Robin Wright has once again showcased her multifaceted talent in the Prime Video series “The Girlfriend.” This adaptation of Michelle Frances’s psychological thriller intricately explores the minds of a new girlfriend and a protective mother. Wright’s vision was to create a captivating narrative that resonates with viewers.
Wright’s Role in ‘The Girlfriend’
In “The Girlfriend,” Wright directed, produced, and starred in the series, demanding significant multitasking skills. Drawing from her previous experience on shows like “House of Cards” and “Ozark,” this was her first opportunity to craft a project entirely from scratch. “You get to put your stamp, your vision, and hire your crew that share your vision,” she reflected.
Visual Inspiration and Collaboration
Wright emphasized the importance of collaboration with her team. Meeting her director of photography, Mattias Nyberg, they both prepared mood boards for the series. The moment they revealed their screens, they found common ground, both inspired by a scene from “The Graduate.” This mutual understanding set the tone for the visual aesthetic of the series.
Narrative Perspectives
The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Cherry, the girlfriend, and Laura, the mother. Wright’s approach to storytelling involved capturing a range of reactions during filming to authentically portray each character’s viewpoint. The dialogue was also modified based on perspective, allowing viewers to experience contrasting interpretations of the same events.
Juggling Multiple Roles
Wright admitted that balancing directing, acting, and producing was challenging. “I’ll do three takes in a row, and then I’ll go back to video village to watch playback,” she explained. Adjusting to this multi-role commitment meant she’d often work on logistics instead of rehearsing lines in her trailer.
Her co-stars, Olivia Cooke and Laurie Davidson, played crucial roles in making this process smoother. Their ability to adapt quickly allowed the filming to progress efficiently, providing Wright with diverse performances to work with during editing.
Viewer Reception and Cultural Impact
Since its release, “The Girlfriend” has resonated with audiences, attracting over 25 million viewers within the first month. The series sparked discussions about the dynamics between the mother and girlfriend, prompting audiences to choose sides. “When I invest in something, it better work,” Wright stated, highlighting her commitment to the project.
Future of ‘The Girlfriend’
Following its successful premiere, fans have speculated about a potential Season 2 due to the series’ ambiguous ending. While Wright did not confirm any plans for a sequel, she expressed her intention to leave the narrative open for audience interpretation. “We wanted to give you guys that fun game to play,” she noted.
Viewers can now stream “The Girlfriend” on Prime Video and immerse themselves in this psychological thriller crafted by Wright’s unique vision.
