I was so happy, she recalls.
I was electrified, and I knew at that point, thats what I really wanted to do.
The pairs intense bond and the way it evolves hooked Wilde.
Credit: Vera Anderson/WireImage
[Friendships like that] have an intense pressure on them to last forever.
On set, Wilde tried to replicate that camaraderie with her leads by having them live together.
It worked: Beanie and I absolutely fell in love with each other, Dever gushes.
Annapurna Pictures
Ill never forget the experience.
I think it has a very, very unusual and fun tone to it.
Its a very personal movie…
The whole idea of the movie is learning to really see people, and to feel seen yourself.
And its also just really fun.
[Laughs] These days, we could use more movies like that.
[Laughs] I picked that one because I feel like it shows the energy of this movie.
Theyre on their way to graduation, but [this film] is mostly about friendship.
Very true.Yeah, weve all been through that.
At its core, as youve said, this film is all about female friendship.
Did you have any close friendships you drew on to help you make this?Ohyeah, for sure.
Ive had friendships that were similar to Molly and Amys, where you become almost one human organism.
You become codependent in a way that is extraordinarily comforting but also debilitating after a while.
When youre young, you really lean into those intimate friendships…
Typically that friendship is the first truly intimate relationship you have, before your first romantic one.
Its much more intense to say, I need to grow without you.
I think this movie taps emotionally into that feeling.
Youvetalked beforeabout how you worked hard to hire as diverse and inclusive a crew as possible.
Whats your secret, Olivia?[Laughs]Aww.
The secret is music.
I play music and only stop the music when we actually roll the cameras.
So I believe in music, and I also believe in snacks.
[Laughs] And I made sure everyone felt seen, empowered, and essential.
Theres no reason that any working environment needs to feel oppressive and miserable.
There was a no ahole policy.
[Laughs]
Its a good policy!Andwe got lucky.
Everyone worked really hard, and there was a lot of positivity.
[Laughs] But Im so proud of it.
Booksmartarrives in theaters summer 2019.
