Aimee Lou Wood has opened up about the support she received from Angelina Jolie while filming the upcoming feature film Anxious People. In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the star of The White Lotus and Sex Education described a pivotal moment on set that helped her find her voice, particularly in challenging environments.
While filming an emotional scene, Wood experienced anxiety as multiple crew members shouted directions simultaneously. Feeling overwhelmed, she asked for clarity, requesting “one direction, one voice, and no hand movements in her line of sight.” Wood noted that this was a significant step for her, as she had previously struggled to express her needs for fear of being perceived as confrontational. “I’ve spent years feeling unable to say anything like that for fear of seeming argumentative – but now I feel like I can take ownership of what I need to thrive, and tell people what won’t work for me,” she explained.
In the midst of her struggle, Wood recounted a touching moment where she saw Jolie giving her a thumbs up. “She’s possibly the most famous woman ever, but she’s so normal,” Wood remarked, emphasizing the impact Jolie’s support had on her confidence.
This moment reflects a broader theme in Wood’s life, particularly her recent experience on Saturday Night Live. In an April 2023 sketch that parodied The White Lotus, Wood found herself subjected to a portrayal that she deemed “mean and unfunny.” The impression followed her candid remarks about feeling exhausted from discussions surrounding her teeth, an aspect of her appearance that has been frequently critiqued. Wood described the experience as cathartic, likening it to “breaking a pattern” of standing up to childhood bullies.
Transitioning into the challenges of Hollywood, Wood candidly addressed her mental health struggles. “I find LA emotionally bulimic, and I say that as an ex-bulimic,” she stated. The actress elaborated on the pressures of constant scrutiny in the entertainment industry, saying, “It is this super-sized adventure where everyone’s talking about you all the time and you have to talk about yourself all the time. And then I leave, and I want to throw it all up.”
Wood will portray Pattie Boyd in Sam Mendes’ upcoming project, The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event. The film Anxious People, directed by Marc Forster, follows the story of Zara, played by Jolie, who finds herself mingling with strangers during an open house before Christmas Eve. The narrative takes a turn when a reluctant bank robber, Grace (played by Wood), inadvertently holds the group hostage, leading to unexpected chaos and revelations.
Wood’s journey illustrates the importance of advocacy and self-expression in an industry where vulnerability often meets scrutiny. As she navigates her career, the support from established figures like Jolie serves as a reminder of the power of solidarity in the face of challenges.
