Pop-Culturalist.com

Isabela Merced is one of the breakout stars of Turtles All the Way Down.

Based on John Green’s bestselling novel, Turtles All the Way Down tackles anxiety through its seventeen-year-old protagonist, Aza Holmes (Isabela Merced). It’s not easy being Aza, but she’s trying…trying to be a good daughter, a good friend to Daisy (Cree), and a good student, all while navigating an endless barrage of invasive, obsessive thoughts that she cannot control. When she reconnects with Davis (Felix Mallard), her childhood crush, Aza is confronted with fundamental questions about her potential for love, happiness, friendship, and hope. Isabela shines with her nuanced portrayal as Aza.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Isabela about Turtles All the Way Down, her collaboration with John Green, and more.

PC: There’s such a rawness that you brought to your performance and to this character, creating this immediate impact on audiences. As an actress, how did you create the space for yourself to tackle that vulnerability? How helpful was it having a director who has experience in front of the camera as well?
Isabela: Thank you so much, first of all. That’s very kind of you to say. I feel as though this character is the closest that I’ve gotten to playing a character that’s most like me. We have a lot in common.

What really informed my performance was developing a personal relationship with John Green because he’s also the producer of this movie. He was very informative in making it, so I think book lovers will really enjoy this. Watching him and observing his ways of talking and his mannerisms really informed me. Every time I see a Band-Aid or hand sanitizer now, I really associate it with Aza.

PC: John has sung your praises, and when he thinks of Aza now, he sees you. I know he told you that during the midst of filming. How did that reassurance aid you throughout the rest of the shoot?
Isabela: He really knows how to reassure people. He was almost like a father figure to us while filming. He always looked out for us and checked in with us whenever he could be there. He split time with his family. He’s a really good example of somebody who balances these things well and in a healthy way.

He taught me a lot through Aza. He mentioned one time in this video that we filmed together for his YouTube channel, VlogBrothers, that this character taught him to show himself grace and to not put as much pressure on himself to be all the things that he’s worried about being, and that’s something I will probably never stop learning throughout my life, but it’s important to keep in mind.

PC: That’s a great message for audiences to take away as well. Your character struggles with the idea of new things, but what’s something in your past that you would love to re-experience and make old new again?
Isabela: You know what? I used to go to this summer theater camp. I don’t know if it still exists, but it was a summer thing. I love theater. I’m a musical theater kid at heart, if that wasn’t already evident in my voice and the way that I present. [laughs] But there was something really sweet about theater camp. There’s a movie about theater camp, and it’s such a great depiction. It’s full of my best memories and community. Community is something that I always crave.

PC: Professor Abbott has such an impact on your character. Who are the people in your own life who’ve shaped the storyteller that you are today? Did you channel any of them into that dynamic?
Isabela: John Green has become one of those people for me. Also Craig Mazin, who I’m working with on The Last of Us right now. He’s the showrunner, creator, writer, and an incredible man. If I need any advice, I would go to those two amazing White men for sure. They’re gems.

PC: You’re absolutely incredible in this film. When it comes out, is there a scene in particular that you’re excited for audiences to see?
Isabela: I have a personal favorite scene that probably won’t be most people’s picks, but I remember when I got the screening link for the film, I got to pay more attention than I normally would. I replayed this scene like three times. On the call sheet, it says, “Davis texts nice things about her butt.” It’s a split screen of Felix [Mallard] and me. Mine is one take. But they split up his to show different perspectives, and you get to watch us have a real-time conversation over text in the early stages of falling in love. It’s so awkward and perfectly captured. I don’t think you ever get that in movies, and it’s just the perfect stage where you want something with someone, and you know the other person does too, but you’re treading lightly and taking risks about giving them compliments, hoping it lands well. It’s really cute.

To keep up with Isabela, follow her on X and Instagram. Watch Turtles All the Way Down on Max today.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Max