Tribeca Film Festival 2025: Vincent Miller Talks Vulnerability, Stillness, and His Acting Debut in ‘Inside’

Audiences are already buzzing about Vincent Miller’s breakout role in Inside, a haunting Australian prison drama featured at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival. Starring opposite Guy Pearce and Cosmo Jarvis, Vincent delivers a staggering debut—rooted in restraint, vulnerability, and emotional precision. As Mel, a young man torn between two surrogate father figures, he brings a haunting stillness to the screen, revealing the depths of a character shaped by silence, tension, and survival. It’s his first role—but unmistakably the beginning of a remarkable career.

Directed by Charles Williams, Inside is a gripping exploration of identity, influence, and the quiet violence of power. Set within the stark confines of a working prison, the film follows Mel (Vincent Miller) as he becomes the focus of two older inmates—one nurturing, the other volatile—each aiming to mold him in their own image.

Pop Culturalist was fortunate to sit down with Vincent Miller to discuss his acting debut, the emotional preparation that went into portraying Mel, and how he found truth in silence. He opened up about working alongside Guy Pearce and Cosmo Jarvis, navigating two wildly different on-set dynamics, and the invaluable guidance of director Charles Williams.

PC: Mel is an introspective character, and so much of his expression is through silence and observation. There’s such empathy and restraint in your performance. As a first-time actor, what was the process like for you in creating that emotional space and internal world—and how did Charles Williams help guide you there?
Vincent: Charles was a huge help. He’s exceptional. This was my first big role, so I didn’t really know what the process would be like or what to expect going into it. I decided to stick with what I did in my audition, and I carried that through. Whatever I did then, Charles liked it. In those moments of silence, it was important to have a lot going on internally—thoughts behind the eyes—to bring those qualities of Mel to life.

When it came to preparation, it was all in the script. Charles personalized one for me. Each of us had a different version because we’re all such distinct characters in the film. So I have to give a lot of credit to him. He was the biggest help in getting me ready to bring this incredibly layered character to the screen. I can’t take all the credit—he guided me through so much. I just followed my instincts and did what felt right.

PC: You’re incredibly humble. Speaking of the audition process and when you were cast—Charles personalized this role for you. What were the first things you wanted to understand about Mel and his journey? What were the questions you had for him?
Vincent: It was important for me to understand where he came from and where he grew up because that ties into why he does certain things and why he has certain tics in life now. The first day of filming was actually at the house with the younger version of Mel. I got to visit the set, meet my on-screen family, and watch them film those flashback sequences. That ended up being really helpful going into my scenes. I don’t know if that was intentionally planned, but I got very lucky. That was my first day on set, and all of my scenes came after. It gave me a sense of Mel’s roots—of where he came from, which wasn’t the greatest environment. That really helped shape my approach.

PC: I don’t know what’s more surprising—that this was your first acting gig or that you filmed it when you were just fifteen. Do you think your age helped you tap into Mel’s emotional world in a way that felt more unfiltered? Did it allow you to approach the role with a kind of raw honesty that might be harder to hold onto as you get older?
Vincent: Definitely. When you’re younger, you tend to soak things in more easily. Every single day, I was learning something new—about Mel, about filming, about everything, really. I took it all in. Being younger makes you more open in a way. You’re constantly learning, and there’s still so much to learn, which I think helped me stay present and honest in the role.

PC: That’s such a great point. There’s so much authenticity woven into this project—from the research Charles did, to filming on location in an actual prison, to casting real officers and incarcerated individuals. How did all of that help ground you in the world and shape the performance you gave?
Vincent: It was enormously helpful. When you’re in an actual prison, surrounded by people who’ve really lived that life—officers who work there, individuals who’ve been incarcerated—it helps you feel like you’re truly in it. Yes, we were filming a movie, but it genuinely felt real.

A lot of the cell scenes were actually shot in a studio, but Leah [Popple], our production designer, did an incredible job creating those sets. Once you stepped inside, it really felt like you were in an Australian prison—there was basically no difference.

Performance-wise, I’m sure it was the biggest help for all three of us—me, Guy, and Cosmo. Even for Charles, I think it was kind of crazy that we were able to get that location. It helped a lot. It’s probably a big reason the film is what it is.

PC: At the center of this story is this pseudo-paternal triangle between Mel, [Mark] Sheppard, and Warren—and each of those dynamics is so distinct. How did you navigate those relationships, especially as they each pull Mel in different directions? And what was it like collaborating with Guy and Cosmo, who bring such different energies and approaches to their roles?
Vincent: It’s exactly that. Their different energies and approaches really lent themselves to the characters, because they’re just as different from each other as Sheppard and Warren are. Cosmo was very much in character and completely immersed in the world of the film. That was fascinating to watch. I barely even spoke to him because he stayed in character the whole time. But that’s what he needed to play Mark—who’s so intense and out there. Honestly, it helped a lot. I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable around him, and that worked perfectly for our dynamic on screen.

With Guy, it was the opposite. Off-screen, he was the best guy. We were talking all the time. Not to say Cosmo wasn’t nice—he’s incredible. He just knew what he needed to get into that headspace. Guy and I would always chat on set, and we had these really great cell scenes together. What they each brought off-screen is exactly what they brought into the scenes—it all carried through.

PC: That really plays into the character dynamics—Guy’s character is nurturing, even though he’s manipulating Mel, while with Cosmo’s, you really feel that tension and unease. Charles has said there’s a bit of Mel in each of these characters. Having worked so closely with Guy and Cosmo, was there anything you took away from each of them, either as scene partners or as artists in the way they approached their roles?
Vincent: Definitely the vulnerability. There’s a real vulnerability in all of these characters. Charles did an exceptional job of showing that side of these men and what it’s like to exist in this kind of environment. If there’s one thing they all have in common—including Mel—it’s that.

Make sure to follow Vincent on Instagram. Inside is making its North American premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. Screening times below:

• SVA Theatre – Sat June 07 – 8:30 PM
• AMC 19th St. East 6 – Sun June 08 – 6:00 PM
• Village East by Angelika – Thu June 12 – 3:00 PM
• Village East by Angelika – Fri June 13 – 6:15 PM

Photo Credit: Mathew Lynn