18 Questions With introduces 1883 readers to the brightest artists, actors, creatives and beyond. From childhood memories and guilty pleasures to their latest ventures and upcoming projects, our goal is to bring you closer to the people who inspire and entertain us.
After appearing as Heather in Zoë Kravitz’s gripping 2024 thriller Blink Twice alongside Channing Tatum and an all-star cast, Trew Mullen is steadily carving out her place as one of Hollywood’s most exciting new talents. Over the past few years, she has built a varied slate of television and film projects, even making the occasional detour into music videos, including a turn for Charlie Puth. Outside of acting, Mullen is an artist at heart, often found writing poetry and developing her own screenplays.
In her latest project, The Moment, Mullen appears as Ana, the manic assistant to Charli XCX. The A24 film follows the pop superstar as she navigates the pressures of fame and the industry while preparing for her arena tour debut. While the themes are weighty, the tone is anything but, landing somewhere between pop chaos and satire, think Spinal Tap meets Brat.
Trew Mullen sits down with 1883 to chat about her role in The Moment, working with Charli XCX, the last book she read, her go-to karaoke song, and more.
What’s one exciting thing that happened to you this week?
I won an ongoing, very competitive game of Catan.
What was the last thing you read?
Texas Woman Blues by James Carlos Blake.
Favorite memory growing up?
Chasing fireflies on the lawn in Pennsylvania.
Where was the last place you travelled to?
Park City for its last Sundance.
What was the last thing that made you laugh?
My sister’s laugh, which is long and loud enough to make me laugh.
What’s your nighttime ritual?
Light a candle and eat a chocolate.
Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list?
Sinead O’Conner, Brittany Murphy, Judy Davis, Fiona Apple.
Favorite quote from a film or TV show?
“I don’t want realism. I want magic!”
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
‘What’s Up’ by 4 Non Blondes.
Favorite item in your closet?
My grandad’s big blue cashmere sweater. It comes with me to every set.
What is the major throughline/message to be taken away from The Moment?
It asks how an artist can remain visible without losing the thing that makes their work honest. Is it possible to hold onto both? Art is meant to be witnessed, but it shouldn’t be made for the sake of being witnessed.
Can you walk us through what the audition process was like for it?
I auditioned in a hotel hallway while filming in Chicago. My flimsy travel tripod was too short, so I balanced it on top of my empty suitcase. It crashed to the ground five or six times. One of the takes survived, because a week later, my reps called to say Aidan wanted to meet. He had me improvise the scene a few times over Zoom, and before I’d even processed Chicago, I found myself packing for London.
What were your favorite moments from making the film?
I have to admit, I love shooting in a heated car. There’s something warm and cocooned about it. But my favorite moment was a chaotic ensemble scene. There’s always magic when everyone’s in the room.
Tell us what it was like working with Charli XCX – had you crossed paths before filming?
I don’t understand how she gets everything done; she seems to be everywhere at once. While filming, she’d casually mention, “I had a meeting yesterday with…” and I’d wonder—how, and when? She’s very genuine. We hadn’t met before filming, and she messaged me shortly before we flew out, which felt really thoughtful.
What’s the best song on Brat?
Girl, So Confusing. I like that it’s honest and unresolved. There’s something quietly devastating about that.
With The Moment releasing nationwide very soon, how will you celebrate on the release day?
My parents buy a whole row of tickets and fill them up. They’ll probably embarrass me in the theatre, which I give them (limited) permission to do.
You’ve been acting in different projects for a decade as of this year (according to IMDB!). What has been the main golden rule you’ve carried through your career so far?
If your dream only includes you, it’s too small. Never underestimate anyone.
Finally, what is one thing you would like to manifest for yourself and why?
To make work that matters to me and ideally matters to someone else in return.
The Moment opened in select US theatres on January 30 and expands nationwide in the US on February 6. It releases in UK cinemas on February 20.
Interview Cameron Poole
Photography Michael Leviton
