LIVING OUT LOUD
New Zealand Listener|March 5 - 11, 2022
Kiwi comedian Rose Matafeo has compiled a remarkable résumé, culminating in her hit British TV show Starstruck. So where does she go from here?
RUSSELL BROWN
LIVING OUT LOUD
A good part of what keeps people watching Starstruck – the hit British comedy series that New Zealand's Rose Matafeo writes, executive produces and stars in – is surely the urgent wish that its romantic protagonists would, please, just sort it out.

After what seemed to be a romcom resolution to Starstruck’s first season – instead of flying home, Jessie, the impetuous, aimless New Zealander, stays on the airport bus with film star Tom – the opening indications of the second season are not promising. Jessie disembarks from the bus with her lover and is seized by so many conflicting feelings that she seems in danger of accidentally running into traffic. The relationship, clearly, remains a work in progress.

“I can’t believe it myself,” laughs Matafeo, who plays Jessie, from her home in north-east London. “When will this girl grow up? It is frustrating, but that’s the tension. Imagine if it was just a series where two people got together and they encountered no obstacles whatsoever. What a boring f---ing series that would be.”

But viewers won’t have to wait too long – until episode two, to be precise – for what looks like an actual moment of reflection and personal growth for Jessie.

“Yeah, she has a moment. I think she’s maybe potentially for the first time realising that her impulsive decisions have ramifications. No one’s really picked up on the fact that Jessie has experienced some personal growth. It’s subtle, but it’s there.”

This story is from the March 5 - 11, 2022 edition of New Zealand Listener.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 5 - 11, 2022 edition of New Zealand Listener.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW ZEALAND LISTENERView All
First-world problem
New Zealand Listener

First-world problem

Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 9, 2024
Applying intelligence to AI
New Zealand Listener

Applying intelligence to AI

I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 9, 2024
Nazism rears its head
New Zealand Listener

Nazism rears its head

Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 9, 2024
Staying ahead of the game
New Zealand Listener

Staying ahead of the game

Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?

time-read
4 mins  |
September 9, 2024
Grasping the nettle
New Zealand Listener

Grasping the nettle

Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 9, 2024
Hangry? Eat breakfast
New Zealand Listener

Hangry? Eat breakfast

People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 9, 2024
Chemical reaction
New Zealand Listener

Chemical reaction

Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 9, 2024
Me and my guitar
New Zealand Listener

Me and my guitar

Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 9, 2024
Time is on my side
New Zealand Listener

Time is on my side

Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?

time-read
7 mins  |
September 9, 2024
The kids are not alright
New Zealand Listener

The kids are not alright

Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 9, 2024