When it comes to exciting new stars in the acting world, few rank higher than the engrossing talent of Maria Almeida. Striking in presence, aura and character, Almeida is a star waiting in the wings. The family-orientated rising star has taken off into the stratosphere thanks to her performance in the new Netflix flick, The Strays, a dark and ambiguous drama thriller that weaves through its textured narrative until resulting in a surprise climax.
Written and directed by Nathaniel Martello-White, the film’s plot revolves around a woman who lives a blissful life that has been shaped through the drive of privilege, but her perfect facade soon loses its charm when two strangers appear randomly in her quiet suburban town and start haunting her. It’s a twisting story full of lies, shocks and superb acting.
Later this year, Almeida is set to star alongside Aidan Turner (Poldark), Jessica Darrow (Encanto), and Amar Chadha-Patel (Willow) in the upcoming tennis drama Fifteen-Love. It’s an exciting change of pace for the talent and looks poised to push Almeida ever closer on her path to stardom.
We had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Maria, having an in depth discussion regarding her new film The Strays, getting herself into character, aspirations outside the industry, and her advice to anyone aspiring to succeed in media.
Watch the trailer for The Strays below
Head below to read the full interview
How did you first discover acting?
I’ve always loved performing whether I’m dancing on a stage or acting on a set. I just love the emotions that someone can feel from watching something. For example, when I watch films and as a viewer I start crying or laughing at what I am seeing. Performances can be so powerful and that’s what I want to do. I want people to feel things when I perform. I’m very close to my mum (she’s my best friend) and movies have brought us even closer. If I can bring families together through my films like other professionals did with me and my mum with their films, I would be so happy.
Which stars are your inspiration, the ones you want to follow in the footsteps of?
Even though she’s a couple of years older than me, I’ve grown up watching Zendaya and all the choices she’s made in her career are so smart. She’s so talented it’s crazy. I’ve also liked Meryl Streep since I was a little girl. Greta Gerwig is also such an amazing director, writer and actress. I read her scripts all the time just for fun. I hope that one day I’ll have the courage and confidence to write something as well as she does and show it to people.
What is your dream role?
I have three dream roles that kind of link in together. I’m a big comic book fan and marvel fan so playing any role in the MCU would be more than a dream but my favourite comic book characters are Jessica Drew Spider-Woman, Mayday Parker Spider-Girl and April Parker Mayhem (Symbiote). To play any of those characters would be an absolute dream come true.
How do you prepare for a day of shooting?
I just try to come in with a clear mind and try to have fun. Even if I have a day full of emotional scenes, I try to make it a happy day and interact with everyone as much as I can otherwise I’m just a quiet nervous ball of emotions in the corner and that’s not fun for me haha.
How are you feeling about the release of The Strays?
I have some nerves but overall I’m excited. I’ve been reading all the comments on social media from when the trailer was released so I can’t wait to read the reviews when the film is released. I also love to watch commentary YouTubers so hopefully I can watch people react to the film as well. That would be fun seeing all their reactions in the moment.
The film looks incredible! What can viewers expect from it?
The viewers can expect to go through a whirlwind of emotions. This film is the whole shebang when it comes to emotions so get your popcorn and snacks ready because you will be scared, thinking, enjoying, gasping, laughing and more.
How did you get yourself into character?
I tried to learn as much as I could about the character by reading the script and jotting down things about her like her personality traits and the reasons why she does things. I would look at the notes I’d written before doing a scene just to quickly remind myself what the character was like. Having Nathaniel as the director and the writer was also helpful because I could ask him questions whenever I was confused or wanted to know more.
What else is to come from you this year?
I have an Amazon Prime show coming out later this year. It’s a tennis drama called Fifteen-Love and it has an amazing cast. Aidan Turner (Poldark), Jessica Darrow (Encanto), Amar Chadha-Patel (Willow) and many more amazing actors. It has a lot of powerful stuff and we all worked hard tennis-wise and acting-wise, so I’m looking forward to that coming out
What are your aspirations outside of cinema?
There are a lot of things I want to do like get involved with charities and fashion but I’m still young and have a lot of time but for right now I want to continue my dance training and feel like I’m improving not just for it to help me in the industry but for myself.
What’s your advice to any aspiring actors/actresses out there?
Just do it. If you’re pushing back applying to an agency or a job to next week or next month, you won’t do it. Turn your nerves and fears into excitement by thinking of the positives and just do it.
