s “The Bold Type” as an assistant at a Cosmopolitan-like magazine. Her popularity skyrocketed with her portrayal of Daphne Sullivan, a housewife who appears deceptively shallow, in the second season of HBO’s hit series “The White Lotus”.

Her exceptional performance earned her an Emmy nomination, sparking a flurry of activity since then. She’s graced our screens in “The Perfect Couple” and the acclaimed Sundance movie “Rebuilding,” alongside Josh O’Connor. Coming up in May, you can catch her in Netflix’s dark comedy “Sirens,” starring alongside Julianne Moore. She’s also busy filming “The Good Daughter” for Peacock, a limited series adapted from Karin Slaughter’s 2017 novel and featuring Rose Byrne. However, “Drop” marks Fahy’s first leading role in a feature film.

The movie, penned by Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach, focuses on Violet (Fahy), who finds herself on a date after many years with Henry (Brandon Sklenar), an almost perfect gentleman who remains unfazed by her status as a widow with a young child. Despite postponing their meeting for three months through texting, the man seems ideal. However, Violet’s phone usage during dinner might just be what ends their potential relationship.

Initially, it’s about a mother eagerly savoring a child-free evening but yearning for assurance everything is fine at home. However, when anonymous menacing messages bombard her phone in a chic high-rise Chicago restaurant, the tranquility of her date vanishes. As she uncovers that these messages are connected to a burglar who has taken hostage her son and sister at home, threatening their lives unless she obeys his commands, the situation transforms into an intense test of survival and raw instinct. The restaurant, serving as the main setting of the film, intensifies the suspense with its claustrophobic atmosphere.

In simpler terms, the storyline may seem overly dramatic at first glance. However, beneath the melodramatic surface, Violet is a character who has overcome domestic abuse and now provides support to others in similar situations. Her struggle of feeling trapped by relationships, work, or family becomes a very recognizable situation when you consider Fahy’s perspective.

The actor reminisces about a torn note his mom discovered from his grandmother. It read something along the lines of: “You won’t realize your own strength until being strong is your only choice.” He believes this sentiment resonates with Violet, as we’ve all encountered unexpected situations that push us to discover our resilience. Whether it’s a breakup, health scare, or other unforeseen event, everyone has moments where they surprise themselves by navigating through tough times.

Fahy is joining us from Atlanta, where she’s gearing up for another day of shooting “The Good Daughter.” Her hair is still slightly wet, and she can’t help but share a chuckle with fellow women about the area’s high humidity. She then shows us a picture from a recent hot day – her hair was so big it reminded her of Monica Geller from ‘Friends’ on vacation! Her hair looked incredibly full, not a frizzy mess; even Monica would have approved.

Instead of listening to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” for inspiration while filming “Drop”, Fahy admits that she played it on repeat in the morning as a way to maintain a cheerful mood before heading to set. Since the set was windowless and disconnected from the outside world, she found it helpful to keep things lively with her favorite tune.

Discussing the potential impact of the tension-filled vibration notifications in the movie “Drop,” Fahy becomes enthusiastic as she reminisces about the challenging process of authentically creating that suspenseful atmosphere.

In her own words, she explains, “Someone was out of frame saying, ‘Buzz…’ – it was almost as if that’s what they were saying.” She goes on to describe multiple scenes where “She would look down, see a meme, then look up at Henry, and then look down again at the security camera. These sequences had me focusing on different things and responding accordingly, often glancing towards the corner of the camera frame. It was like a delicate dance between myself and the crew, as I needed someone to guide me through the sequence of events.

However, nothing could have fully equipped her for the physical strain of being suspended by a harness. A pivotal scene in the movie, frequently emphasized in its promotional material, showcases Fahy hanging precariously from a broken restaurant window.

As someone who’s never experienced it before, it’s impossible to comprehend, but let me share my tale: That fateful day left me flat on my back, struggling to catch my breath and move a muscle. Spending prolonged periods suspended in a harness was an uncomfortable ordeal, making it hard to breathe properly. Adding to the discomfort were the racing thoughts and panic that ensued. I had to manipulate my body in a precise manner while gripping onto this rope concealed by tablecloths. It was a demanding task both technically and physically.

Landon believes Fahy’s multi-layered performance in “The White Lotus” makes her perfectly suited for the role in “Drop.” This role primarily revolves around Violet, who appears to be on a date while secretly investigating a mystery and safeguarding her son at the same time.

According to Landon, Fahy primarily focused on her “White Lotus” role while dining at breakfast and dinner tables. He describes her as an intriguing blend of actresses like Julia Roberts and Michelle Pfeiffer, captivating viewers so much that they can’t look away when she’s on screen. This, he believes, is the reason people are drawn to her performance.

Growing up in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, it wasn’t a subject Fahy thought about frequently. Instead, her heart belonged to singing from an early age.

At age 8, during my very first live performance at a Girl Scout talent show, I sang ‘What a Girl Wants’ by Christina Aguilera. My hair was adorned with butterfly clips and I wore a satin V-neck from Limited Too,” Fahy reminisces. As I acknowledge the vibrant energy of that late ’90s era, she adds, “Don’t you still feel the glitter from the butterfly clips?

She admits she struggled greatly with severe anxiety as a child. However, she’s improved considerably due to long-term therapy. Despite the difficulties, such as being forced onto the stage, she found solace in singing. She felt an overwhelming sense of joy when she sang, and it was during those moments that she felt most at peace. Later on, she joined other performers on stage.

16th birthday trip to New York City signaled a significant change in her life. Her parents took her to watch “Chicago,” as she was deeply captivated by the movie. At age 18, Fahy decided to move there herself. She landed an understudy role in the musical “Next to Normal” and later became part of the main cast when the show moved to Broadway two years after. Having found representation from that production, she began auditioning for acting roles, including the soap opera “One Life to Live.

She didn’t intentionally plan for any of it, but somehow found herself drawn to it and developed a fondness for it instead. To make ends meet, she worked as a server and took care of children when necessary.

For me, those intense moments and the sensation they evoke during the hustle are unforgettable. I recall when pilot seasons were a reality, and I’d find myself juggling five auditions in just one day, with each one being a medical procedural that demanded intricate dialogue memorization. The waiting room would be packed, filled with 30 hopefuls, some even catching a few winks on the floor. On one occasion, it was me who dozed off, exhausted from the relentless pursuit of my dreams. It’s a madness, an intense experience that I can’t help but cherish, as it came before my career took off.

It continually amazes me that there’s nothing we can do to dictate when or if something will occur.

As fate would have it, “The Bold Type” became more than just a TV show for me; it catapulted my life in an unexpected direction. I still remember those early days when I joined the cast, fresh-faced and eager, embarking on my first series-regular role. Balancing humor with moments of raw vulnerability was a challenging yet rewarding experience. This show, centered around three ambitious young women navigating their careers and love lives, has left an indelible mark on me and opened doors I never knew existed.

She shares, “During this role, I discovered a great deal about my abilities as an actor and uncovered my unique comedic style.” The project was excellent, but it also underscored the need for persistence in finding a major breakthrough.

As a movie aficionado, I’m finding myself on the brink of tears right now, reflecting back to when ‘The Bold Type’ first graced my screen. At that time, I was drowning in debt, and the arrival of my initial paycheck felt like a beacon of hope. The number seemed overwhelmingly grand, but little did I know…

That joyful sum was soon whittled down by taxes and commissions. A 20% commission took a substantial chunk, and then there’s the additional 5% for my lawyer. I had envisioned this windfall as the key to unlocking my financial freedom. Every day, moments like sipping a $7 coffee remind me of that dream – a dream that seems just out of reach, but I cling to it nonetheless. The thought of it never leaves my mind, fueling the belief that one day, I’ll look back and say, “I did this.

After the series “The Bold Type” ended in 2021, Fahy sought new opportunities. One of these was auditioning for the part of a rich but unsatisfied trophy wife in the debut season of “The White Lotus.” Although Alexandra Daddario landed the role, creator Mike White remembered Fahy and invited her back for Season 2 to add complexity to the wealthy spouse of an annoying finance mogul (portrayed by Theo James).

She admitted that the stage she stepped onto was quite daunting as it followed ‘The Bold Type’ and ventured into HBO territory, which boasted names like Michael Imperioli and other esteemed individuals. Overwhelmed with fear, she shares that her performance wasn’t primarily due to her own abilities but rather the exceptional caliber of everyone else involved. Each performer was at the peak of their game, making it a unique experience in its focus. Upon release, she had no idea what the reception would be like. The process turned out to be both rewarding and chaotic. She hadn’t experienced so many interviews before, and she questioned whether she would sound foolish or if she even knew what she was talking about.

During this video call, Fahy appears calm and at ease while discussing dance navigation. Despite being asked about her plans for watching the Season 3 finale of “White Lotus,” which will air 48 hours later, she remains unperturbed. When questioned, Fahy explains that she’s saving the last three episodes to enjoy a full day immersed in the show’s world. Moreover, she needs to wait as she’ll be watching it with her partner, emphasizing their shared viewing experience.

Her partner is Leo Woodall, an actor she worked with on “White Lotus,” where he played Jack, a suspicious young British man. They made their relationship public in February 2024, following several months of rumors. Maintaining privacy amidst the growing interest in her personal life, particularly dating, is like being in a Hollywood mystery story.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve always been accustomed to observing from behind the lens rather than being in the spotlight. However, experiencing something firsthand can offer a unique perspective. Initially, it was a jarring revelation, realizing how intrusive and unsettling such attention can be. Despite maintaining my usual routine, I suddenly grasped the impact it could have on others. Compelled by empathy, I decided early on that if I had the opportunity to lessen this intrusion, I would certainly do so.

1. She prefers conversations nearby to focus on her projects, and Fahy remains calm about seizing opportunities as they arise.

2. Instead of idle chat, she’d like discussions near her centered around her job, while Fahy stays cool about taking advantage of the moment.

3. Rather than gossip, she wants talk close by to revolve around her work, and Fahy keeps his composure when it comes to capitalizing on the present situation.

4. She finds it more suitable for discussions nearby to be about her professional endeavors, while Fahy doesn’t panic but instead takes action when an opportunity arises.

5. Instead of small talk around her, she’d prefer it to revolve around her work, and Fahy stays collected in his pursuit of taking advantage of the situation at hand.

She expresses that the events in her career have far exceeded any dreams she had at 18 when she first arrived in New York. Her method for portraying characters mirrors how she handles everything – taking it one day at a time, cherishing and enjoying each experience as she knows how temporary it can be. Even if she never worked again, she would be immensely proud of her accomplishments so far; anything beyond that is simply an added bonus, like extra toppings on a fantastic cake.

Apart from this, Fahy also wants to reveal something else as she steps into the spotlight for the first time as a fresh face of Hollywood’s scream queens.

She suggests, in most cases, when out on a date, having your phone on the table indicates the end of the date. It’s not particularly romantic, but considering you might be a parent, it’s understandable if you need to stay reachable.

Read More

2025-04-09 13:32

Previous post Inflation Drama: What Will the Numbers Reveal? 🤔💸
Next post Sabrina Carpenter’s £6.99 Festival Shocking Twist Revealed!