Kerry Washington Embraces Complexity in Imperfect Women and Beyond
In a candid interview in London, Kerry Washington, the acclaimed star of Scandal, delves into her latest project, Imperfect Women, a glossy murder mystery on Apple TV. The series, which also features Elisabeth Moss and Kate Mara, explores the intricate dynamics of female friendship, set against a backdrop of wealth, secrets, and societal expectations.
Breaking the Mold with Imperfect Women
Washington reflects on the allure of portraying "messy" women, stating, "In the world we live in, there is so much pressure for women to look a certain way, behave a certain way, to please, to conform, so when we break the rules, when we get messy, it’s riveting." Imperfect Women draws comparisons to hits like Big Little Lies and The White Lotus, focusing on three college friends—Eleanor (Washington), Nancy (Mara), and Mary (Moss)—whose lives unravel amid trauma, class divides, and racial tensions.
As an executive producer through her company Simpson Street, Washington emphasizes the importance of creating multi-dimensional female characters. She notes, "We’re not sitting at home waiting to be invited to the party. We’re throwing our own parties and our parties centre us. That’s part of why there are more of these stories." This proactive approach has led to projects like Little Fires Everywhere, further highlighting complex female relationships.
Navigating Privacy and Public Scrutiny
Discussing the theme of surveillance in the show, Washington shares her personal fears about living in an age without privacy. "When something goes viral, it’s so overwhelming," she says, recalling a scene where her character's romantic life is leaked online. "The inability to control something once it’s out there is highly scary." This resonates with her experiences as a celebrity, where public perception often blurs with private reality.
Challenges and Progress in Representation
Washington addresses the ongoing struggle for inclusivity in Hollywood, particularly for women of colour. While acknowledging improvements, she warns of backlash, saying, "There’s a denial of DEI and reversal of policy, so though I think it had gotten better, there’s a lot of pulling in and retreating from inclusivity." She pushes back on the notion that centring marginalized stories is inherently political, arguing it's simply inclusive and human.
Regarding changes in Imperfect Women from the original novel—where characters are white and British—Washington responds wryly, "It is what it is. It adds more complexity and depth." She adds that casting a Black woman allowed exploration of new themes, such as why Eleanor might have only white friends, enriching the narrative.
The Politics of Art and Personal Expression
Washington, who has campaigned for Democrats, embraces the political label but challenges its application. "Everything is political," she asserts. "When we centre white characters, that’s also political from my point of view. Encouraging empathy and compassion—which I think the show does—is political." She stresses that artists of colour should not bear the sole burden of this discourse.
On Memes, Ageing, and Emotional Authenticity
When asked about her iconic facial expressions becoming memes, Washington laughs, questioning if it's an accolade. She agrees that in an era of Botox, expressing emotions is vital, saying, "I love being proactive about ageing gracefully... But I also know my job is to have feelings." This commitment to authenticity underscores her career, from Scandal's Olivia Pope to Imperfect Women's Eleanor.
Imperfect Women premieres on Apple TV from 18 March, offering a compelling look at female complexity in modern storytelling.
