Emily Arlook on Navigating ‘Big Time Adolescence’ and the Powerful Impact of Nomi’s Pregnancy in ‘grown-ish’
Emily Arlook has captivated audiences with her diverse roles, effortlessly transitioning between the comedic and the dramatic. From her compelling performance in the coming-of-age film Big Time Adolescence to her pivotal and impactful storyline as Nomi on the hit Freeform series grown-ish, Arlook continues to showcase her range and commitment to authentic storytelling. In a recent exclusive interview, Arlook delved into the intricacies of both projects, offering insights into her character choices, the themes explored, and the profound connections she’s forged along the way.
For Arlook, the appeal of a great coming-of-age narrative is undeniable. It was precisely this draw that made the role of Kate Harris in the critically acclaimed film Big Time Adolescence, now streaming on Hulu and available in select theaters, particularly resonate with her. “I’m a sucker for a coming-of-age story, so that right off the bat immediately drew me in,” Emily shared with HollywoodLife. Beyond the genre itself, her established trust in the film’s writer and director, Jason Orley, was another significant factor. “Jason Orley, who wrote and directed it, I’ve known for a little bit. I just trust him so much, so I think it was the pairing of those two things,” she explained, highlighting the importance of creative synergy in her projects.
Big Time Adolescence plunges viewers into the world of 16-year-old Mo, who navigates the often turbulent waters of adolescence under the questionable guidance of his older best friend, Zeke. While Zeke’s intentions may stem from a place of affection, his life lessons frequently steer Mo down a path fraught with trouble and potentially damaging experiences. Emily steps into the role of Kate Harris, Mo’s older sister and Zeke’s former girlfriend. Her character offers a unique perspective on the dynamic between Mo and Zeke, having experienced Zeke’s charismatic yet irresponsible nature firsthand. Zeke, portrayed with magnetic charm, is the quintessential slacker – unmotivated, a troublemaker, but undeniably alluring. Arlook admitted a personal connection to the character type: “I feel like there was more than one Zeke in my life,” she reflected. “Those are definitely the types of people that it’s easy to gravitate towards at a specific moment in one’s life when you’re really impressionable. It’s a very alluring type of personality.”
The film expertly explores the complex reasons why impressionable individuals like Mo often find themselves drawn into the orbit of figures like Zeke. Emily elaborated on this dynamic, suggesting that Zeke’s “f**k it” attitude holds a particular appeal. “I think that kind of ‘f**k it’ attitude… there’s something so refreshing about that, especially for Mo, who’s a really hard-working kid in high school,” she continued. “To see somebody who kind of represents the opposite of that makes it easy to gravitate towards that.” This contrast highlights the internal conflict many teenagers face: the desire for stability and achievement versus the allure of rebellion and carefree living. A significant part of Zeke’s captivating presence is attributed to Pete Davidson’s performance. Emily was full of praise for her co-star: “I’m so impressed by his work. I think that he did an amazing job in the film and I’m really excited for people to see him. He’s truly great.” Davidson’s ability to infuse humor and a touch of vulnerability into Zeke’s often misguided actions adds layers of depth to a character who could easily have been a one-dimensional antagonist, ultimately making the film’s exploration of friendship and influence even more compelling.
Nomi’s Unforeseen Journey: Pregnancy on ‘grown-ish’
Beyond her work in film, Emily Arlook is widely recognized for her role as Nomi Segal in the highly successful Freeform series grown-ish. The third season of the show kicked off with a major revelation that sent shockwaves through the fandom: Nomi is pregnant. This storyline marked a significant turning point for her character, presenting a dramatic shift in her life trajectory, and Emily wholeheartedly embraced the challenge. “I was happy because it’s such an amazing storyline to get to play, and it’s such a powerful storyline,” Emily told HollywoodLife, emphasizing the weight and importance of the narrative. “Grown-ish excels at discussing real-life topics of what’s going on a college campus and pregnancy is one of those things.”
The decision to explore an unplanned pregnancy storyline, particularly with Nomi, underscores grown-ish‘s commitment to portraying the authentic and often unpredictable realities of college life. Arlook acknowledged the boldness of this choice: “I kind of figured why shy away from something that’s so prevalent on college campuses, and I thought it was great that it was Nomi because I think she was kind of the least expected.” Nomi, known for her free-spirited and bohemian approach to life, seemed an unlikely candidate for such a serious and life-altering event. This unexpected turn allowed the show to delve into themes of responsibility, identity, and the sudden shift from youthful freedom to impending motherhood, all while navigating the complexities of a university environment. Arlook’s portrayal has brought a nuanced sensitivity to Nomi’s journey, making her struggles and triumphs incredibly relatable to viewers.
As the spring finale of grown-ish approached, the tension surrounding Nomi’s pregnancy reached its peak, with Nomi going into labor while FaceTiming Zoey. This cliffhanger promises an eventful return for the show, where audiences will finally meet the first grown-ish baby. While Emily remained tight-lipped about specific details for future episodes, she offered an enticing tease: “There may be more information about the father. There may be more exploration there.” This hints at further development not only for Nomi but also for the wider cast as they grapple with the implications of this new life entering their world, continuing grown-ish‘s tradition of tackling challenging and relevant issues with grace and insight.
The ‘grown-ish’ Family: A Bond Beyond the Screen
Emily Arlook shares the screen with an exceptional ensemble cast in grown-ish, including talented actors like Yara Shahidi, Trevor Jackson, Luka Sabbat, and Francia Raisa, among many others. The series has consistently garnered critical acclaim for its sharp writing, relevant storylines, and the undeniable chemistry of its young cast. Arlook’s admiration for her colleagues and the overall production is profound. “I truly feel like I won the lottery with this job because the show in and of itself is amazing,” Emily expressed, highlighting the quality of the series. However, it’s the personal connections that elevate the experience even further for her. “But more than that, the people that I work with literally are like family. We’re so connected. We text all the time — working or not. We’re each other’s biggest fans.”
This deep bond among the grown-ish cast members translates directly into the authenticity and warmth that viewers see on screen. Their genuine camaraderie fosters an environment where creativity thrives and challenging storylines can be approached with shared support and understanding. “It makes work really fun because it just feels like we’re hanging out,” Emily concluded, painting a picture of a set where professionalism and genuine friendship coexist harmoniously. This sense of family not only enriches the acting experience but also solidifies grown-ish as one of the most dynamic and talented ensembles in contemporary television, making it a joy for both the cast to create and for audiences to watch.
Emily Arlook’s Evolving Career: Balancing Diverse Roles and Impactful Storytelling
Emily Arlook’s recent projects, Big Time Adolescence and grown-ish, demonstrate her versatility as an actress and her keen eye for meaningful roles. Whether exploring the nuances of complicated teenage friendships and the pitfalls of bad influence in film, or tackling the profound emotional and social implications of an unplanned pregnancy on a popular TV series, Arlook consistently brings depth and sincerity to her characters. Her ability to navigate these vastly different narratives, from the lighthearted yet thought-provoking comedy-drama to the more serious, socially relevant issues, speaks volumes about her talent and dedication to her craft. As her career continues to evolve, audiences can undoubtedly look forward to more captivating performances and impactful storytelling from Emily Arlook, an actress who clearly values authenticity and connection both on and off screen.