As the television landscape grows ever vaster, actors otherwise sidelined have gotten a chance to strut their stuff at center stage, on their very own series. This spring perhaps no one got a juicier opportunity to do just that than Zoë Kravitz. Long a supporting presence in material as varied as the Divergent film series and HBO’s Big Little Lies, Kravitz gets to explore the full bloom of her talent in Hulu’s winsome, wistful High Fidelity, a gem of a romantic comedy that’s the second filmed version of Nick Hornby’s popular novel.
The book was set in London, while the 2000 movie (a Gen X wonder that happens to feature Kravitz’s mom, Lisa Bonet) moved the action to Chicago. The series finds lovely purchase in and around Crown Heights, Brooklyn, a neighborhood in flux given vibrant, compassionate tribute on the show. Guiding that tour of the hippest borough’s young bohemia is a centered, spirited Kravitz. She plays Rob—a wayward record-store owner examining her fascinatingly discursive love life—with an intelligent warmth, nicely mellowing the writing’s archness and reference-heavy banter.
It’s not all just a summery Brooklyn hang, though. There’s also plenty of sadness and anger for Kravitz to dig into, which she does with aplomb—it’s a beguiling performance, both in the internal reality of the series and in the meta way it reframes Kravitz’s whole career profile. High Fidelity is a testament to project and star perfectly aligning. The series grooves on such a confident and appealing wavelength that it almost makes us forget that a pandemic ravaged the real Brooklyn just a month after the show debuted. That’s thanks in large part to Kravitz, who’s long been an intriguing screen presence but here proves the very best of company.
For our TV issue, V.F. caught up with Kravitz, who’s sheltering in London with her husband, actor Karl Glusman.
Vanity Fair: What’s a new skill you picked up or want to try during quarantine?
Zoë Kravitz: Cutting my own hair.
What’s been your go-to recipe?
I’ve been making some bomb breakfast burritos with black beans and eggs and avocado.
What music has been playing a lot in the house?
A lot of Buena Vista Social Club, George Harrison, Stevie Wonder, and Questlove and D-Nice DJ sets on IG Live have been making me so happy.
Sweats or pajamas?
Kondi sweat suits.
Where will you go first when you can go out again safely?
First I will go hug all of my family and friends. Then I will go to Emilio’s Ballato and eat a scary amount of pasta.
What’s one thing that you would like to borrow from your onscreen character?
Rob’s leather jacket.
Why?
Because it’s badass and because I have basically stolen everything else from Rob’s wardrobe already.
What would your character do while quarantined?
Reorganize her records.
How is your show moving forward during these unprecedented times?
The cast and producers have been keeping in touch, just checking in on each other and making sure everyone is safe and healthy. Me and Nick Hornby have been having virtual coffees.
What’s something we’ve all taken for granted that you’ll never take for granted again?
Going outside, hugging people I love, grocery shopping, toilet paper.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned during the pandemic?
I am lucky. So lucky.
Let go.
Don’t try to control anything.
Be thankful for every moment and everyone in your life who you love.
Ice cream always helps.
Interview by Caitlin Brody
Where to Watch High Fidelity:
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