Rupert Friend embraces the unexplained in new film role
Rupert Friend’s latest role, as the perplexed husband of a brilliant astronomer in Lili Horvát’s new sci-fi romance, My Notes on Mars, reflects his affinity for “the strange, the unexplained,” a theme he often explores in his life and work, reports BritPanorama.
In this film, Friend portrays Sam, who struggles to comprehend his wife Margot’s (played by Mackenzie Davis) obsession with her work on Mars, leading to tension in their marriage. When Margot goes missing during a hike and returns suffering from amnesia, the couple is given a surreal chance to rekindle their relationship.
Friend’s experiences growing up in a family of art historians influenced his perspective. “I spent much of my childhood being dragged around countless art galleries,” he recalled, expressing his aversion to having art “decoded” for him. He believes such explanations can limit one’s experience and stifle appreciation.
Having found fame through various roles, including in The Libertine and Homeland, Friend has consistently gravitated towards complex characters. He describes his role in My Notes on Mars as an exploration of interpersonal dynamics and the possibility of rebuilding trust after trauma. “In a relationship where there’s been a failure of trust, people have to learn to trust one another again,” he explained.
Born in 1981, Friend was an avid reader in his youth, fetching stories outdoors during family camping trips. “Reading outdoors is just the best… especially when you’re knackered and cold and wet,” he shared, adding that his education in a local comprehensive school was marked by challenges, including bullying.
Friend has been married to Paralympian Aimee Mullins since 2016. He describes their relationship as dynamic and vibrant, rejecting notions of “settling down.” Mullins, who overcame significant physical obstacles, remains a powerful figure in both athletics and media, contributing to their narrative as a couple.
Looking to the future, Friend is excited about stargazing adventures with his daughter. “The idea of how potentially irrelevant we are is quite important to remember,” he said, reflecting on existential themes presented in My Notes on Mars.
My Notes on Mars screens at the 70th BFI London Film Festival on 16 and 18 October. Tickets available now.
