Interview: ‘Hard Truths’ Star Marianne Jean-Baptiste Discusses Starring in Mike Leigh’s Latest Film

Whenever you see Marianne Jean-Baptiste on the screen, you know you’re in good hands. With Hard Truths, her latest collaboration with filmmaker Mike Leigh, she’s given one of the most difficult roles you can imagine. She has to play an almost always insufferable character and make you care about her. That she does it so well is not just a testament to how good Jean-Baptiste is in the movie, it’s proof why she’s one of the more underrated character actors out there. With her performance earning acclaim and putting her in the heat of the Oscar race for Best Actress, I had some time to spend on Zoom with her. Today, that discussion is coming your way.

Below, you can see my conversation with Jean-Baptiste. We’re both ready for the holiday break, which is a running joke in the chat, but we have a good time here. She’s a lovely woman and not just connected to her role, but to the craft as well. It makes for a very easy talk about how she played this difficult woman so very well. If you’re a fan of good acting, prepare for great acting when you give Hard Things a look.

Here now is my interview with Hard Truths star Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Enjoy:

Hard Truths is now playing!