Margaret Qualley, a rising star of the film industry, has found herself grappling with the peculiar challenge of having her family watch her work—a task made complicated due to the more adult themes present in her recent films. Known for her roles in critically-acclaimed projects, she's now candidly shared the awkwardness her recent filmography has caused among her relatives.
During her recent appearance on Jimmy Fallon, Qualley humorously recounted, "It's been a rough year for the family." Her family’s dilemma stems from the content of her films, which often include scenes not deemed suitable for family viewing. With movies like Drive-Away Dolls and Kinds of Kindness featuring intimate and raunchy moments, the actress had to navigate several uncomfortable conversations.
Qualley kicked off her year with Drive-Away Dolls, where her mother attended the premiere. Qualley recalled her mother saying, "My friends can't see this movie, no one can." It was apparently not the only time she had to ease her loved ones' concerns. Her father nearly caught himself heading to see Kinds of Kindness with friends, which prompted another chat about the suitability of her roles.
She reflected on the aftermath of her family’s movie outings, stating, "For anyone who's seen Kinds of Kindness, you can understand why it was a huge problem when my dad called me on the way to see the movie with his friends." This self-deprecatory humor highlights the common struggle many actors face when their families become spectators to their craft, particularly when the material is less than wholesome.
Following these notable performances, Qualley took on the horror genre with The Substance, which adds yet another layer to the unexpected scrutiny her family faces. Her childhood nanny—a 'sweet, Christian' woman—watched the film and was likely taken aback, which Qualley shared with Fallon, stating, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Qualley family during this difficult time."
Qualley's candid revelations about the discrepancies between her professional life and family dynamics make her relatable to many. Her ability to find humor in these challenges speaks volumes about her character. Fortunately, the dynamics may shift for the Qualley family this coming year, as she is set to appear alongside familiar names such as Adam Sandler and Julie Bowen in the long-awaited sequel, Happy Gilmore 2. This role, she humorously noted, was facilitated by her husband, musician Jack Antonoff, who helped her land it through some crafty persuasion.
Looking forward, Qualley has expressed optimism about her work opportunities being more family-friendly. The upcoming film presents a stark relief for her relatives, who have been subjected to some awkward viewing experiences recently. Now, they might just get to enjoy her professionalism without facing the challenges of explaining risqué scenes to family members.
Throughout her decade-long career, Qualley has tackled various genres, encompassing everything from subdued dramas to body horror. Yet, nothing can quite compare to the delicate balance she manages as she continues to build her filmography. Her year has been monumental, yet her tales of family tension and the laughter they incite serve as stark reminders of the human elements behind the silver screen.
With her blend of talent and transparency about her experiences, Margaret Qualley stands as both an accomplished actress and relatable figure, gracefully handling the duality of her career and family life. Audiences eagerly await her next projects, now hoping for films they can comfortably share with all generations of the Qualley family.