interview by JANA LETONJA

Megan Suri will next be seen in the New Line’s sci-fi thriller ‘Companion’, alongside Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid, releasing on 31st January. In addition to her growing film career, Megan has been making waves in the fashion space, attending events with brands such as Armani and Longchamp and the Cannes Film Festival with Paco Rabanne, cementing her status as a rising star to watch.

You’ll be starring in ‘Companion’, which is produced by director Zach Cregger. Can you share what drew you to this sci-fi thriller and your character’s role in it?

Zach Cregger and the rest of the creators behind ‘Barbarian’, and that it’s sci-fi. I absolutely loved ‘Barbarian’ and I’ve been wanting to delve into this genre, so I kind of just lucked out. Kat is also the first “adult” I’ve played on screen, so that was exciting and new territory to explore as well.

Sci-fi thrillers can be intense and unpredictable. How did you prepare for your role and what was the experience like working with Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid?

Well ironically, me being in this movie was actually also intense and unpredictable. I almost never would’ve been. When the audition for ‘Companion’ came in initially, I was super unhappy with my audition tape so I didn’t send it in to my team to review. I was too embarrassed to send it to my team, let alone potentially allow casting to view it and as a result, passed on the project altogether even though I loved the script.

A couple weeks passed by and my team circled back to ask if I’d want to give it another go since producers hadn’t found their Kat yet. I was already defeated and basically figured I had nothing left to lose and my acting career was definitely over, so I taped for it once again and sent it in without watching it this time. A few days later, I got a call from my entire team telling me to pack my bags because I booked the role and would be flying out to NYC to film immediately. I always try at least once more now.

As far as Sophie and Jack, they were both great to work with and to watch work in real time.

dress POSSE
shoes MANC
earrings and ring vintage from Clothed

full look ADEAM
shoes RETROFETTE
jewelry ALEXIS BITTAR

With ‘Companion’ set for a worldwide release, how excited are you to see how audiences around the world react to this genre-defying film?

Very excited.

You’ve been building quite a diverse career with projects like ‘It Lives Inside’ and now ‘Companion’. How do you approach choosing your roles, and what do you look for in a script or character?

I definitely hope to have a diverse career that defies genres, careful to not box myself into anything like every actor does. My incredibly loving and sweet dad passed away recently and his passing has left me with an entirely new perspective on life. Life is so short and tomorrow isn’t promised. That realisation has made me realise that with whatever time I have here, I have to make it mean something, not even necessarily for myself. When you move through grief, aside from the initial stages of needed isolation, there is also an underlying, desperate longing for true human connection, something ‘Companion’ actually highlights, the growing lack of in this world right now. So, I only hope whatever projects I work on in the future reflect that desired connectivity and perhaps if possible, make someone out there feel less alone.

jacket and bottom SER.O.YA
shoes RETROFETE
earrings vintage from Clothed
rings SHAY FINE JEWELRY

Horror can be a very unique genre to work in. What challenges did you face while filming ‘It Lives Inside’, and how did you navigate the intensity of the genre?

‘It Lives Inside’ was my first initiation into working in the horror genre, as well as my first lead in a respected studio backed movie, so that’s where the intensity lied. Every day I was moving through an entire spectrum of extreme emotions multiple times a day whilst also grappling with my own crippling impostor syndrome. My dad used to always say in dire situations that you have to “move forward,” and that’s how I navigate challenges. At least I try. While there is a certain amount of pressure and responsibility involved in making and leading a movie, I have to remind myself that I’m making a movie. How lucky I am that I get to do this. And if I’m not enjoying myself in the process, then what’s the point.

How would you describe your personal style, and how does it reflect your personality?

I like to look nice which in turn makes me feel nice. But I’m also still figuring out what my personal style is. It changes because I’m still changing. That’s what being in your 20s is for.

sweater JOES
lace bottom KIM SHUI
black bottom and hat STOLEN STORES
shoes LARROUDE
jewelry SHAY FINE JEWELRY

Fashion has often been an extension of identity for many actors. How does fashion help you express who you are outside of your roles on screen?

Similar to acting and wearing a character’s wardrobe, spending more time in the fashion space has allowed me to explore new facets of myself. And through those new discovered facets, I’m able to access different perspectives that ultimately aid in creating a richer, more well-rounded life in the characters I play. The more we grow, the more we know. The more I wear, the more I’m aware.

Looking ahead, what kind of roles are you most excited to explore, and are there any genres or characters you’d love to dive into that you haven’t had the chance to yet?

I truly just want to tell stories and play characters that matter in whichever genre they present themselves. And by matter, I mean be a part of projects that I and others can genuinely connect to. Stories that won’t get lost in the zeitgeist or the ever-changing tides of streaming. The beauty of art, in all its mediums, is that’s usually the intention. I’ll remain in pursuit of that for as long as I’m able to. Action would be really cool though.

TEAM CREDITS:
talent MEGAN SURI
photography BEN COPE AT MMG ARTISTS
styling AMANDA LIM at THE ONLY AGENCY
creative direction SVETA BULDAKOVA
makeup NICOLE WALMSLEY at THE WALL GROUP
hair KAT THOMPSON at THE WALL GROUP
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial direction and interview JANA LETONJA

IN CONVERSATION WITH MEGAN SURI

IN CONVERSATION WITH BANKSIA

IN CONVERSATION WITH TROIAN BELLISARIO