Interview of Nathalie Morris by Freya Bennett
Set against the stark reality of 1950s New Zealand, We Were Dangerous is a gripping tale of rebellion, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of girlhood. Directed by Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu and written by Maddie Dai, the film follows three young women—Nellie, Daisy, and Lou—who find themselves trapped in a remote reform school designed to shape them into obedient wives and mothers. Instead, they forge an alliance, challenging the oppressive institution that seeks to break them.
Premiering at the Melbourne Women in Film Festival (MWFF), We Were Dangerous is a powerful testament to the strength of female friendships and the fight for autonomy in a world determined to silence them. MWFF is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and gender-diverse creatives, making it the perfect home for this timely and deeply resonant story.
We spoke with Nathalie Morris, who plays Lou, about her experience bringing this character to life, the film’s significance, and what it means to be part of a festival celebrating diverse storytelling.
Hi Nathalie, thank you for taking the time to chat, how are you?
Hello! My pleasure! I’m well! It’s our last day in London and we’re about to head out for a Sunday roast.
We Were Dangerous explores themes of rebellion, resilience, and friendship in a deeply historical context. What drew you to the role of Lou, and what did you find most challenging about portraying her?
I was pulled in initially by Maddie Dai’s unique writing. So quick, witty, and silly, but full of heart and with something important to say. I knew her as a cartoonist, and was so intrigued by how those skills would translate to film. The biggest fear I had was whether or not I could still capture the essence of someone so young, and do justice to the feverish playfulness of teenage girls trapped on an island. I think that was our biggest challenge, and occasionally Erana and I would become self-aware during takes and crack ourselves up.
The film highlights a dark but important part of history, especially for women and Māori communities. How did you prepare for such an intense and layered role?
Josephine did a really wonderful job of separating the work that we had to do as actors and the work that the film would do for an audience. Even though the film was intense and meaningful, we were encouraged to play and rebel as teenagers would, and not carry the tone or message of the film in our performances. That was for Josephine, Maria Ines, and Maddie to hold.
We Were Dangerous is screening at MWFF, a festival celebrating female and gender-diverse filmmakers. What does it mean to you to be part of a film featured in such an empowering space?
I really adore that We Were Dangerous is screening at MWFF. You never know what a project you decide to work on will turn out like, or the life it will have beyond the making of it. I feel very lucky and proud that the film is such a beautiful depiction young female empowerment and friendship, and that it finds it’s home in a festival like this.
Bump was a huge breakout role for you, introducing audiences to your talent in a big way. How did that experience shape you as an actor, and did it influence the way you approached We Were Dangerous?
I think more than anything Bump has made me a better communicator and collaborator. That’s the gift of being with something for so many seasons – you really get to know your cast, directors, writers, and crew. Now when I approach a new project, I know how important it is the establish great relationships with everyone on the team. I love this quote from Rick Rubin – “The synergy of the group is as important – if not more important – than the talent of the individuals.”
Lou in We Were Dangerous and Oly in Bump are both strong-willed young women navigating complex worlds in very different time periods. Do you see any intersections between them, and did playing one influence how you approached the other?
Lou and Oly are both very strong, driven young women, but they actually felt quite different in my body! Oly is a pusher, she steers the ship and makes her desires and intentions known to everyone, whereas Lou
is much more receptive and flexible. Both characters march to the beat of their own drum, but Oly still finds safety in rules and repetition, whereas Lou is a bit more spontaneous and rebellious.
MWFF is all about amplifying underrepresented voices in film. As a young actor, have you noticed changes in the industry when it comes to opportunities for women and diverse storytelling?
I’ve always been drawn to female and gender-diverse creatives, and so I’ve worked with a lot of women in producing, writing, and directing roles in my career so far. What I have begun to notice is more gender diversity across other crew roles – I’m seeing more women being elevated in the camera and AD departments for example, which is great, and really beneficial to the projects. There’s still a long way to go.
What’s a piece of advice you’ve received as an actor that has stuck with you?
Ooh so many! I often think of one of my drama teachers at Toi Whakaari in New Zealand telling me, “You know sometimes, Nathalie, it doesn’t have to be so hard.”
Oh I love that! What’s next for you?
I think the news has just come out – but Bump is doing a Christmas film! One last hurrah for the Chalmer’s Davis family. We start shooting soon!
