Kerry Washington Embraces Complexity in New Thriller Imperfect Women
Kerry Washington, the acclaimed actress who made history as the first Black woman to lead a network TV show in nearly 40 years with Scandal, is back in the spotlight with a gripping new project. In an exclusive interview in London, she opened up about Imperfect Women, Apple TV's adaptation of Araminta Hall's novel, which explores the intricate dynamics of female friendship through a murder mystery lens.
A Riveting Look at Messy Women
Washington stars alongside Elisabeth Moss and Kate Mara in this glossy drama, which has drawn comparisons to hits like Big Little Lies and The White Lotus. Set in a wealthy California milieu, the show follows three college friends—Eleanor (Washington), a philanthropist; Nancy (Mara), who married into high society; and Mary (Moss), a writer and mother—as secrets, trauma, and issues of class and race unravel.
"In the world we live in, there is so much pressure for women to look a certain way, behave a certain way, to please, to conform, so when we break the rules, when we get messy, it's riveting," Washington explained. She emphasized that the series invites viewers to see events from multiple perspectives, fostering empathy in an increasingly tribal culture.
Navigating Fame and Privacy in the Digital Age
The conversation turned to the theme of surveillance in the show, with Washington reflecting on her own experiences as a celebrity in an era without privacy. "When something goes viral, it's so overwhelming," she said, describing the fear of losing control over one's image. She recalled filming a scene where her character's romantic life is leaked online, noting that even her production team was struck by her portrayal of anger and terror.
Producing Change in Hollywood
Washington, who serves as an executive producer on Imperfect Women through her company Simpson Street, highlighted the importance of women taking creative control. "We're not sitting at home waiting to be invited to the party. We're throwing our own parties and our parties centre us," she stated, acknowledging that while representation has improved, it's far from equitable.
She addressed the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, noting a troubling retreat from inclusivity in the industry. Regarding her role as Eleanor, originally written as a white character in the novel, Washington defended the casting choice: "It adds more complexity and more depth... I just think we've cast a Black woman in this role and it allowed us to play with some different themes and ideas."
The Politics of Art and Identity
When asked about labeling her work as political, Washington pushed back, arguing that centering marginalized voices should be seen as inclusive rather than inherently political. "To say to artists of colour that centring ourselves is an inherent political act as opposed to a creative one feels unfair," she remarked. However, she acknowledged that encouraging empathy through storytelling is a political act, one that shouldn't burden only women or artists of color.
Embracing Emotion in an Age of Botox
The interview touched on Washington's iconic facial expressions, which have become internet memes. She sees this as a testament to her acting, but also highlighted the importance of emotional expression. "I am not afraid of a dermatologist, I love a laser and I think being proactive about ageing gracefully is a beautiful thing. But I also know my job is to have feelings," she said, advocating for authenticity in an era often dominated by cosmetic enhancements.
Imperfect Women premieres on Apple TV on March 18, offering a nuanced exploration of female relationships and societal pressures. Washington's commitment to shaking up the industry remains unwavering, as she continues to champion complex, imperfect characters on screen.
