By: Mariah Thomas
Q) What about the script for Zenithal that enticed you to join the project?
A) Its originality, its humor and its approach to modern social topics.
Q) What was the initial breakdown for you when it came to the description of Sonia?
A) I already played the character of Sonia, ten years ago, in the short movie that inspired the feature movie, so it was nice to get back to her and notice that she evolved quite similarly to me. The initial breakdown was to get prepared physically and learn self-defense to be credible as a teacher.
Q) This film follows Francis on the run after being a suspect for murder. What is Sonia’s role in his life?
A) Sonia and Francis (Franc Bruneau) are going through a couple crisis at the beginning of the movie, but this accusation and this crazy adventure they’re facing together are going to make them fight for each other.
Q) What gives Sonia the courage to leave Francis in the beginning and what brings them back together in the end?
A) Spoiler alert! [smiles] I think what makes Sonia leave and come back is love. She leaves probably because she loves Francis, but they don’t really understand each other anymore. But she doesn’t want to hurt him and she comes back because she realizes, in adversity, how much she loves him.
Q) Sonia and Marcus immediately fall into this detective-like dynamic to hunt down the real culprit believing Francis is innocent. How would you describe their relationship?
A) I would say it’s a mix between good friends who know and appreciate each other for a long time, and a bit like dealing with the mistress of your boyfriend. [laughs]
Q) Zenithal is such an immersive film with fun colorful shots and sets. What was your favorite scene to film?
A) All the movie was so much fun to shoot, but I’d say I particularly liked the scene where Sonia is fighting for her life, and to save Francis against Sweeper (Xavier Lacaille) because it’s at the same time funny, an action scene and an emotional scene. It was intense and great to play all this at the same time.
Q) You have a hilarious fight scene with Francis played by Franc Bruneau. What was your experience working with Franc and director Jean-Baptise Saurel to bring that scene from paper to screen?
A) That’s the scene we worked on the most! It was actually as if we were three characters in this scene. We had to deal with this huge dick – fighting with it was something! Very funny but technical.
Q) This is a film filled with many sexual jokes and puns. Do you have a personal favorite one?
A) Yes, it might be when Bruno Gouery says something like, “They were playing tennis… Pennis” (penis means the dick in French) or also “decabité” but it works with the French version. I don’t know how they translated it…I’m sure they found something funny!
Q) Of course, humor is a leading theme in this movie; however, the tone could be quite serious at times. Was it hard to deliver these funny moments in serious ways at times?
A) No, not really, because Jean-Baptiste wanted us to play everything very seriously, even when it was funny. And I think he’s right. When the jokes and situations are already very funny and delirious, we have to play it straight and sincerely.
Q) Though a French film, there are some lines in English. Were those written as such or natural moments?
A) Both [smiles]
Q) What do you think it is about Zenithal that will make it a fast fan favorite film to watch?
A) Zenithal is a film quite unique, a kung-fu comedy with a specific humor, and at the same time I think it’s credible in what it says about relationships and society. Also, I think a bit of absurdity is what we need right now.
Q) Are there other projects you have been busy working on lately?
A) Yes, I’ve been playing in four other films since Zenithal and shot my first short movie as a director. I am also writing a lot to prepare my first feature movie and also I’m a DJ with my sister “Reuss DJ.” We are playing quite a lot, maybe soon in the US! [laughs]
Q) What would you like to say to the fans and supporters of your work?
A) Thank you so much for having the curiosity to watch this movie! Curiosity is one of the best qualities; you will age well. [smiles]