Rachel Sennott is undeniably smitten with LA, and her feelings for the city are as multifaceted as they are relatable. The actress, best known for her breakout roles in "Shiva Baby" and "Bodies Bodies Bodies," has found a new sense of purpose behind the camera, executive producing the HBO series "I Love LA," which explores the complexities of millennial life in the city of angels.
For Sennott, who grew up in Connecticut before making the move to LA six years ago, the show is an ode to the city's contradictions – its sunny disposition and dark underbelly. The titular phrase "I Love LA" has become a rallying cry for Sennott's on-screen character, Maia, a young woman navigating the challenges of adulthood in a city that seems determined to consume her.
While Sennott's portrayal of Maia is undeniably authentic – she's been open about her own struggles with anxiety and depression – it's clear that the show's creators are aiming for something more nuanced. By incorporating themes from "Sex and the City," "Girls," and "Atlanta," "I Love LA" becomes a commentary on the modern experience, one that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
One of the standout aspects of "I Love LA" is its exploration of social media's role in shaping our perceptions of ourselves and others. Sennott's character, like many of her peers, is constantly torn between the desire for validation online and the crushing pressure to present a perfect facade. The show's portrayal of this phenomenon is both clever and unsettling, raising important questions about the nature of identity and authenticity in the digital age.
Throughout our conversation, it became clear that Sennott's approach to creating "I Love LA" was informed by her own experiences moving from New York to LA. She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced as a young woman trying to make it in the city, but also about the ways in which she found freedom and community among other creatives.
For Sennott, the appeal of LA lies not just in its natural beauty or cultural attractions, but in the sense of possibility that it offers. "You have to convince yourself that New York is over," she said during our conversation, "and when you're in LA, you try to convince yourself that [New York] isn't beautiful and warm." The show's spirit, she believes, lies in this tension between two cities – each one representing a different aspect of the human experience.
"I Love LA" premieres November 2 on HBO.
For Sennott, who grew up in Connecticut before making the move to LA six years ago, the show is an ode to the city's contradictions – its sunny disposition and dark underbelly. The titular phrase "I Love LA" has become a rallying cry for Sennott's on-screen character, Maia, a young woman navigating the challenges of adulthood in a city that seems determined to consume her.
While Sennott's portrayal of Maia is undeniably authentic – she's been open about her own struggles with anxiety and depression – it's clear that the show's creators are aiming for something more nuanced. By incorporating themes from "Sex and the City," "Girls," and "Atlanta," "I Love LA" becomes a commentary on the modern experience, one that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
One of the standout aspects of "I Love LA" is its exploration of social media's role in shaping our perceptions of ourselves and others. Sennott's character, like many of her peers, is constantly torn between the desire for validation online and the crushing pressure to present a perfect facade. The show's portrayal of this phenomenon is both clever and unsettling, raising important questions about the nature of identity and authenticity in the digital age.
Throughout our conversation, it became clear that Sennott's approach to creating "I Love LA" was informed by her own experiences moving from New York to LA. She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced as a young woman trying to make it in the city, but also about the ways in which she found freedom and community among other creatives.
For Sennott, the appeal of LA lies not just in its natural beauty or cultural attractions, but in the sense of possibility that it offers. "You have to convince yourself that New York is over," she said during our conversation, "and when you're in LA, you try to convince yourself that [New York] isn't beautiful and warm." The show's spirit, she believes, lies in this tension between two cities – each one representing a different aspect of the human experience.
"I Love LA" premieres November 2 on HBO.