Olivia Wilde Hit Bottom. Here’s How She Bounced Back.
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Olivia Wilde faced significant challenges during the release of her 2022 thriller "Don’t Worry Darling," including mixed reviews, reported conflicts with star Florence Pugh, and intense media scrutiny over her personal life and past relationship with Jason Sudeikis.
- In contrast, 2023 has been a successful year for Wilde, with her directing and co-starring in the well-received domestic sex comedy "The Invite," and delivering notable performances in "I Want Your Sex" and the upcoming "Behemoth!"
- Wilde credits directing with freeing her from traditional acting expectations, allowing her to choose complex, high-strung characters that explore themes of sex, identity, and desire from varied perspectives.
- Turning 40 inspired Wilde to delve deeper into themes of sexuality and self-understanding, challenging societal notions that confidence and exploration diminish with age, instead embracing a period of personal blossoming.
- Wilde is currently preparing to direct a Christmas comedy titled "Naughty," which will explore themes of hitting personal lows and overcoming them, reflecting her own dramatic turnaround in work and life.
