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The opposite is true when co-stars lack chemistry.
The sparks never fly, their dialogue doesnt snap together, and their body language cant hide their discomfort.
Fortunately for anybody watchingI May Destroy You, the chemistry between Michaela Coel and Weruche Opia is spectacular.
Its the first time Terry and Arabella feel unburdened by any pressing deadlines or auditions.
Vulture spoke with Opia about the episode, working with Coel, and relating to her character.
Terry has become such an essential part ofI May Destroy Youin just the first few episodes.
And I was like, Okay.
She says, Its for Michaela Coels new project, and then I was like, Oh, okay!
I had three rounds of auditions.
There was a chemistry that was there.
I remember walking out of the audition feeling like Id just been on the best date ever.
A few months down the line, I got the call that Ive been offered the role.
What was your first impression of Terry?I found her relatable.
Id always wanted to play an actor, so this was my first chance.
Everyone, at the end of the day, does what they feel is right at that moment.
Whether whatever you choose is right is a different case.
People make decisions, and you deal with the fallout after and come back from it.
She was always there to ask questions or bounce things off.
Is that collaborative process usually how Michaela Coel works?Its very collaborative.
Also, I like the fact that she knows what she likes.
Shes always going to do what is best for the character or for the story.
There was never any ego or anything like that.
It was always, What is the best way forward, and what tells the story best?
In Dont Forget the Sea, we get to see a lot more of Terry and Arabella together.
How did you and Michaela work out those little personal moments?It was strangely effortless.
We were fake friends to start off with, but we did become real friends.
There was no practice.
We just instinctively did what we did, and it was very fun.
We had that chemistry, which Im glad comes out.
Theres an unspoken unbalance between them, but they still relate to each other very closely.
Did you ever talk about that with Michaela?No, we never really spoke about it.
It was just all instinctive.
I personally would always want to support my friends, regardless of what stage they are in in life.
And there are perks of having a best friend who travels.
The characters are always saying, My birth is your birth; my death is your death.
I can definitely see myself and my best friends were like that.
Im hoping that there can be clear-cut responses to that.
Since the show focuses on issues around consent, what was it like preparing for intimate scenes on set?
It was a very respectful environment.
Only the people involved were there.
It was a very comfortable and safe space.
Maybe if she didnt see those guys walking off, she might have been more excited to come forth.
I guess she also knows that Arabella can be quite out there.
I actually dont know.
I do think she decided she was in charge of it.
