IN CONVERSATION WITH MIA THARIA

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actress Mia Tharia is currently starring in the BBC’s ‘The Listeners’. Recently, Mia also wrapped filming a lead role in Taika Waititi’s highly anticipated dystopian sci-fi feature ‘Klara and the Sun’ alongside Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams.

‘The Listeners’ explores themes of perception, reality, and mental strain. What was it like to be part of such a unique story, and do you feel the series carries a message for the audience?

There is something that feels intensely new about this series, it challenges the audience in a way that I haven’t seen before on screen. I feel very grateful to have some part in that. 

In the series, you play Ashley, the daughter of Claire. Can you tell us about Ashley’s relationship with her mother and how it evolves throughout the series?

Ashley and Claire have been close since she was young, and she is an important presence in her life. I think Claire is quite a cool, slightly unconventional mum and Ashley values that. That’s why it’s so hard when Claire becomes distant.  

The series revolves around Claire hearing a mysterious sound that no one else can hear. How does this affect Ashley and her perception of her mother? Was it challenging to portray this dynamic? 

It’s a real struggle when Claire starts to experience the hum, as there is suddenly something that is unrecognisable to Ashley, pulling her mum away and straining their relationship that could potentially become destructive. 

Rebecca Hall is such an accomplished actress. What was it like working so closely with her, and what did you learn from her approach to acting?

She is an incredibly generous actor and has such a presence on screen. I got lost in her performance whilst filming some of our more intense scenes. There is a humility and subtlety in the way she carries herself and I lucked out completely having her as an on screen mum. 

You were scouted from your acting club in SW London and have had a fast rise in the industry. How did that discovery impact your career trajectory, and did you ever imagine things would happen so quickly?

It seems like things have happened quickly, but I’ve been auditioning for parts since I was about 12 and did a couple of short films. Over the years, I’ve gotten better and learnt so much from rejection. It was almost like nothing happened for so long and then suddenly everything at once with the visit from Isabella Odoffin. I’m still finding my feet, but trying to enjoy every moment. 

British Vogue listed you as one of the ‘8 Rising Stars’ from Cannes. Did this recognition impact how you view your career or open new opportunities for you?

It was such an amazing suprise to be listed alongside my super talented costar Pascale Kann. I think we were both a bit floored and it still hasn’t sunk in. It’s always nice to feel recognised, but also not to get caught up in it, and try to focus on the work. But Vogue is Vogue and that’s insanely cool, I can’t lie. It was really nice to share that experience with a close friend.  

You recently wrapped filming on ‘Klara and the Sun’, directed by Taika Waititi. What was it like working with him, and what can you tease about this dystopian sci-fi film?

Taika is a director I’ve always been in awe of, and it was a dream working with him. I love his filmography and it was such a gift to be directed by him. He is a director with a love for play and collaboration, and that’s the best energy to be around. It’s a very excting project with some really strong artists involved. 

When you’re not acting, what are some things you love to do? What are your hobbies or passions outside of acting?

I love to write. Playwriting and poetry really interest me. London is a real hub for theatre and literature so I try to see and read as much as I can. 

With such an impressive start, where do you see your career going in the next few years? Are there any specific actors or directors you’d love to work with?

There are some exciting directors like Charlotte Wells, Charlotte Regan, Andrew Haig and Molly Manning Walker, who have directed some beautiful films recently. I’d love to get to audition for them. I also love Richard Ayoade’s directing style, and if he makes another film, I’d be happy being a lamp in it. Jodie Comer, Papa Essiedu, Michaela Cole and Bella Ramsey are people I’d love to work with too. 

Do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations that you can share with us about, besides ‘Klara and the Sun’?

‘September Says’, a BBC and Element Pictures film, will hopefully be out in the next year. Super excited for the world to see it. 

photographer JENNIE SCOTT