Imagine finding the perfect partner—someone who is not only successful and charming but also emotionally stable. Then, you meet his mother, and the nightmare begins: she despises you. Welcome to an intricate power dynamic portrayed in The Girlfriend, a gripping psychological drama on Prime Video, derived from Michelle Frances’s acclaimed novel. Olivia Cooke portrays Cherry, who finds herself locked in a fierce rivalry with Laura, played by Robin Wright, who also directs the series. Laura, an influential art gallery owner, is determined to shield her son, Daniel (Laurie Davidson), from what she perceives as Cherry’s deceitful charm.
The drama kicks off with a sharp conflict: “Laura, put the knife down!” Cherry pleads from within a luxurious London townhouse, where chaos erupts. “I need to protect him from you! You’re sick!” Laura shoots back, showcasing a venomous edge beautifully executed by Wright. Cooke’s Cherry embodies a blend of dysfunction and allure, captivating viewers’ sympathy despite her morally ambiguous actions.
With the show currently trending as Prime Video’s most popular series, we spoke with Cooke, who was winding down after filming the third season of House of the Dragon and preparing for upcoming projects, including Brides, a thriller by Chloe Okuno. She shared insights about collaborating with Wright, the portrayal of female rage, Cherry’s provocative wardrobe, and some valuable tips on impressing a mother-in-law.
Vogue: What attracted you to The Girlfriend initially?
Olivia Cooke: It was Robin Wright. We had a brief Zoom meeting where she shared her vision for the project and expressed that she had me in mind from the very beginning. As a huge admirer of her work, it felt like a perfect match.
What was your experience like working with Robin, considering she was both your director and co-star?
Working with her was wonderful. It was a fresh approach for me; the hierarchy felt more relaxed, making communication straightforward and intimate. Between action and cut, we strived for authenticity, yet off-camera, we shared laughs and relaxed moments.
Cherry is such a multifaceted character. What excited you the most about portraying her?
I admired her unabashed ambition and her confidence in navigating a world far removed from her origins. Playing her anger and impulsiveness was thrilling since it’s emotion that many women struggle to express. Living through her volatility was a liberating experience.
Why do you think that is?
It’s a result of societal conditioning, right? Historically, showing rage could lead women to be labeled as unstable. We’re learning to reclaim those emotions, yet in British culture, showing strong feelings can still be seen as inappropriate in many circles.
As the series progresses, we unearth Cherry’s darker layers. What do you think fuels that darkness?
Her darkness stemmed from feelings of rejection and a scarcity mentality. With her lack of safety nets, she relies solely on her charisma, wit, and intellect to survive. This constant fear drives her actions.
Cherry and Daniel come from starkly different backgrounds. What message does the show convey about class?
It highlights the struggle of social mobility, illustrating that getting a foothold in higher society often feels like an intrusion. Elevating oneself shouldn’t be stigmatized; for Cherry, her initial white lies don’t cause harm similar to the actions of those billionaires who damage the earth daily.
Photo: Courtesy of Prime
One standout element in the series is its exploration of memory. Why is depicting different perspectives significant?
Because memory is inherently unreliable. My partner possesses an extraordinary memory, while I struggle to recall yesterday’s events. The show reflects how perspectives can drastically differ and how those variations shape our interactions.
The mother-in-law dynamic can be incredibly complex. Why do you think that is?
Fortunately, I don’t have any conflicts with my partner’s mother. [Laughs] But the dynamic might stem from how mothers see their sons—frozen in time, while partners view them in their complete adulthood. This difference can create a contest of who knows them better.
Any advice on charming a mother-in-law?
A nice bottle of wine typically does the trick! Sharing a lighthearted, perhaps mildly embarrassing story about your partner can also ease the mood—just show genuine interest in her; people love to feel valued.
Have you ever encountered a ‘mummy’s boy’?
Yes, briefly. It was an eye-opening experience and frankly made me realize that I didn’t have the energy to engage with both him and his mother simultaneously.
Cherry’s fashion choices are striking; they seem to enhance her power over Laura. What can you share about that?
Cherry is unapologetically sensual, blending her sexuality with her assertiveness. Her attire is deliberate, projecting confidence and allure. Growing up in Manchester, wearing glam outfits in club scenes instilled in me an appreciation for style as a mode of self-expression.
Photo: Christopher Raphael
You’ve opened up about body image struggles in the past. How did you feel performing intimate scenes in The Girlfriend?
I felt empowered and confident. Channeling Cherry helped me embrace my body. The constant stream of beauty standards online can create confusion, but remembering that bodies fluctuate is essential and a reality we must accept.
How do you manage your busy schedule?
Taking breaks is crucial. I often step outside of London, which surprisingly calms my nervous system. Embracing nature and spending quality time with friends while engaging in simple activities helps me recharge.
This conversation has been edited and condensed.
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