Despite charming Hollywood, Thomasin McKenzie reveals she has to work to silence her self-doubt. Photo / Woman's Day
Thomasin McKenzie might be one of New Zealand’s most exciting acting exports, sharing the spotlight with stars like Timothée Chalamet and Scarlett Johansson, but behind the scenes, the Wellingtonian admits she still grapples with anxiety and impostor syndrome.
“I was lucky I found what I’m passionate about so young – that helped me find my place as a teenager,” says the 25-year-old, who’s won fans with appearances in films such as Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit and Dame Jane Campion’s The Power Of The Dog. “But I’ve dealt a lot with anxiety. With social media, more people are struggling with those feelings of fear and confusion.
“The best thing I did was sharing that with people I trusted, so I didn’t feel alone. But it was a lot of pressure growing up – I’m a perfectionist and was wanting to do the best I possibly could.”
Despite successfully chasing her dreams abroad, Thomasin’s frank about the ongoing work required to manage her mental health.
“I have to remind myself I’ve worked hard for this, but I still feel impostor syndrome with everything I do,” she tells. “Being as prepared as I can be – working on the accent and knowing my lines – limits the anxiety on the day. And just reminding myself they’ve cast me as I’m right for the role.”
In moments of doubt, Thomasin remembers wise words from her mum, Kiwi acting great Dame Miranda Harcourt, who encouraged her to “be like a smooth pebble in a stream”, allowing dramas to flow around and past her.
She also practises patience – wisdom she’s now passing onto her 19-year-old sister Davida, who’s forging her own path on screen.
Thomasin explains, “These days, we see influencers on social media and stuff happens quickly for them. People are overnight successes thanks to things going viral – it’s all so fast. But it’s important to realise we’re all on our own timelines. Have patience and don’t rush things.”
It’s a tactic that’s worked for Thomasin. In her new film Fackham Hall – a spoof that crosses “Downton Abbey with Flying High and Monty Python” – she stars opposite Tom Felton, best known for portraying Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise.
“I’m a big Harry Potter fan,” she smiles. “I always wished I could inhabit that world. I wanted to be Luna Lovegood so I could go off with the witches and dragons. Tom’s a dream. He’s a wonderful person with a heart of gold.”
Thomasin was reading the Fackham Hall script, co-written by comedian Jimmy Carr, on a flight to Greece when she found herself in such hysterics, she decided she couldn’t turn down the role of heiress Rose Davenport, who forges a forbidden romance with one of her family’s staff.
Filming in the UK at opulent mansion Knowsley Hall helped her get into character.
“It was fantastic to get a sense of what it might have been like to be in an aristocratic family – and when you’re doing an upper-class British accent, you immediately feel pompous!” she shares.
Although Thomasin’s known for nailing accents, she says they’re more intimidating now that she’s set a precedent for perfecting them. She was also self-conscious about “whether I’m funny or not” while filming the comedy and as the lead role, felt additional pressure to ensure the cast was happy.
“If I’m higher up on the call sheet, establishing a healthy energy on set is something I always strive to do,” she tells.
As well as Fackham Hall, she’s starring with Amanda Seyfried in The Testament Of Ann Lee and is gearing up for her greatest role yet, playing screen icon Audrey Hepburn in the upcoming film Dinner With Audrey.
“I’m still wrapping my head around that!” she marvels. “It’s the biggest role and challenge I’ve taken on, so I’m nervous but excited.”
With so much happening in her career, Thomasin is grateful for the support of her boyfriend Benjamin Sarikaya.
She smiles, “We’re lucky he’s able to work remotely, so we’ve been able to go on cool adventures. He’s also a great photographer, so whenever I have events, that’s handy!”
Of course, pursuing Hollywood life still comes with homesickness. Thomasin adored spending much of the summer in Aotearoa – hanging out in nature, reading and crocheting – but when she’s overseas, she calls Miranda or her producer dad Stuart McKenzie daily to remind them she loves them. She also admires old family photos or images of Kiwi landscapes.
“That keeps me grounded,” she tells. “Mum often sends recordings of New Zealand nature or bird song, which helps when I’m homesick. Just hearing the tūī sing or Wellington wind helps!”
Fackham Hall is in cinemas from Thursday.