Netflix has released yet another great addition to our must-watch list (ofc.) From ‘Al Rawabi School for Girls‘ to ‘Cooking with Paris’ and ‘He’s All That‘, it’s safe to assume that we haven’t moved from our couches for a while now. Although the blockbuster Netflix film ‘Sweet Girl‘ *has* kept us at the edge of our seats. 

Directed by Biran Andrew Mendoza, ‘Sweet Girl’ is more of an action-revenge-thriller about a heartwarming father-daughter duo. AKA Jason Momoa and Isabela Merced. The relationship between the two on-screen is all about family intimacy, and apparently off-screen, they’re the best of friends as well! We love to see it. 

At only 20 years old, Isabela has taken up this role of being a badass daughter, fighting alongside one of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities (literally Aquaman.)

This Peruvian-American star has been on-the-rise since 2018, starring in the comedy ‘Instant Family,’ and she’s voiced character ‘Kate’ from ‘Dora and Friends: Into the City!‘  

With ‘Sweet Girl‘ being a completely different genre than what she’s used to, we can’t wait to see what Isabela does next. Cosmo ME had the chance to sit down with the actress to talk about the movie, Isabela’s character ‘Rachel Cooper,’ and ofc, working with Jason Momoa. 

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Cosmo ME: What was your experience like working on this film? 

Isabela Merced: “I think it’s right in line with what I’ve been wanting to do for years now which is acting in a movie which I love, and which are my absolute favorite. I’ve had the best time making this movie. I’m really excited for the future. Hopefully, I will be able to do a movie like Atomic Blonde in the future or something like that.” 

C: Do you resonate with your character, Rachel Cooper?

IM: “For sure. She’s stubborn. She isn’t aware of her own strength and that is something I struggle with constantly. One day I’m like, ‘oh I’m on top of the world and can do anything I want to do. I can accomplish anything I want to.’ However, sometimes I’m also scared and I’m tired. But this is part of the journey in finding her own strength apart from her father who has been the only symbol of strength in her life.”

C: How did you portray the theme of love and belonging in the backdrop of violence and revenge?

IM: “Because the revenge comes from the loss of love. You know, we build this strong bond, and we’re constantly showing it on-screen but at the same time we’re also showing how much they’ve lost as well. This drives and fuels their need for revenge.”

C: The role did entail a loss of innocence in childhood. Did it teach you anything as a person?

IM: “I’ve had my fair share of that especially in this industry. You face a lot of obstacles you didn’t sign up for and I think Rachel’s life is full of that as well. You know, I wasn’t born into wealth. I grew up with money constantly being the topic at the dinner table. I’ve related to Rachel on this on a very deep level I guess. I feel like Rachel carries a little too much trauma and she has a coping mechanism, which allows her to win ultimately but sometimes loses herself in the process.

What I’ve learnt is that going from girl to woman, you find that strength.”

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C: What was your experience like working with the *iconic* Jason Momoa?

IM: “He’s literally a real life teddy bear. He’s not at all what people expect him to be and I didn’t really expect him to be anything. I just thought he was a big hairy guy. When I first met him, first day, he was so goofy and fun-loving and kind and made me feel so warm and welcome. Although I was a bit standoffish at first, he was super welcoming. We both have a bond that has lasted long after the movie as well. Him and I just keep in touch constantly and it’s adorable – I love him.”