She greets smiling, with hardly any makeup that highlights her large and expressive green eyes. The Madrid actress, 35 years old, captivated with Pablo Berger’s Bullfighter Snow White, was a civil guard in Paraíso and a young woman in crisis in The Call, the bombshell that elevated the Javis (Paquita Salas, Veneno) and herself. With 850,000 followers on Instagram, these days she addresses the part she least enjoys about her job, promotion.
He responds to the Magazine by video call with the same freshness that radiates on screen, avoids the personal and lights up when talking about The Messiah, acclaimed at the recent Donostia festival. An original series for Movistar Plus, with seven chapters, visually powerful, complex and mature. A step ahead of its eclectic creators, who have conceived a puzzle of disparate pieces: religious fanaticism, UFOs, music and a delirious isolation “to save the world by singing.” A critique of the power that oppresses the fragile served by a brilliant cast.
What is ‘The Messiah’?
A series told through the eyes of two brothers, Enric and Irene, who after years without seeing each other are reunited through some viral music videos of some girls with whom they have a bond. They must look to their past and certain traumas to resolve their present.
Religion and music “to save the world”, but very far from ‘The Call’.
Nothing to see. Here she is about a mother who is driven mad by her religious fanaticism. But fanaticism has nothing to do with believing.
What do you want to convey?
The story is uncomfortable and hard, but also hopeful. Addresses many topics. How childhood experiences condition us for life. The traces they leave on you. The vulnerability of children and how when you are an adult you must leave home to find your identity. Also about the important role that art can have as a vehicle for healing.
The Javis have gotten serious…
They have taken a giant, risky step with this mix of drama, thriller… In this case, comedy has a minor role, although they always have that traditional touch, a little pop and cool that makes you laugh. Life itself is already a cocktail of genres.
The cast is powerful and surprising. What can you tell me about Albert Pla?
His role is fascinating, he is incredible and he is a delightful companion. Well, everyone: Roger Casamajor, Ana Rujas, Amaia… the children… And of course, Carmen Machi and Lola Dueñas, with whom he dreamed of working. Very enriching. I’m very fortunate.
Two brothers, Ambrossi and you, telling a story about brothers…
But nothing to do with our life. We all have wounds to heal, not among ourselves but from our child self; It happens in all families. As an actress I find it difficult for the characters not to resonate with you, because you put your voice, your soul, your body. But this character and her experiences are far from me.
How did you approach the role?
She is a survivor, she has built herself by keeping quiet about her past, filled with pain. She is sensitive but she avoids her emotions because they would prevent her from living. That suffering had to be reflected in her body; it required deep physical and character work, a deconstruction of myself. The most complex thing was creating that backpack of contained pain. But then he walks towards the light, so getting out of it was nice and peaceful.
Both you and your brother studied at an Opus Dei school, what remains of your experience?
For me, that plot has not been especially traumatic. Although we do not agree with it today, there is something very conservative, strict and rigid in that education and it has consequences. Now I try to gain freedom and get rid of guilt, I work on it with therapy. I speak for myself, not for my brother, because everyone does their own process.
Are you a believer?
I’m not. In my own way I have contact with spirituality, but it goes through other places.
What has the profession taught you about life and yourself?
A lot. Connecting with other ways of being in the world makes you very empathetic, more capable of understanding and not judging. It’s a superpower. You work with very sensitive material, it invites you to look at yourself, and not go over it. Properly understood, this profession can be very healing. And very funny. It’s a gift.
Like therapy?
I don’t want to live it like this. I have been doing my own therapy for many years. In general, if you take advantage of the little things in life, you grow and learn. I try that, with everything I do.
Your best virtue?
Empathy.
A defect that I would like to eliminate.
Extreme perfectionism, self-demand. It is an innate tendency and I must continue working on it; I’m already starting to let go a little.
It’s funny how so many actors fear constant judgment and yet choose work that puts them in the spotlight.
Yes it is, but that forces you to get over it. I am taking steps to be more at peace in this sense. I still fear judgment, but I’m dealing better with insecurity and gaining self-esteem. The years go by and you gain relaxation, and focus on what really matters.
How do you define this vital moment?
Well, I would say that it is inner peace. I’m quite happy, everything is quite in order.
Sentimentally, have you overcome the breakup with your partner, the singer Leiva?
I’m pretty good, you know I’m not comfortable with these topics. But in general I feel very good, at a time when everything is calm and enjoying.
What cheers you up in low moments?
Simple things. See my friends, my family, go to the movies, read, take refuge in stories, in nature, walk, play sports, yoga, dance, be in contact with the body.
What worries you about current events?
So many topics! Climate change, which is already upon us; the constant murders of women at the hands of their partners… And the increase in suicides among adolescents. We must reconsider issues such as youth mental health, as well as their sexual education.
What irritates you about others?
The aggressiveness, the violence.
Are you overwhelmed by the pressure of the image?
Unavoidable in this society, especially for women. At 35 years old you already notice small changes, you become afraid, but at this moment I focus on other places and I have gained peace of mind in this sense.
Does filming directed by your brother add responsibility or ease?
I am very responsible, but it is the life project of my brother and Javi and I had to be up to the task. I think my work has grown by being with people who know me so deeply. I only see positive things.
What do they share?
The sense of humor. I am quite dramatic and at the same time very capable of laughing at myself. It is a virtue that I share with my brother and with Javi Calvo. With them we always work from joy and lightness, and although depth is sought, it is done from enjoyment, from a bright place.
Where is your career heading?
I don’t have a rigid idea, depending on the moment you need a more or less light character. I want to flow with scripts that move me and feel good at each stage.
What costs you the most about the job?
The promotion. In an interview you expose yourself, naked. What I am passionate about is preparing the role and acting: you come out of your skin to get into another and it is like taking a break from yourself. When you hear action you disappear for a while, you fly! There I sit in my place.
