Chloë Levine Unpacks Angie’s Evolving Love Story and Pivotal Journey in ‘The OA’ Part II
After a highly anticipated two-year hiatus, Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij delivered another captivating chapter of their critically acclaimed series, The OA. The second season, which premiered on Netflix on March 22nd, was met with enthusiastic reviews, drawing viewers back into its intricate, dimension-spanning narrative. Among the returning ensemble, Chloë Levine’s character, Angie, emerged with a significantly expanded role, captivating audiences with her journey of self-discovery and an unexpected love story that became central to her development.
In the groundbreaking first season, Angie was introduced as a seemingly tough, yet profoundly impressionable, high school student. Her initial connection to Prairie’s enigmatic group of followers was largely anchored by her burgeoning relationship with Steve Winchell, played by Patrick Gibson. Their bond, initially a blend of teenage angst and nascent affection, laid the groundwork for the deeper emotional arc that would unfold. Season two propels Angie into the heart of the mystery, as she joins Steve, Buck, Jesse, and French on a desperate quest. Their mission: to locate their beloved teacher, Betty, affectionately known as BBA (Phyllis Smith), and ultimately, to find OA/Prairie herself.
Angie’s Transformation: From Guarded Rebel to Vulnerable Lover
Chloë Levine, reflecting on Angie’s evolution, shared insights into her character’s emotional landscape. “I think that Angie wasn’t really expecting to like Steve as much as she ended up liking him, and so that, to me, was a point of vulnerability that was new to her,” Chloë revealed in an exclusive interview. This unexpected depth of feeling marked a significant shift for Angie, who had previously presented a guarded and somewhat rebellious facade. Her journey in Part II sees her grapple with this newfound vulnerability, navigating it alongside the bewildering circumstances surrounding her and her friends.
The road trip itself becomes a crucible for Angie’s growth. “Then, she finds herself on this road trip with her boyfriend, who she loves, and they have this sort of weird mission that she doesn’t totally understand, but she saw the stuff in the cafeteria, and she loves Steve, so she’s there with him,” Levine elaborated. This profound loyalty and nascent understanding highlight Angie’s developing maturity. She may not grasp the full implications of interdimensional travel or the complex mythology woven by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, but her commitment to Steve and the collective quest of her newfound family underscores her transformation. Her decision to embark on such a perilous and inexplicable journey, driven primarily by love and a burgeoning sense of belonging, showcases a character shedding her defensive layers and embracing genuine connection.
The Unexpected Romance: Angie and Steve’s Developing Love Story
Angie and Steve’s relationship is a cornerstone of her character arc, providing an emotional anchor amidst the fantastical elements of The OA. Chloë fondly described Angie’s persona in season one as “tough” and “not easy to break into,” making her subsequent dive into romance all the more impactful. “It was really lovely to just introduce this love interest, and then, it’s weird because she legit falls in love and then just goes with him, and it’s pretty awesome!” she added. This “pretty awesome” development speaks to the raw, unfiltered nature of teenage love, yet it’s set against a backdrop of extraordinary circumstances that test their bond in unique ways.
Their love story is not just a secondary plot point; it’s a driving force for Angie. Steve, with his own complex struggles and intense devotion to Prairie, finds a kindred spirit in Angie. Together, they navigate the bewildering clues, the dangers, and the emotional toll of their mission. Their connection, born out of shared experience and mutual support, becomes a powerful testament to the show’s underlying themes of human connection and belief. It’s a relationship that evolves from a typical high school crush into a deep, abiding partnership forged in the fires of an unbelievable reality, proving that even in the most extraordinary narratives, the power of simple, genuine human affection remains paramount.
Chloë Levine on Stepping Back into Angie’s Shoes After Two Years
Revisiting a character after a significant hiatus can be a challenge for any actor, but for Chloë Levine, a New York native, reconnecting with Angie felt surprisingly natural. To prepare for Part II, Levine immersed herself back into Angie’s world, explaining, “It was really easy to get back into her.” Her preparation involved listening to a lot of Riot grrrl music, a genre known for its fierce, rebellious spirit, which perfectly encapsulates Angie’s initial demeanor. She also meticulously re-watched season one, allowing her to trace Angie’s initial steps and fully grasp the character’s emotional trajectory before her transformative journey in Part II.
This deep dive into the character’s psyche and past proved invaluable. Chloë found a profound connection with Angie, stating, “With Angie, there are so many ways I relate to her. It’s not super difficult to just go right back in.” This personal resonance undoubtedly contributed to the authenticity and depth she brought to Angie in season two, making her portrayal compelling and relatable. The seamless transition back into Angie’s skin highlights Levine’s skill as an actress and her innate understanding of the character’s core identity and evolving spirit.
Finding Catharsis and Connection Through Character Portrayal
For Chloë, portraying Angie offered more than just an acting role; it was a deeply cathartic experience. She drew parallels between her own teenage years and Angie’s, describing both as “angry teens.” However, Angie distinguished herself by actively channeling her anger, a trait Chloë admired and enjoyed exploring. “Playing Angie was really cathartic for me because I was really shy in high school and I was a weirdo, but not to the point where I would act on it like Angie does, so it was really fun, like in season one, to just throw a tantrum sort of in the middle of class and storm off!” she laughed.
This ability to inhabit a character who expresses emotions in ways she herself didn’t dare to as a teenager underscores the power of acting. Chloë cherishes this aspect of her craft, revealing, “That’s one of the reasons why I like acting. I love it because it’s like you get to sort of explore these parts of yourself that you normally wouldn’t!” Through Angie, Chloë found a channel for exploring suppressed feelings, embodying a fierce independence and emotional candor that resonated deeply with her. This personal connection imbued Angie with a raw, honest energy, making her one of the most compelling and evolving characters in the intricate tapestry of The OA. Her journey, guided by Levine’s insightful portrayal, became a mirror for many viewers who may have also navigated their own complex teenage emotions, whether expressed outwardly or kept quietly within.
The Enduring Mystery and Anticipation for ‘The OA’ Part III
The return of The OA with Part II not only continued its mind-bending narrative but also cemented its status as one of Netflix’s most unique and thought-provoking series. Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij consistently challenge conventional storytelling, weaving a narrative that defies genre classification and encourages viewers to question reality, belief, and the fundamental nature of connection. The second season deepened the mythology, introducing new dimensions, characters, and even more profound questions about the universe and humanity’s place within it.
The development of characters like Angie, from a peripheral figure to an integral part of the core group’s quest, is a testament to the creators’ commitment to rich character arcs. Her growth, particularly her unexpected and genuine love story with Steve, added a crucial layer of human emotion to the show’s complex sci-fi framework. As Part II concluded, fans were, once again, left craving more, yearning for answers and the continuation of this extraordinary saga. The wait for Part III, much like the wait for Part II, is filled with fervent hope and speculation, a testament to the profound impact The OA, and characters like Angie, have had on its dedicated global audience.