Neely talks all things TV, her character’s fashion choices, and Richard E. Grant ahead of the film’s release.
In a world overflowing with reboots, Mary Neely and Kareem Rahma’s upcoming feature Or Something stands out. The independent drama centers around strangers who show up at the same apartment to collect money they’re owed and the journey across New York City that follows. It’s a decidedly more serious turn for Neely, who burst on the scene during the pandemic with her comedic reenactments of famous musical duets of everything from Les Misérables Hamilton, and more — complete with wigs and costumes. Since then, the Los Angeles-born actor and writer, has appeared in Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile and Happiness For Beginners, Known for fresh storytelling that blends humor, vulnerability, and quick wit, Neely has emerged as a face to watch.
We caught up with her to chat inspirations, the journey behind Or Something, and her favorite Brits.
1. Have you always known that you wanted to be in the arts? Was this what you imagined your career looking like?
Yes, definitely! When I was a little kid, I was really into drawing and painting, and my dad taught me 35mm photography. My dad is an artistic person, and I was lucky enough to grow up in LA, where I was constantly surrounded by so much art. There was a time when painting and drawing were actually where my focus lied, I thought that was where my career was heading. But over time, acting (and theater specifically) became my main passion and was inching above the others.
2. If you had to pick one to do for the rest of your life, what would it be: directing, acting, or writing?
Acting is not the most stable of careers, but I guess if I could consistently work as an actor, then that!
3. What was the inspiration for Or Something? Was it an idea that came to you and Kareem quite quickly?
There were definitely several different moments of realizing what we were actually doing. At first, we wanted to make an indie movie in NYC, with two people talking a lot as the backdrop. Then it changed, and we thought, why not use our own conversations and use them in the script!’ Then came the storyline and circumstances, and it just evolved from there.
4. How does it feel performing your own words? Do you find it harder than performing other people’s writing?
Well, it’s definitely funny when I forget a line, that’s embarrassing! A lot of the time, performing my own writing is helpful, as I don’t force any sort of emotion or reaction, and it was quite nice to not be word-perfect in a lot of instances. The goal always with acting is always how do we really connect and just talk to each other truthfully?, so it was helpful to feel like I’m not just memorizing lines and I can just talk to you naturally.
5. Seeing as the film is set in New York, what would your perfect day in NYC look like?
Walking! When I first moved to New York, I got a really amazing deal and lived in the West Village for two years, so I love being in Manhattan and being able to just walk around. I’d probably start the day in the West Village and walk to Central Park, then ride my bike around there. The temperature wouldn’t be too hot, and I’d definitely be stopping for bites along the way. During the strikes, I helped out on a farm in the Catskills, and I used to love driving a truck around upstate, so I’d want to fit that in too.
6. Who would be your dream creative collaborators to work with?
I must say, I do have a thing for the Brits. I’m kinda obsessed with Richard E. Grant at the moment. He’s such an incredible actor and seems like such a sweet person. I really respect his work. There are so many people I’m star-struck by, like Olivia Cooke. I also love Lena Dunham, so definitely her too. I love Girls, and I really connected with it when it first came out. I also just saw Weapons, and I think Zach Kregger is a genius.
7. Could you talk a bit about your outfit in the film?
Our costume designer, Luc L’amour, wanted to create iconic looks for a NYC winter and wanted straightforward outfits that also reflected what the characters were going through. I play someone is hiding some stuff and has a rich backstory, so Luc said I definitely needed to have a lot of finger tattoos and rings. The Converse sneakers really suited her as well, but it was challenging sometimes with the weather!
8. If you had to dress like another character from a TV show or film for the rest of your life, who would it be?
The first thing that comes to mind, mainly because I’ve rewatched it recently, is Jennifer Love Hewitt’s outfits in the original series of I Know What You Did Last Summer. I think they’re awesome.
9. What would you like people to take away from this film? What message did you want to send?
There are quite a few things, but I don’t want to spoil the film! A big driving force with Kareem and I when discussing themes was connection between people. The decision that you can make to turn towards the connection or turn away.
10. Could you tell us about any upcoming projects of yours?
I’m actually gonna be in a film called Swiped that’ll be out on Hulu this fall with Lily James. It’s a biopic about the founder of Bumble, and I play a woman in tech. I’m also just writing a bunch of new stuff and trying to get a pilot that’s been at a few festivals this year called Stars Diner.
