Ciara Bravo

Cherry: Can you look back to when you met the one you love the most and remember exactly how it was? Not as in where you were or what she was wearing, but rather in what you saw in her that made you say Yes, this is what I came for. 

Emily: Sometimes I feel like love doesn’t actually exist. It’s just pheromones playing tricks on people. I’m living for good at the end of the semester. I really wanna go to school in Canada.

Emily’s words changed the course of the film and someone’s actual life. How do you feel about those two scenes? 

These are two of the most important scenes in the film. Clear definers of where each character stands in their ideas of love. 

Did you know the repercussion it would make and the following chain of events as your character?

Emily is so young and is falling in love with Cherry. Anyone who has been there before knows how terrifying that experience is. That level of vulnerability is a horror house. It was clear to me why Emily would want to flee from that experience. I don’t think anyone would be able to predict their partner spontaneously enlisting in the army. Although, later down the line, I do think she blames herself and I expect other people will too. Emily is smart, I know there is a part of her saying, “If you didn’t say that, if you didn’t walk away, we wouldn’t be here right now.” And while we all know that isn’t the truth, that guilt is what makes her so human. 

Can you tell us about working with the masterminds Anthony and Joe Russo?

As an actor, it’s always a pleasure to get the chance to work with directors, like Anthony and Joe, who prioritize collaboration and truly listen to the other creators in the room. They had such a clear, strong vision for what they wanted this film to be and it was a joy to get the opportunity to help them bring it to life. 

Your co-star Tom Holland, portrays Nico “Cherry” Walker, how did it feel working alongside Tom?

I could not have asked for a better partner in the process of making this movie. Tom is an absolute force. Knowing I had someone like him to lean on in these scenes, someone I could trust was willing to go to the places we needed to go to, and would catch me if I stumbled made the idea of tackling these difficult scenes feel surmountable. 

What kind of preparation did you and Tom need to do in order to understand the depth of these characters so consistently?  

Bringing to life a story as personal as someone’s battle with addiction is a huge responsibility and not one either of us took lightly. We put our hearts and souls into our research, both speaking to countless individuals who had been through similar journeys. Sharing with each other pieces of stories we learned to help build two three dimensional characters. 

The production took place in Cleveland, Ohio. According to the Russo brothers, editing for Cherry took place as it was filmed to allow them to see what they were missing and if they needed to “rewrite or reshoot” parts of the film. How many re-writes and re-shoots did you participate in?

Re-writes were happening every day on set. We’d come to work and rehearse the scene and change whatever didn’t feel right in the moment. I’m so grateful for this style of working. This level of trust, freedom, and space allowed us to find new depths within the scene and our characters. As far as new scenes, Emily was included in two or three additions, but, if memory serves, no re-shoots were needed. 

Have you read Nico Walker’s book before the film or were you aware of the story before being cast in the film?

I was a big fan of Nico’s book before I was even aware of the film. I was impressed with his prose, he captured such a specific experience in a way that felt universal. It’s difficult to give yourself and your audience permission to laugh in dark moments, but he found the line and walked it well. 

This is such a major step by both of you in terms of character development and performance? What are your thoughts on your progression as an actor? 

As I grow, I hope my work grows and matures with me and that is what Cherry is for me. It is the next step into my career in a more adult world telling different stories. 

How do you feel your fans will react to this film? Some of the scenes are tough to watch, do you think audiences, especially fans of your early work, are prepared to see something like this?

This story isn’t for everyone…not every story is for everyone. It is definitely not a film for young kids, but I hope that those who do watch are able to see this story for what it is and leave with a sense of empathy for those in their life coping with something similar. 

Are you ready for such a major change? Stepping up to potential “in-contention” award drama Cherry?

This was the kind of role I was ready to play; it was a conscious next step for me in my career. I was ready to take this step into something I had never done before, and I hope to continue to get the opportunity to tell such important stories. 

Do you believe in escapism? 

I believe escapism is important, within moderation, to coping with difficult experiences. A chance to step outside of yourself and catch your breath, so you have the mental clarity and strength to continue forward.

Does it always have to be chemically induced or can it be spiritual?

Escapism can be found in so many places: storytelling like movies or books, leaving the city and finding a connectedness to nature, meditation, music. With practice and willingness, I truly believe you can find it anywhere and in anything. It’s unique to the person who needs it.

Cherry touched us the same way as Requiem for a Dream and Heath Ledger’s Candy. What are your thoughts on how Cherry will be perceived in 10-20 years? 

First and foremost, thank you. One can only hope that their movie has this type of impact on someone, so hearing this means the world. The movie hasn’t been widely released yet, so I can’t even imagine how people today are going to react let alone 10-20 years from now. That being said, I look forward to finding out. 

Cherry and Emily have a complex relationship that ultimately leads to their shared struggle with addiction. Can you share your thoughts on how their love for each other takes them to such extremes?   

I find it quite easy to romanticize the type of love Cherry and Emily find themselves in, but it’s important to recognize the toxicity of their co-dependency. These are two characters who have allowed themselves to get so lost in another person that they end up completely losing themselves. I do think they have a very real love for each other, but that ends up getting lost in the darker need they have for opioids. You can only hope that these two are able to find their way back to the purity of their love in the beginning. 

What has your experience in this film taught you about PTSD, trauma and addiction?

Through my research for the movie, I’ve come to recognize how much shame surrounds a fight against PTSD and addiction. It’s a battle most people take on in the shadows. I hope that Cherry can help continue the much-needed conversation and education around the struggle of addiction and PTSD. In turn hopefully shedding some of the most common misconceptions and paving a road toward healing for more individuals. 

Were you offered the role? Did the Russo Brothers have you in mind for the role of Emily?

I learned of this audition through an email from my agent. I hadn’t worked on a project quite like this before, so it felt a little out of my league, but I was so intrigued by the story. An opportunity to play so many different versions of the same character doesn’t come around often for an actor. I knew I wanted to be a part of this project any way that I could. I put my audition on tape with my friend later that week, leaving it all on the table, sent it in and completely forgot about it (a habit I have to protect my own sanity). Around four weeks later, I received a call from my agent telling me I had booked the part. As you can imagine, I was speechless. No second audition, no chemistry read, no meetings. I still think he had the wrong number. 

We are living through major changes, global changes due to the ongoing COVID Pandemic. How do you keep yourself motivated?

Over this past year, it has become increasingly clear to me what really matters in my life. I’ve found it helps me to stay connected to those fountains so that the people, experiences, and opportunities that flow carry me forward. 

How do you stay in touch with family and loved ones these days?

I’ve become proficient on both FaceTime and Zoom. 

Usually, we would ask what kind of advice would you give your “younger-self” – for you what kind of advice would you give yourself in 20 years? (PS: we will check on it in 20 years)

Don’t ever show up an hour late with a coffee and no apology. And make sure you leave the city every once in a while, to pop the bubble and reconnect with the rest of the world.