Masterfully portraying the inner voice of modern women who must survive on their own

But a nagging doubt arises: can we truly laugh at her...? Charlize Theron, who had taken a break from acting, makes her return to the screen after three years with this film, describing it as "the best experience." Here, she talks about "Young Adult," masterfully portraying the inner voice of modern women who must survive on their own.

A woman who learns lessons but doesn't necessarily change her life

—How was it returning to filming after three years?



I've had many wonderful experiences making films, but this was the best experience I've ever had. It was truly the best. I think it was a synergy of the character Mavis, the film's theme, working with Jason, and the fact that I had been away from acting for three years. Returning to film after three years, we shot "Young Adult" with Jason in 30 days. Every day, I'd go to the set with messy hair, no makeup, wearing sweatpants, and delve deep into the character of Mavis. It was fun. I laughed every single day; I don't think I've ever laughed so much.


—What were your initial thoughts on the film?



It's a very different kind of film. When I first read the script, I thought Mavis was "shameless." A woman who learns lessons but doesn't necessarily change her life. I found that very realistic. Human. For example, some movies have climaxes where all the characters have epiphanies, but I've never met people like that. So I was happy to see a "woman who doesn't have an epiphany."





That's what's amazing about this film. Jason says, "Watching a movie is like looking in a mirror at yourself," and I agree. It shows us flaws and parts we'd rather not see. That's why I think Mavis is accepted by the audience, especially women.

Her actions are extreme, but many women will recognize the truth in them

—Did you find any parts of yourself in her?



Do you want me to say that? There are many! (Laughs) She's a very realistic woman; I don't see her as a fictional character in a movie. There were so many things that resonated with people I've met and with myself that I felt no disconnect at all. I can't play characters who are just "movie characters" or parodies. No matter how unconventional, great, outlandish, troublesome, or annoying someone is, if there's nothing rooted in reality, I don't know how to play them. I'm not good at acting that lacks realism.



—The opening scene where she wakes up hungover vividly portrays Mavis's "loser" status, doesn't it? (Laughs)



So that scene expresses the attempt to "live" within that loneliness. If I had tried to act for laughs, I don't think anyone would have found it humorous. There's a woman with a drinking problem, and a puppy. That scene evokes laughter because it's so sad, lonely, and isolated.



—Why is Mavis so fixated on her high school days?


It's something everyone can relate to in their own lives. Whether it's high school or another time, we try to fill the emptiness in our present lives with something. We usually recall the times when we were at our best, but sometimes what we consider our best wasn't seen that way by others (laughs). So, while the story could have had a different setting, I think it's good that the protagonist was once very popular.




And we try to fill that loneliness and emptiness with unhealthy things or by deceiving ourselves. But Patton is charming. The line, "A guy like me was born to love a woman like you," never fails to capture my heart!



—Does everyone relate to Mavis?



This comedy is drawn from very dark aspects of reality. That's why it's so grounded. Mavis undoubtedly has problems and lacks the means to confront adult issues. Her emotional growth has stalled, and she lacks the insight to face and deal with the reality of things. While many of her actions are not commendable, they are all things we do to get through the day. It's pure survival mode.



For example, the small lies, her constant envy of "the grass being greener," the way she clearly tells others her life is wonderful. Her words and actions are extreme, but there's a truth that many women will recognize. Of course, there's loneliness too. She's very lonely, but she doesn't confide in anyone. Everyone experiences loneliness. This film is packed with elements that will resonate with many people.



—Thank you.