Julia Eringer – Good Kisser

By: Krista Ann Freego

Q) What is the premise for the film Good Kisser?

A) Simply put, it’s a love triangle about a lesbian couple that opens up their relationship to a third woman for just one night and the secrets between them. For me, it’s more than that. It’s really about these three people orbiting around one another all looking for something but never quite getting it – the missed connections which might not get them what they think they what but ultimately give them what they need.

Q) You play Mia in the film. How would you describe her?

A) I actually have the original breakdown…She was initially described as very relaxed and confident. A carefree risk-taker with swagger who isn’t interested in drama or long-term relationships. But that she’s hiding who she is. “Catch and release policy.”

Q) What was the most challenging aspect of playing Mia?

A) Mia has to come across as super confident and sexually experienced in order for the film to work as she is the driver of the threesome. Also, her ease and confidence heighten the awkwardness of the other two and, thus, the comedy. That unflinching ease and swagger was a huge challenge for me. In real life I’m far more awkward and insecure in intimate situations. But I really wanted to challenge myself to see if I could pull it off!

Q) Please describe Mia and Kate’s relationship.

A) I think they laugh a lot together and get a long really well. I think they enjoy each other’s company and are compatible physically. I think Mia is a person who likes to be adored and Kate (Rachel Paulson) clearly adores her yet Mia doesn’t feel stifled because Kate is in a relationship therefore Mia is safe – there’s no danger of this turning into a long-term thing. Or so she thinks…

Q) What stood out to you in the script?

A) I love scripts that happen over one evening like Before Sunset or Anniversary Party. And I’m always into dialogue-heavy, character-driven stories that rely on performance. That indie world is really my thing. Each character was super distinct which is something I look for. And there were plenty of challenges including a number of threesome sex scenes in which story beats play out – they weren’t at all gratuitous. And although I knew these would be challenging, I always like to push myself to do things that scare and stretch me as an actor.

Q) If you were to identify Mia under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, what do you would select?

A) I think she loves women. She’s probably been with men, but prefers the intimacy and emotion that women bring. I also think she prefers to be the driver of situations and because she is soft and gentle doesn’t do well with male domineering energy. I think she is polyamorous and doesn’t believe in monogamy for herself at the moment. But she would never say never. She is ultimately open to and excited by new experiences and things which makes her fluid.

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes from Good Kisser?

A) I love so much of it, it’s hard to pick! At the last screening I intended on only watching the beginning (since we’ve seen it quite a few times now), but I found myself laughing and enjoying myself so much that I stayed for the whole thing! But if I had to pick, I’d say the dance sequence with the mask – which was weirdly the most awkward and hardest to shoot.