Greta Grewig is a 28-year-old American actress with an impressive track record in lo-fi indie masterpieces
Writer, Bret Easton Ellis has described her as “probably the most interesting American actress in movies now”. And he is a pretty interesting guy himself, so go figure.
In a year where Charlize Theron seems to be making a move for blockbuster domination, think of Grewig as the quirked out, crazy cool and “made for a Nylon photoshoot” alternative. Think Chloe Sevigny for the Gen-Y hipster cinemagoer.
Having launched her career in mumblecore masterpieces Hannah Takes the Stairs and Baghead, 2012 is set to be the year Grewig breaks into the mainstream. First up she is starring in Damsels in Distress, a frothy pastel coloured confection of a film by waspish director Whit Stillman.
It tells the story of a group of young women students at the grungy and male-dominated Seven Oaks College, where an “atmosphere of male barbarism predominates”. The florally named friends bond together to combat depression, bad personal hygiene and low standards amongst their fellow students.
Their methods are unorthodox, such as offering tap classes as a therapy for those with suicidal tendencies. The arrival of a new student sends the friends in to a chaotic entanglement with a series of frat boys and “rat playboy operators”.
Damsels in Distress strikes an intriguing balance of delightful sweetness and dark hilarity. Grewig’s deadpan delivery works well as it takes on a note of dynamic no-nonsense authority.
Grewig is also appearing in To Rome with Love, the latest instalment of Woody Allen’s European odyssey. Set in the eternal city, the film follows the fate of a group of Americans and Italians as they get drawn into love and adventure.
Expect an abundance of neuroses and smart talking set against staggering scenery. Oh, and Woody himself in some high-waist pleated chinos. Grewig’s character, Sally, gets caught up in a love triangle with her best friend played by Ellen Page and ex-boyfriend played by Jesse Eisenberg. Their story is just one that unfolds within an impressive ensemble cast featuring Alec Baldwin, Penélope Cruz, Ornella Muti and Roberto Benigni.
Lola Versus stands a chance of being the film that puts Grewig firmly in the spotlight. By the studio behinds 500 Days of Summer, Grewig plays the films namesake – a woman in her late 20s who gets dumped by her fiancée three weeks before their wedding.
Rather than dwell in misery, Lola enlists her friends to help her complete a series of adventures in sex, love and life. Messy, complicated yet ultimately charming, Grewig steps up as a convincing lead.
A self-proclaimed eccentric, Grewig brings a delightful air of the unusual to every role she plays. It is no surprise to read that she is a friend of Lena Dunham, the creator of Girls and Tiny Furniture.
2012 looks set to be the year that both of these indie overachievers get the exposure and recognition they rightfully deserve.
Jen Evans is a journalist specialising in culture. She aspires to one day be labelled an "indie overachiever". You can read more of her writing on her blog, Bookish Brunette.
Image via Damsels in Distress Official Website