Rewrite
dress. Miu Miu
gloves. Northbound Leather
There’s a grounded warmth to Humberly González that instantly draws you in — an openness that feels both familiar and magnetic. It’s the same quality she brings to her characters, whether she’s portraying the tender, big-hearted Sophie in ‘Ginny & Georgia’ or the haunted, resilient Paola in the psychological thriller ‘Match’. With each role, González reveals a new layer of truth — one that reflects not only the characters she plays but the woman she’s becoming.
Her journey began in community theatre in Fort McMurray, Alberta, where she discovered that acting wasn’t just something she loved — it was her calling. Since then, Humberly has carved a place for herself in the industry by leading with authenticity, embracing complexity, and refusing to be boxed in. Her performances resonate because they’re real — she doesn’t just play a character, she listens to them, allowing their humanity to guide her work.
Over the years, audiences have come to recognize Humberly for her emotional intelligence on screen — for the way she captures vulnerability without losing strength, and for her ability to turn deeply personal stories into universal truths. Through projects like ‘Ginny & Georgia’, she’s explored love, self-discovery, and the messiness of growing up, while her recent work in ‘Match’ pushes her to even darker and more visceral territory. In both, she brings empathy and fire in equal measure, reminding us that storytelling isn’t just entertainment — it’s a bridge between hearts.
González reflects on the early moments that shaped her, the lessons she’s carried with her through rejection and triumph, and the responsibility she feels as a Venezuelan-Canadian artist representing both her roots and her generation.
dress. Pat Bo @ Revelle Shop
shoes. Christian Louboutin
opposite
dress. Regina Pyo @ Rewind Couture
What was the moment you first realized acting wasn’t just a passion but your calling?
I was 18 when I landed the lead role in ‘High School Musical’ at my community theatre in Fort McMurray, Alberta. That experience was a turning point for me. Night after night, the shows were sold out, and after each performance, people would ask for autographs and photos.
In those moments, I realized how powerful storytelling could be—how it could move, inspire, and connect with people. The rush I felt on stage was unlike anything else, and it made me certain that acting wasn’t just a passion, but my true calling. I’m grateful for those small-town beginnings, because they laid the foundation for the bigger steps I’ve taken since.
Growing up in Venezuela and then moving to Canada, how did your cultural background influence your artistic voice early on?
Growing up in Venezuela, I was surrounded by music, dance, and storytelling—it was just part of everyday life. There’s a certain warmth and charisma in Venezuelan culture, a joy for living that shines even through hardship, and I carry that with me in everything I do. When my family moved to Canada, I found myself holding onto those roots even more tightly. They gave me a fire, a sense of resilience, and a way of seeing the world that I could pour into my art.
Being bilingual, being an immigrant — it wasn’t always easy, but it became something I was proud of. It allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level, to share not just where I came from, but the emotions and stories that shaped me. Every opportunity I’ve had to represent my culture on stage or on screen has felt like both an honour and a responsibility. It reminds me that my voice as an artist isn’t just my own, it’s also the echo of where I come from and the generations before me.
What were some pivotal lessons you learned at the beginning of your career that still guide you today?
One of the first lessons I learned was that you can’t reap what you sow right away. Early on, my agent told me, “You’re planting seeds,” and that really stuck with me. It taught me that even the smallest audition has value, even if you don’t see the results immediately. As actors, we don’t always get the feedback we crave, so I started to treat every opportunity as a chance to say “yes, ”yes to being seen, yes to learning, yes to growth, even if I didn’t book the part.
Another lesson that continues to guide me is the idea of betting on yourself. My team instilled that in me very early on: know your worth, stand by it, and trust it. That lesson became crucial in the moments where the “no’s” felt just as defining as the “yes’s.” I realized I wouldn’t be right for every project, and that’s okay because the projects that truly align with me will find me when I’m ready for them. There’s a quiet power in believing you deserve better, in walking away from what doesn’t align, and in trusting that saying “no” can sometimes be the most important step toward the right “yes.”
Can you share a memory from your first professional role that affirmed you were on the right path?
My very first professional role after moving to Toronto was a Bell Fibe Internet commercial. It felt like a whirlwind. I was flown to Montreal, picked up in a limo, and brought to a beautiful hotel. I remember thinking, “Wow, this is Hollywood treatment.” Just a few months earlier, I had graduated from theatre school in Montreal, so to book my first job back in the same city where I had really given my acting a chance felt almost fated.
That was ten years ago, and what makes it even more meaningful is the full-circle connection. The commercial happened to be ‘Star Wars’ themed. Years later, I found myself leading a ‘Star Wars’ project, also filmed in Montreal. Looking back, it feels like the universe was giving me a glimpse of what was to come. Moments like that remind me that nothing is random, and that when you follow your passion with trust, the path has a way of affirming itself in the most unexpected and magical ways.
jacket. Balenciaga @ Rewind Couture
bodysuit. GCDS @ Rewind Couture
skirt. Maison Margiela @ Rewind Couture
opposite
top. Pucci
skirt. Herskind Official
shoes. Schutz
jewellery. Dean Davidson
knee socks. Wolford
Were there any roles or stories you saw as a young performer that made you say, “I want to do that someday”?
I’ve always loved singing, dancing, and acting, so musicals, whether on stage or on film, felt like home to me. But one memory that stands out is the first time I took an overnight bus from Montreal to New York to see Broadway shows. I’ll never forget that feeling of sitting in the theatre, eyes wide, smiling through tears and laughter. It was pure wonder.
What struck me most was how storytelling has the power to bring people together. You can be in a room full of strangers, yet through a single performance, you all feel connected — as if you’ve shared something deeply personal. Every night I saw a show, I knew I didn’t just want to watch stories like that. I wanted to be part of telling them.
Your character Sophie in ‘Ginny & Georgia’ was part of a complex and emotional teen relationship. What aspects of Sophie’s journey resonated with you personally?
In my eyes, Sophie has always had a soft spot for people, and what I love most about her is how she tries to be honest and open, even while navigating her own emotions and uncertainties. We only get glimpses of her past, but those moments show a person with real self-awareness, someone striving to understand herself and the people around her.
I connect deeply with her humour, her vulnerability, her sense of wonder, and the way she shows up for those she cares about. Playing her allowed me to reflect on my own capacity for empathy and tenderness, and reminded me how much courage it takes to be both open and true to yourself.
How did you approach portraying teenage vulnerability and identity exploration in such a dynamic high school setting?
My Meisner teacher always said that acting is about “living truthfully under imagined circumstances,” and placing myself back in high school through this role was a really unique experience. We only get one shot at being that age, but through this job I’ve been able to revisit a version of myself — with all the perspective and understanding I have now.
I feel lucky to have such incredible castmates who make the high school world feel authentic, and writing that puts the characters in raw, honest scenarios. My approach has been simple: allow whatever comes up to be alive in the moment. Going back in time with that kind of intentionality has been both joyful and eye-opening, I’ve learned a lot about myself along the way.
Sophie’s storyline touches on heartbreak and boundaries. What message do you think her arc sends about love and self-respect?
Season 1 ends in a place of honesty, and while telling the truth about your feelings is painful, it’s ultimately an act of respect — for yourself and for the other person. Sophie was also scared, though — maybe even unconsciously sabotaging the relationship because she didn’t yet know how to hold this new love. Her decision hurt her as much as it hurt Max, and that tension of fear and longing felt so real to explore.
By season 3, seeing Sophie grow into a friendship with Max — someone she had been craving connection with — was incredibly moving. Their bond is gentle, grounding, and a reminder that relationships don’t always turn out as we hope, but they can give us exactly what we need: growth, understanding, and a deeper sense of self-respect. Playing her taught me how delicate and complex love can be, and how courage often shows up in the quietest moments.
sweater, boots + glasses. Balenciaga
skirt. Herskind Official
opposite
jacket. Bluemarine @ Rewind Couture
dress. Regina Pyo @ Rewind Couture
In what ways has ‘Ginny & Georgia’ shaped your understanding of storytelling as a tool for empathy?
I’ve come to see that when we tell the stories of flawed characters, we offer audiences a mirror — an invitation to recognize themselves in the cracks and complexities. As human beings, we’re not defined by perfection, but by the moments where we stumble, where we fight, where we soften. Storytelling makes space for that — it lets us walk inside another person’s skin, even if just for a moment.
Playing Sophie has taught me this in profound ways. I’ve learned to hold empathy for where she is in her journey, to honour her truth by giving her voice. And in turn, she’s given me new ways of seeing, reminding me that compassion is always more powerful than judgment. I’ve come to believe that right and wrong are rarely the full story… what unites us is the choice to understand. That, to me, is the deepest gift of storytelling: its ability to draw us closer to one another.
Looking ahead, what kind of stories or roles are you most passionate about telling next?
I want to keep exploring stories that live in deep emotion. I’m especially drawn to characters who have built up armour, only to discover moments of softness, or people who’ve had to fight just to exist or to chase a dream that seemed impossible. Those journeys feel very human to me. I’m also curious about stepping into comedy. It scares me, which is exactly why I feel like I need to try — it’s another way to stretch and surprise myself.
Paola’s journey in ‘Match’ starts as a romantic connection and quickly turns into something much darker. What drew you to this character, and how did you prepare to explore her emotional arc through such drastic shifts in tone?
When I first read the script, I was completely captivated. ‘Match’ is a gripping descent into chaos — a story you can’t look away from — yet it remains deeply rooted in the unsettling realities of modern online dating. It takes a familiar premise and pushes it to the most haunting extremes, forcing us to confront what can happen when the search for connection turns perilous.
What drew me to Paola was her evolution. She begins as a woman driven by longing and vulnerability, but through the darkness, she discovers an unexpected resilience. Her transformation from a desperate victim into a woman fighting for her survival felt both tragic and empowering. I was fascinated by the challenge of portraying that emotional metamorphosis — of finding truth within her fear, strength within her desperation, and ultimately, hope within the horror.
dress. Miu Miu
gloves. Northbound Leather
opposite
top. SHUSHU/TONG
shoes. Schutz
tights. Pucci
The film seems to blend psychological thriller and horror elements with modern themes of online dating and trust. How did you and the director work together to ground Paola’s reactions in realism while keeping the tension high?
Working with Danishka Esterhazy was an incredible experience. She’s such a force — someone who can balance the intensity of a psychological thriller with genuine humanity. This film deals with really heavy themes, so it was essential to have a director who could embrace the darkness without losing sight of the emotional truth at the center of it all. Danishka brought that balance effortlessly.
What I appreciated most was her courage to face the real-world horrors this story touches on — misogyny, manipulation, and sexual violence — but always through a lens of empathy. She never reduced Paola to a victim. Instead, she encouraged me to explore her resilience, her fight to survive, and the quiet strength that emerges when everything else falls apart. That honesty kept the tension real — it wasn’t just about fear, it was about what it means to hold on to yourself in the midst of it.
Much of ‘Match’ relies on suspense and the unknown. Were there any particular scenes that were especially challenging or memorable to shoot because of the fear or intensity involved?
It’s an understatement to say that ‘Match’ can be deeply uncomfortable at times. Some moments really stay with you — not just as an actor, but as a human being. The bathroom scene with the mother and son was especially hard for me. Even as a spectator, just hearing the dialogue and feeling the weight of that dynamic was unsettling. It took me to a very emotional and vulnerable place, and I think that’s where the film’s power really lives — in that raw discomfort.
Another particularly challenging scene was Henry’s attempt to overpower Paola — the moment where his dominance turns physical and violent. That was incredibly intense to shoot. I’m so grateful to my scene partner, Jacques Adriaanse, for the trust and care we built together. We had constant check-ins and safety conversations, which allowed us to go to those dark, dangerous emotional places while still feeling completely supported. Honestly, without that kind of collaboration, the film couldn’t have reached the depth it did.
dress. Comme des Garçons
opposite
jacket. Balenciaga @ Rewind Couture
bodysuit. GCDS @ Rewind Couture
skirt. Maison Margiela @ Rewind Couture
Technology and intimacy collide in ‘Match’. What message do you think the film sends about our relationship with dating apps and digital connections?
‘Match’ is ultimately a story about survival — and about a woman’s search for genuine connection in a digital world that can so easily turn predatory. What’s powerful about the film is that, even though it’s shocking and terrifying at times, it approaches that danger through a distinctly feminist lens. It’s not just about fear — it’s about awareness, agency, and the courage to reclaim power in spaces that often exploit vulnerability.
The truth is, technology has completely changed how we seek intimacy, but it’s also blurred the lines of trust. You never really know who’s on the other side of that screen — someone can curate, censor, and shape themselves into your perfect match, while hiding something entirely different underneath. The film really forces you to confront that uncomfortable reality.
And honestly, after shooting ‘Match’, I’ve never been more cautious about online dating. Be curious, but also be protective — and please, don’t go to someone’s house on a first date. I don’t need to explain why… just watch the movie.
You’ve played a range of roles across genres. How did working on ‘Match’ push you as an actor, and what do you hope audiences take away from Paola’s story?
This was hands down the toughest role I’ve ever done. Horror always takes a lot out of you, but being at the center of it… that was something else. There were days I’d go home completely drained — bruised, bloody, sweaty, my voice shot from screaming. I was constantly tense, living in Paola’s fear and survival mode. It was brutal, but that’s also what made it so real. I couldn’t fake any of it — I had to live it.
What really tested me was learning to let go of control. I had to stop chasing the “perfect” performance and just surrender to whatever came up in the moment. Some days I’d break down between takes, and other days I’d find this strange strength I didn’t even know I had. That unpredictability — that chaos — became part of the character.
I hope people see more than just the horror. I want them to see Paola’s fight; the way she claws her way back from fear. She’s messy, she’s desperate, but she refuses to stay a victim. She becomes this force of rebellion, and I think that’s what makes her powerful.
dress. Regina Pyo @ Rewind Couture
‘Match’ is out now.
photography. Archie Sandall
fashion. Brandon Laughton
talent. Humberly González
hair + make up. Emily Deprisco
photography assistant. Teddy Perdikoulias
fashion assistant. Sara Lewis
location. Mild Studios
production + interview. Kelsey Barnes
in HTML format, including tags, to make it appealing and easy to read for Japanese-speaking readers aged 20 to 40 interested in fashion. Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6), translating all text, including headings, into Japanese. Retain any existing
tags from
dress. Miu Miu
gloves. Northbound Leather
There’s a grounded warmth to Humberly González that instantly draws you in — an openness that feels both familiar and magnetic. It’s the same quality she brings to her characters, whether she’s portraying the tender, big-hearted Sophie in ‘Ginny & Georgia’ or the haunted, resilient Paola in the psychological thriller ‘Match’. With each role, González reveals a new layer of truth — one that reflects not only the characters she plays but the woman she’s becoming.
Her journey began in community theatre in Fort McMurray, Alberta, where she discovered that acting wasn’t just something she loved — it was her calling. Since then, Humberly has carved a place for herself in the industry by leading with authenticity, embracing complexity, and refusing to be boxed in. Her performances resonate because they’re real — she doesn’t just play a character, she listens to them, allowing their humanity to guide her work.
Over the years, audiences have come to recognize Humberly for her emotional intelligence on screen — for the way she captures vulnerability without losing strength, and for her ability to turn deeply personal stories into universal truths. Through projects like ‘Ginny & Georgia’, she’s explored love, self-discovery, and the messiness of growing up, while her recent work in ‘Match’ pushes her to even darker and more visceral territory. In both, she brings empathy and fire in equal measure, reminding us that storytelling isn’t just entertainment — it’s a bridge between hearts.
González reflects on the early moments that shaped her, the lessons she’s carried with her through rejection and triumph, and the responsibility she feels as a Venezuelan-Canadian artist representing both her roots and her generation.
dress. Pat Bo @ Revelle Shop
shoes. Christian Louboutin
opposite
dress. Regina Pyo @ Rewind Couture
What was the moment you first realized acting wasn’t just a passion but your calling?
I was 18 when I landed the lead role in ‘High School Musical’ at my community theatre in Fort McMurray, Alberta. That experience was a turning point for me. Night after night, the shows were sold out, and after each performance, people would ask for autographs and photos.
In those moments, I realized how powerful storytelling could be—how it could move, inspire, and connect with people. The rush I felt on stage was unlike anything else, and it made me certain that acting wasn’t just a passion, but my true calling. I’m grateful for those small-town beginnings, because they laid the foundation for the bigger steps I’ve taken since.
Growing up in Venezuela and then moving to Canada, how did your cultural background influence your artistic voice early on?
Growing up in Venezuela, I was surrounded by music, dance, and storytelling—it was just part of everyday life. There’s a certain warmth and charisma in Venezuelan culture, a joy for living that shines even through hardship, and I carry that with me in everything I do. When my family moved to Canada, I found myself holding onto those roots even more tightly. They gave me a fire, a sense of resilience, and a way of seeing the world that I could pour into my art.
Being bilingual, being an immigrant — it wasn’t always easy, but it became something I was proud of. It allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level, to share not just where I came from, but the emotions and stories that shaped me. Every opportunity I’ve had to represent my culture on stage or on screen has felt like both an honour and a responsibility. It reminds me that my voice as an artist isn’t just my own, it’s also the echo of where I come from and the generations before me.
What were some pivotal lessons you learned at the beginning of your career that still guide you today?
One of the first lessons I learned was that you can’t reap what you sow right away. Early on, my agent told me, “You’re planting seeds,” and that really stuck with me. It taught me that even the smallest audition has value, even if you don’t see the results immediately. As actors, we don’t always get the feedback we crave, so I started to treat every opportunity as a chance to say “yes, ”yes to being seen, yes to learning, yes to growth, even if I didn’t book the part.
Another lesson that continues to guide me is the idea of betting on yourself. My team instilled that in me very early on: know your worth, stand by it, and trust it. That lesson became crucial in the moments where the “no’s” felt just as defining as the “yes’s.” I realized I wouldn’t be right for every project, and that’s okay because the projects that truly align with me will find me when I’m ready for them. There’s a quiet power in believing you deserve better, in walking away from what doesn’t align, and in trusting that saying “no” can sometimes be the most important step toward the right “yes.”
Can you share a memory from your first professional role that affirmed you were on the right path?
My very first professional role after moving to Toronto was a Bell Fibe Internet commercial. It felt like a whirlwind. I was flown to Montreal, picked up in a limo, and brought to a beautiful hotel. I remember thinking, “Wow, this is Hollywood treatment.” Just a few months earlier, I had graduated from theatre school in Montreal, so to book my first job back in the same city where I had really given my acting a chance felt almost fated.
That was ten years ago, and what makes it even more meaningful is the full-circle connection. The commercial happened to be ‘Star Wars’ themed. Years later, I found myself leading a ‘Star Wars’ project, also filmed in Montreal. Looking back, it feels like the universe was giving me a glimpse of what was to come. Moments like that remind me that nothing is random, and that when you follow your passion with trust, the path has a way of affirming itself in the most unexpected and magical ways.
jacket. Balenciaga @ Rewind Couture
bodysuit. GCDS @ Rewind Couture
skirt. Maison Margiela @ Rewind Couture
opposite
top. Pucci
skirt. Herskind Official
shoes. Schutz
jewellery. Dean Davidson
knee socks. Wolford
Were there any roles or stories you saw as a young performer that made you say, “I want to do that someday”?
I’ve always loved singing, dancing, and acting, so musicals, whether on stage or on film, felt like home to me. But one memory that stands out is the first time I took an overnight bus from Montreal to New York to see Broadway shows. I’ll never forget that feeling of sitting in the theatre, eyes wide, smiling through tears and laughter. It was pure wonder.
What struck me most was how storytelling has the power to bring people together. You can be in a room full of strangers, yet through a single performance, you all feel connected — as if you’ve shared something deeply personal. Every night I saw a show, I knew I didn’t just want to watch stories like that. I wanted to be part of telling them.
Your character Sophie in ‘Ginny & Georgia’ was part of a complex and emotional teen relationship. What aspects of Sophie’s journey resonated with you personally?
In my eyes, Sophie has always had a soft spot for people, and what I love most about her is how she tries to be honest and open, even while navigating her own emotions and uncertainties. We only get glimpses of her past, but those moments show a person with real self-awareness, someone striving to understand herself and the people around her.
I connect deeply with her humour, her vulnerability, her sense of wonder, and the way she shows up for those she cares about. Playing her allowed me to reflect on my own capacity for empathy and tenderness, and reminded me how much courage it takes to be both open and true to yourself.
How did you approach portraying teenage vulnerability and identity exploration in such a dynamic high school setting?
My Meisner teacher always said that acting is about “living truthfully under imagined circumstances,” and placing myself back in high school through this role was a really unique experience. We only get one shot at being that age, but through this job I’ve been able to revisit a version of myself — with all the perspective and understanding I have now.
I feel lucky to have such incredible castmates who make the high school world feel authentic, and writing that puts the characters in raw, honest scenarios. My approach has been simple: allow whatever comes up to be alive in the moment. Going back in time with that kind of intentionality has been both joyful and eye-opening, I’ve learned a lot about myself along the way.
Sophie’s storyline touches on heartbreak and boundaries. What message do you think her arc sends about love and self-respect?
Season 1 ends in a place of honesty, and while telling the truth about your feelings is painful, it’s ultimately an act of respect — for yourself and for the other person. Sophie was also scared, though — maybe even unconsciously sabotaging the relationship because she didn’t yet know how to hold this new love. Her decision hurt her as much as it hurt Max, and that tension of fear and longing felt so real to explore.
By season 3, seeing Sophie grow into a friendship with Max — someone she had been craving connection with — was incredibly moving. Their bond is gentle, grounding, and a reminder that relationships don’t always turn out as we hope, but they can give us exactly what we need: growth, understanding, and a deeper sense of self-respect. Playing her taught me how delicate and complex love can be, and how courage often shows up in the quietest moments.
sweater, boots + glasses. Balenciaga
skirt. Herskind Official
opposite
jacket. Bluemarine @ Rewind Couture
dress. Regina Pyo @ Rewind Couture
In what ways has ‘Ginny & Georgia’ shaped your understanding of storytelling as a tool for empathy?
I’ve come to see that when we tell the stories of flawed characters, we offer audiences a mirror — an invitation to recognize themselves in the cracks and complexities. As human beings, we’re not defined by perfection, but by the moments where we stumble, where we fight, where we soften. Storytelling makes space for that — it lets us walk inside another person’s skin, even if just for a moment.
Playing Sophie has taught me this in profound ways. I’ve learned to hold empathy for where she is in her journey, to honour her truth by giving her voice. And in turn, she’s given me new ways of seeing, reminding me that compassion is always more powerful than judgment. I’ve come to believe that right and wrong are rarely the full story… what unites us is the choice to understand. That, to me, is the deepest gift of storytelling: its ability to draw us closer to one another.
Looking ahead, what kind of stories or roles are you most passionate about telling next?
I want to keep exploring stories that live in deep emotion. I’m especially drawn to characters who have built up armour, only to discover moments of softness, or people who’ve had to fight just to exist or to chase a dream that seemed impossible. Those journeys feel very human to me. I’m also curious about stepping into comedy. It scares me, which is exactly why I feel like I need to try — it’s another way to stretch and surprise myself.
Paola’s journey in ‘Match’ starts as a romantic connection and quickly turns into something much darker. What drew you to this character, and how did you prepare to explore her emotional arc through such drastic shifts in tone?
When I first read the script, I was completely captivated. ‘Match’ is a gripping descent into chaos — a story you can’t look away from — yet it remains deeply rooted in the unsettling realities of modern online dating. It takes a familiar premise and pushes it to the most haunting extremes, forcing us to confront what can happen when the search for connection turns perilous.
What drew me to Paola was her evolution. She begins as a woman driven by longing and vulnerability, but through the darkness, she discovers an unexpected resilience. Her transformation from a desperate victim into a woman fighting for her survival felt both tragic and empowering. I was fascinated by the challenge of portraying that emotional metamorphosis — of finding truth within her fear, strength within her desperation, and ultimately, hope within the horror.
dress. Miu Miu
gloves. Northbound Leather
opposite
top. SHUSHU/TONG
shoes. Schutz
tights. Pucci
The film seems to blend psychological thriller and horror elements with modern themes of online dating and trust. How did you and the director work together to ground Paola’s reactions in realism while keeping the tension high?
Working with Danishka Esterhazy was an incredible experience. She’s such a force — someone who can balance the intensity of a psychological thriller with genuine humanity. This film deals with really heavy themes, so it was essential to have a director who could embrace the darkness without losing sight of the emotional truth at the center of it all. Danishka brought that balance effortlessly.
What I appreciated most was her courage to face the real-world horrors this story touches on — misogyny, manipulation, and sexual violence — but always through a lens of empathy. She never reduced Paola to a victim. Instead, she encouraged me to explore her resilience, her fight to survive, and the quiet strength that emerges when everything else falls apart. That honesty kept the tension real — it wasn’t just about fear, it was about what it means to hold on to yourself in the midst of it.
Much of ‘Match’ relies on suspense and the unknown. Were there any particular scenes that were especially challenging or memorable to shoot because of the fear or intensity involved?
It’s an understatement to say that ‘Match’ can be deeply uncomfortable at times. Some moments really stay with you — not just as an actor, but as a human being. The bathroom scene with the mother and son was especially hard for me. Even as a spectator, just hearing the dialogue and feeling the weight of that dynamic was unsettling. It took me to a very emotional and vulnerable place, and I think that’s where the film’s power really lives — in that raw discomfort.
Another particularly challenging scene was Henry’s attempt to overpower Paola — the moment where his dominance turns physical and violent. That was incredibly intense to shoot. I’m so grateful to my scene partner, Jacques Adriaanse, for the trust and care we built together. We had constant check-ins and safety conversations, which allowed us to go to those dark, dangerous emotional places while still feeling completely supported. Honestly, without that kind of collaboration, the film couldn’t have reached the depth it did.
dress. Comme des Garçons
opposite
jacket. Balenciaga @ Rewind Couture
bodysuit. GCDS @ Rewind Couture
skirt. Maison Margiela @ Rewind Couture
Technology and intimacy collide in ‘Match’. What message do you think the film sends about our relationship with dating apps and digital connections?
‘Match’ is ultimately a story about survival — and about a woman’s search for genuine connection in a digital world that can so easily turn predatory. What’s powerful about the film is that, even though it’s shocking and terrifying at times, it approaches that danger through a distinctly feminist lens. It’s not just about fear — it’s about awareness, agency, and the courage to reclaim power in spaces that often exploit vulnerability.
The truth is, technology has completely changed how we seek intimacy, but it’s also blurred the lines of trust. You never really know who’s on the other side of that screen — someone can curate, censor, and shape themselves into your perfect match, while hiding something entirely different underneath. The film really forces you to confront that uncomfortable reality.
And honestly, after shooting ‘Match’, I’ve never been more cautious about online dating. Be curious, but also be protective — and please, don’t go to someone’s house on a first date. I don’t need to explain why… just watch the movie.
You’ve played a range of roles across genres. How did working on ‘Match’ push you as an actor, and what do you hope audiences take away from Paola’s story?
This was hands down the toughest role I’ve ever done. Horror always takes a lot out of you, but being at the center of it… that was something else. There were days I’d go home completely drained — bruised, bloody, sweaty, my voice shot from screaming. I was constantly tense, living in Paola’s fear and survival mode. It was brutal, but that’s also what made it so real. I couldn’t fake any of it — I had to live it.
What really tested me was learning to let go of control. I had to stop chasing the “perfect” performance and just surrender to whatever came up in the moment. Some days I’d break down between takes, and other days I’d find this strange strength I didn’t even know I had. That unpredictability — that chaos — became part of the character.
I hope people see more than just the horror. I want them to see Paola’s fight; the way she claws her way back from fear. She’s messy, she’s desperate, but she refuses to stay a victim. She becomes this force of rebellion, and I think that’s what makes her powerful.
dress. Regina Pyo @ Rewind Couture
‘Match’ is out now.
photography. Archie Sandall
fashion. Brandon Laughton
talent. Humberly González
hair + make up. Emily Deprisco
photography assistant. Teddy Perdikoulias
fashion assistant. Sara Lewis
location. Mild Studios
production + interview. Kelsey Barnes
and integrate them seamlessly into the new content without adding new tags. Ensure the new content is fashion-related, written entirely in Japanese, and approximately 1500 words. Conclude with a “結論” section and a well-formatted “よくある質問” section. Avoid including an introduction or a note explaining the process.
