Phoebe Bridgers, the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her haunting melodies, has ventured into the world of acting with her new role in the film *Primetime*, which premiered recently at the Venice International Film Festival. Directed by Lance Oppenheim, a friend of Bridgers, this marks a significant milestone in her career, as she takes on a substantial acting gig for the first time.
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Oppenheim, who initiated his friendship with Bridgers back in 2014, expressed his excitement about her debut. Reflecting on their early interactions, he recollected how he met her shortly after she released her first EP. At the time, he was taking a gap year and living in Los Angeles, where he was immersed in a vibrant community of emerging artists. “I remember thinking then, her voice was so baritone, her speaking voice, but her music, her voice was so angelic and it would go so high,” Oppenheim shared in a recent interview.
Despite the years that passed without contact, Bridgers remained at the forefront of Oppenheim’s mind while he was developing *Primetime*. The film, which features Robert Pattinson in a lead role inspired by Chris Hansen from the infamous *To Catch a Predator* series, has a storyline derived from a segment that aired on Dateline NBC in the mid-2000s. In this drama, Bridgers plays Del, one of the decoy actors who engages with potential predators.
After a chance reunion at a film premiere and later at an airport, Oppenheim felt compelled to reach out to Bridgers for the role. “When I read the script and met the character Del, I just thought she would be perfect for it,” he said. Although Bridgers had previously made a brief appearance as herself in a different film, *I Saw the TV Glow*, this role required her to step further outside her comfort zone.
Oppenheim admitted that convincing Bridgers took some effort, as she harboured doubts about her acting abilities. However, he noted, “I knew from the moment that I met her that there was something special about her.” Their collaborative spirit was evident as the two worked closely during the preparation process, forging a path that excites both of them.
Over the last decade, Bridgers has amassed considerable success in the music industry, both as a solo artist and as part of the indie supergroup Boygenius. Currently, she is on tour promoting her latest album, *Lost Weekend*, with performances scheduled worldwide until December. Oppenheim expressed his admiration for Bridgers, saying, “I think she just totally disappears into the part and into the movie.”
The film *Primetime* explores darker themes, drawing inspiration from a 2007 Esquire article titled “Tonight on Dateline, This Man Will Die,” and centres on Hansen’s work with law enforcement during the *To Catch a Predator* segments, which ran from 2004 to 2007. Beyond Bridgers and Pattinson, the cast also features Skyler Gisondo, Bokeem Woodbine, and Merritt Wever, among others.
As Bridgers embarks on this new journey, Oppenheim remains enthusiastic about the shifts in her career trajectory. They even previously collaborated on the music video for Bridgers’ song “Lost Boys”, further solidifying their artistic bond. “The world got to know her through her music, and I’m really happy that they’re getting a glimpse of her talent now through her performance,” Oppenheim remarked, reflecting on her evolving prowess.
As *Primetime* continues to garner attention, critics and audiences alike are keen to see how Bridgers, already lauded for her musical abilities, adapts to the rigours of acting. In a world where many musicians have successfully crossed over into film, Bridgers’ transition will be watched closely. With Oppenheim stating, “I just knew it would be something interesting,” there is a palpable anticipation surrounding both the film and Bridgers’ future in acting.
*Primetime* is now showing in theatres, encouraging viewers to engage with both its compelling narrative and its strong performances. With a blend of seasoned actors and exciting newcomers, the film promises to be a thought-provoking glimpse into a disturbing yet fascinating subject matter.