Imagine landing your very first major movie role, and suddenly you're acting opposite Leonardo DiCaprio! That's exactly what happened to Chase Infiniti, and as she revealed, her parents were even more stunned than she was! In "One Battle After Another," Chase plays Willa, the daughter of former revolutionaries, thrust into a world of shoot-outs, car chases, and intense confrontations with Hollywood legends like DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, and Regina King. "My whole life has literally changed in the last six months," she says, reflecting on this whirlwind experience. But how did this incredible opportunity even come about?
It wasn't quite the dramatic, movie-worthy entrance one might expect. "No, thank God. I did six months of auditioning for the film while I was working on my first project, Presumed Innocent," Chase explains. The process involved self-tapes, in-person callbacks, chemistry reads with DiCaprio and Regina Hall, and even intensive karate training! Picture this: Paul Thomas Anderson himself watching her final karate lesson before giving her the life-changing news.
Now, stepping onto a set with actors of DiCaprio's caliber could be incredibly intimidating. Was Chase fazed at all? "I was definitely freaking out the first time that they told me," she admits. "And I called my parents right away, and I was like: 'Mom, I’m about to meet Leo DiCaprio and Regina Hall tomorrow.' So they were freaking out too, even more than me." But here's where it gets interesting: Chase quickly found her footing. "Once I got there, on the day, I was like: 'OK, I came here to do my job, and I’m gonna make sure that I’m doing right by myself and my scene partners.'" She emphasizes DiCaprio's kindness and humor, which helped ease the initial pressure. "Standing in front of DiCaprio, the facade kind of fades the second that they call “Action”. Also he’s such a kind person, and really funny. So even the first time I met him, it was really easy to drop in from the start."
In "One Battle After Another," the women often emerge as powerful figures amidst a sea of dysfunctional men. Did the established actresses offer support and guidance? Absolutely. Regina King, in particular, extended a welcoming hand. "Even before we started filming, Regina was like: 'If you ever need anybody here, let me know.' I took her up on that. She’s just such a special person and such a genuine human being, and I love her very much." Mentorship on set can be invaluable, especially for a young actor navigating such a high-profile project.
Chase's role demanded a lot – action sequences, emotional depth, and everything in between. What was her favorite part? While she loved the shoot-outs and car chases (a dream come true for an action film enthusiast!), one scene stood out: the initial meeting between her character, Willa, and Lockjaw (Sean Penn) in a church. "I was so excited to do that scene, and then getting to see it on the big screen, I felt nothing but pride."
The film tackles complex and sensitive themes, including racism and racial hatred. As a mixed-race person, how did Chase navigate these challenging aspects of the story? "Unfortunately, they’re not themes that are so strange to me, given the state of the world – who I am, where I am, and how I look." And this is the part most people miss: Chase's personal experiences deeply informed her portrayal of Willa. Director Paul Thomas Anderson created a safe and supportive environment, allowing her to draw from her own life. "I was bringing from my personal experience, and a lot of it, [Anderson] was like: just bring what you think of Willa, because you are Willa. He completely entrusted her over to me, which I’m so grateful for now." This level of trust empowered Chase to authentically embody her character.
Willa is portrayed as remarkably fearless for a 16-year-old. How did that compare to Chase's own experiences at that age? "Me at 16? I was scared. I had a really hard time figuring out where I fitted in." She found solace and belonging in theatre, a space where she could "completely lose myself and feel at home and at peace in a way that I never had felt before." Her training at a musical theatre school instilled in her the importance of teamwork and collaboration, emphasizing that "no performance is individual."
Of course, a name as unique as Chase Infiniti begs for an explanation. What's the story behind it? "I love explaining it! I love my parents very much, and they spent a lot of time on my name." Her first name comes from Nicole Kidman's character, Chase Meridian, in "Batman Forever." Her middle name, Infiniti, is inspired by Buzz Lightyear's iconic line from "Toy Story": "To infinity and beyond." Clearly, her parents are movie buffs!
So, what's next for this rising star? Chase recently wrapped filming on "The Testaments," the sequel to "The Handmaid's Tale," where she plays Agnes, the daughter of Elisabeth Moss's character, June. "So I got to dive into Gilead, which is really cool, but you’re seeing a new corner of it." It sounds like she's continuing to take on challenging and thought-provoking roles.
Finally, what was Chase's favorite film of the year (besides her own, of course)? She enthusiastically praised "Sinners," highlighting its importance for representation and the evident love and effort Ryan Coogler poured into it.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some critics have argued that "One Battle After Another" doesn't fully explore the nuances of its complex themes, particularly regarding race. Others contend that the film's ambitious scope and ensemble cast make it a powerful and important work.
What do you think? Did Chase Infiniti's performance resonate with you? What are your thoughts on the film's portrayal of race and power dynamics? Share your opinions in the comments below!
