Acclaimed actress Florence Pugh has opened up about her contrasting experiences with intimacy coordinators on film sets, describing some as "fantastic" while labelling others as "shit" and profoundly unhelpful.
A Divided Perspective on Set Safety
Speaking candidly on the Louis Theroux Podcast, Pugh reflected on the relatively new professional role designed to safeguard actors during filming of intimate scenes. The Oscar-nominated star confirmed she has "had good ones and bad ones," acknowledging the role is still in its developmental stages.
Pugh recounted that she performed numerous sex scenes before the position of intimacy coordinator even existed. While she described herself as confident and able to ensure her voice was heard, she also revealed she remembers incidents that were "completely inappropriate" in terms of what she was asked to do and how she was directed.
From 'Weird and Awkward' to 'Finding the Story'
The actress did not hold back in criticising her negative encounters. "I've had a shit example where someone just made it so weird and so awkward and really wasn't helpful," Pugh stated, suggesting the individual seemed more interested in being part of the set than in providing effective support.
However, her viewpoint is evolving thanks to positive collaborations. She explained that working with a fantastic coordinator helped her understand the "dance of intimacy" and move beyond the inherent awkwardness. "Finding the story of what it is, what kind of sex is it, how do you touch each other, how long have you been having sex for," Pugh elaborated. These details are crucial for building a believable on-screen relationship, such as one that has lasted a decade, a nuance she had not previously considered.
Part of a Broader Industry Conversation
Florence Pugh's comments place her within a wider debate happening in Hollywood concerning the use of intimacy coordinators. Other high-profile actresses have recently shared their own perspectives.
Jennifer Lawrence said she declined an intimacy coordinator for her scenes with Robert Pattinson in 'Die My Love', finding her co-star was "not pervy". Similarly, Mikey Madison shot scenes for 'Anora' without one, preferring to keep the filming process small with her co-star.
Meanwhile, Gwyneth Paltrow expressed frustration about her experience on 'Marty Supreme', feeling the coordinator's involvement left her feeling "stifled" as an artist. Paltrow's remarks drew criticism from figures like former Channel 4 drama head Caroline Hollick, who labelled them "irresponsible".
Pugh's position appears more balanced. She concludes that through the good coordinators, she has learned "how effective it can really be," recognising the value of the role when executed properly, even as the profession continues to define its best practices.
