Rome, January 10th, 2025
Giordana Marengo in conversation with Elisa Carassai
With her raven hair, piercing gaze, and a melancholy expression that captures the light and darkness of life, Giordana Marengo is quickly making a name for herself as one of Italy’s most compelling young actors. At just 20 years old, she made her unforgettable debut as the protagonist of Netflix’s The Lying Life of Adults, an adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s celebrated novel. Stepping into the role of Giovanna — a teenager navigating dreams, disillusionment, and identity in the intricate world of 1990s Naples — Giordana brought an extraordinary depth and raw vulnerability to her first major role.
Not content with resting on her laurels, Giordana has also ventured into lighter terrain with Uonderbois, a whimsical departure from Ferrante’s dramatic universe. The contrasting tones of these two projects have given her the chance to explore different facets of her craft, honing her skills and expanding her range as a performer. In this interview, Giordana reflects on her unconventional journey into acting, the challenges of embodying layered characters, and how each new experience is shaping her artistic voice.
“I was in high school, and after finishing my studies, I was trying to figure out what path to take. Almost by chance, I auditioned for The Lying Life of Adults, and that’s how my journey as an actress began. That experience definitely helped me discover more about myself, accept myself, and get to know myself better.”
What led you to become an actress, and how did your career begin?
GM I was in high school, and after finishing my studies, I was trying to figure out what path to take. Almost by chance, I auditioned for The Lying Life of Adults, and that’s how my journey as an actress began. That experience definitely helped me discover more about myself, accept myself, and get to know myself better.
When you’re working on a character, where do you start to build their inner world?
GM I always start by reading the script, understanding the emotions my character feels, and never judging them. I try to care for them and understand them deeply. Another thing that helps me is finding music that fits the situations the character is experiencing.
Elena Ferrante’s stories are deeply emotional. How do you prepare to convey such complexity on screen?
GM As I mentioned earlier, getting to know the character is crucial. Music also plays a big role in my work. Before shooting highly emotional scenes, I like to take a bit of time to isolate myself and gradually ease into the scene.
“I always start by reading the script, understanding the emotions my character feels, and never judging them. I try to care for them and understand them deeply. Another thing that helps me is finding music that fits the situations the character is experiencing.”
Switching from the drama of Ferrante’s universe to the lighter tone of Uonderbois requires a shift in acting style. How do you manage that transition?
GM The two series are completely different. With the little experience I had at the time, I found working on the set of Uonderbois a bit challenging at first. But it was such an important opportunity for me to experiment and try something new.
What did you learn from working with directors who bring such distinct visions to projects like the Ferrante adaptation and Uonderbois?
GM Having the chance to work with different directors and very different projects has been key. It allowed me to explore a variety of approaches to acting, and that’s been incredibly important for my growth.
When you work with other actors, how do you go about developing authentic chemistry, especially in ensemble settings?
GM We often do script readings together as a cast, and those moments are a great opportunity to talk and get to know each other. The rest just tends to happen naturally.
Read the full interview on Muse February Issue 65.
