IN CONVERSATION WITH SIERRA CAPRI

interview by JANA LETONJA

Sierra Capri first captured global attention as Monse Finnie in Netflix’s breakout hit On My Block, establishing herself as one of the most compelling young actors of her generation. Now, she’s entering perhaps her most significant chapter yet with Aaron Sorkin’s The Social Reckoning, the anticipated companion to The Social Network, appearing alongside Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Strong. Ahead of the film’s arrival in theatres this October, we caught up with Sierra to talk about choosing what comes next, growing up in the public eye, finding her place in film and fashion, and the kind of career she wants to build.

full look LE THANH HOA
shoes STEVE MADDEN
jewelry MY DEAREST WORLD and DÉHANCHE

On My Block was your breakthrough and became a huge cultural phenomenon. Looking back now, what do you think that experience gave you beyond simply launching your career?
Looking back, it was more of a learning experience than anything. We were young kids thrown onto the biggest stage any of us had up until that point. I always say aside from the loyal fanbase we still have today, working with the cast was the best part of that period of my life. We grew up together on that show and learned so much about the business. We had each other to lean on through so many experiences people have no idea about. I learned a lot about myself and it completely shaped how driven and resilient I am today. I wouldn’t change anything.

You spent four seasons playing Monse during a formative period of your own life. Was it difficult to separate yourself from a character you had inhabited for so long once the series ended?
Honestly, it wasn’t as hard for me as I think it was for people who watched me play her. There have been so many occasions I meet people in real life and they say “You’re so nice” or “You’re not your character”. It makes you realize how much those characters mattered to the fans and also how that became my identity to the public without me knowing. Ultimately, I guess it means I did my job correctly.

dress VU NGOC & SON
tights LEGGS
shoes GISELI DIAS

After the success of On My Block, you could potentially have rushed straight into another major television role. Instead, your choices since then have felt quite considered. How intentional has that pacing been?
Actually, Sydney Poitier had a quote that stuck with me. He said the first 5 projects you do in your career matter and will determine how you’ll be perceived. A lot of people don’t know I was offered a role on another show on the heels of ours ending. However, it was so identical to the role I had just played, I made the hard decision not to. Ironically, the actors strike happened a couple months later, it was a scary time. I wanted to showcase what I could do outside of what I had done. I didn’t want to be put in a box creatively. So it's very important to me to be open minded but intentional even in the chaos of the industry.

What are you looking for in a character today that perhaps wouldn’t have interested or challenged you five years ago?
I’m open to super complex characters whether they’re a protagonist or antagonist. I think 5 years ago I would have been too intimidated taking on a role that wasn’t automatically a hero by the end. Having to intensely prep physically as well as mentally for a role would be a challenge I’d love.

dress VU NGOC & SON
shoes WITCHERY
jewellery DÉHANCHE

Your film work has taken you to festivals including Venice and Sundance. What have those experiences taught you about the kinds of filmmakers and stories you want to surround yourself with?
I realized what type of stories excite and matter the most after being at film festivals. One film I did, called Young Wild Free, focused around mental health in urban cities. It's such a taboo in minority communities so I was grateful I could help bring that script to life. I just want to tell authentic stories audiences can relate to in one way or another.
You’re now stepping into The Social Reckoning. What was your first reaction when you learned Aaron Sorkin was returning to the world established by The Social Network?
I’m such a fan of Aaron’s work and I have been for years. So when I found out he’d be returning not only as a writer but a director for part two, I knew it was special. He’s a visionary, so getting the chance to work with him was a dream come true. The Social Network marked such a pivotal time for films and how we approached story telling at the time. It was just as revolutionary as it was controversial. It's an honor to be a part of its continuation.

jacket MILITANE COUTURE
trousers BEC + BRIDGE
jewelry TO KOKKINO and 8 OTHER REASONS
shoes STEVE MADDEN

How did you approach finding your place within a project that inevitably arrives with enormous expectations and an existing cultural legacy?
I went into the audition with no expectations. I tried not to think about how enormous of a project I was stepping into, but it’s pretty difficult. One thing that helped me stay grounded in the character was the type of role it is. 

How the role I play helps connect the dots in the overall story is so important to me. It really started in the audition process. The project was so under wraps we didn’t have a full script to pull from. So my coach Jonathan and I made sure we gave her a backstory and motive for everything she did. I’m able to tune out anything around me pretty well that doesn’t serve the purpose of a character I play, so I didn’t get swept up in the feeling of being a part of something legendary. I was motivated by the feeling of the story. I also had to remind myself of all the hard work I’ve put into my craft over the years and that I earned it.

What can you tell us about your character and what drew you to her when you first read the script?
Not much. It's been a very secretive experience I've tried navigating. It's been fun though. I know the character I played and how it helps set the stage for events that unfold afterwards. Aside from the role itself, I’m just truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the film. It's probably been one of the best experiences of my life so far. That alone makes me excited for everyone to see it.

coat BÍARA
shoes WITCHERY
jewellery DÉHANCHE

The Social Network captured a particular moment when social media still felt like something new. We now understand its consequences very differently. Did making The Social Reckoning change the way you think about your own relationship with social media or technology?
I think for a while, it was hard for me to find that balance. I love connecting with fans, new and old, but it’s so important to step away from technology and be present once in a while. I realize how many hours can get lost in real time and you're like woah. I know it’s hard, especially within our generation. However, social media shouldn’t be for validation, it should be used to connect with people. I've had to take my own advice a few times.

You’ve also developed a strong presence in fashion. What does fashion allow you to communicate about yourself that acting perhaps doesn’t?
I love fashion because I'm able to showcase my artistry in more ways than one. It’s something tangible that I'm able to express my individuality through. Having pieces of iconography that can convey what words can't, or showcase what an audience might not see in a performance is so rewarding. And most of all fun.

At this stage, are there filmmakers, genres or types of characters you’re particularly hungry to explore?
There are so many filmmakers I want to work with. My favorite genre of film and television is sci-fi so I would love to do something in that ballpark. Anything with special fx or prosthetics that allows you to transform and fully immerse in the character is awesome. I also love action films so anything badass is so 

intriguing to me. I've said this before many times, but my ultimate dream is a superhero role. I'm such a huge geek when it comes to superhero films. My dad collected comic books since I was a kid so I started early.

full look LE THANH HOA
shoes IRINA STAMATE
jewellery DÉHANCHE

If we were having this conversation five years from now, what would you hope you’d been brave enough to do with your career?
Continue pushing forward. I hope I was brave enough to break through social norms and limitations that people place on us and the ones we place on ourselves. If I can inspire someone to never give up and set an example of what drive and hard work can yield, I’m happy.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent SIERRA CAPRI
photography ERICA HERNANDEZ
styling YASI GUILANI SCHULZ
makeup VICKY GARCIA
hair SHELBY SWAIN at Opus Beauty
retouching HANA GASHI
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA