Hulu’s new miniseries, Nine Perfect Strangers, drops its first three episodes on August 18. Based on the novel by Liane Moriarty (Big Little Lies), the show follows nine individuals who gather at a wellness center run by the enigmatic Masha (Nicole Kidman). As they get to know themselves better, they also start uncovering more about each other whether they want to or not.
Regina Hall and Melissa McCarthy spoke to Screen Rant about what drives their characters as well as the mystery surrounding their hostess.
Screen Rant: Regina, can you talk to me a little bit about Carmel and why she's at Tranquillum?
Regina Hall: Carmel's husband has left her for a younger woman, which has left her very depleted, and I think she's come to boost her self-esteem. She's come for many reasons, but she's come to boost her self-esteem and maybe meet new people. She doesn't have children. I think her children are with their new stepmom, so she's [trying] to cultivate a new beginning for herself.
Melissa, you play the romance author Francis. Can you talk to me about what attracted you to Francis, and what you wanted to bring to that character that wasn't necessarily on the page?
Melissa McCarthy: Well, I kind of loved her right away from the book. I always love the character that may appear one way on the outside, and the inside is always so completely different - as is with all people. I don't know anyone who's all one thing or ever what they just present.
I loved that she was smart and intelligent and was in charge of her own life, but I love that we're telling her story at the moment where that is all crumbling. Even if you have all these things, they can be taken away. Her self-worth and her writing, her inability to have a good relationship - everything. She kind of just kept getting punched down again and again, and I think she just felt - in my opinion, more than ever - off-kilter.
It's like, "If nothing else, I could go back and do this." And then when [the] one thing that you're secure in, and your confidence is shaken, you're completely shattered.
I liked how hard she tried to present [that] everything was fine. And then you see - as with all these characters - nobody's fine. We all need people, and strangers are sometimes who you can open yourself up to even more than your friends and family.
Regina, can you talk to me about how your character Carmel views Masha, played by Nicole Kidman?
Regina Hall: I think she's enamored by Masha and intrigued. She has a lot of feelings that are very complex towards her, but I think she's genuinely emotionally moved to actually be in Masha's presence.
Everyone goes there, and Masha is who we all are seeking to meet. And I think for Carmel, it has a very specific meaning.
Nine Perfect Strangers premieres on Hulu August 18.