Viola Prettejohn Debuts Beautifully in Venice with a Miu Miu Double Feature

      For 15 and a half minutes, the audience at Venice’s Sala Grande theater stood and passionately applauded the cast and filmmakers of "The Testament of Ann Lee," a speculative reimagining by Mona Fastvold of the founder of the radical religious group known as the Shakers. This was the longest ovation seen at the festival to date, and lead actress Amanda Seyfried, along with her co-stars, were deeply moved. For actress Viola Prettejohn, who attended the Venice Film Festival for the first time and plays Anne Lee, it was an unforgettable experience. The film signifies director Fastvold's return to the Lido (a small island near Venice) a year after the success of last year's award-winning "The Brutalist." Anticipation was high for this film's premiere out of competition at the festival, and it lived up to the expectations by receiving enthusiastic reviews. After experiencing the film in Venice for the first time, Prettejohn (known for her roles in "The Witcher" and "The Crown") quickly recognized that she was part of something truly significant, marking a pivotal moment in her career.

      For this glamorous event, Miu Miu, a trendsetting label, outfitted the actress in two stunning looks. The first was a stylish olive cardigan paired with a gray drawstring mini skirt for the film's photocall, followed by a silver satin column gown featuring black bra details for the premiere. Here, the actress shares insights into her Miu Miu ensemble, showcasing a blend of classic elegance with a modern twist.

      On her experience at the Venice Film Festival, she described it as truly magical, a delightful chaos that required her to adapt as she moved from one event to another without fully knowing what was happening. She embraced the experience, expressing that this festival had always been a dream for her.

      Regarding her looks for the festival, she mentioned that during a fitting weeks earlier, her stylist Sarah Rose Harrison presented various options. She felt that her selected outfits were elevated versions of her own style. When thinking of Venice, she associated it with Old Hollywood glamour and sought outfits that were classically beautiful yet a bit edgy. She felt that the satin fabric had an air of tradition, while the visible black bra added a contemporary flair. Her other outfit—a cardigan—had a timeless feel, yet the unique shape of the skirt provided a refreshing twist.

      Talking about working with Miu Miu, she noted that her fitting was one of the quickest she had ever experienced, as it felt clear that everything was perfect. Miu Miu had been one of the first brands to dress her during her teenage years, making her eager to collaborate with them again.

      Reflecting on her first viewing of "The Testament of Ann Lee," Prettejohn found it overwhelming and emotional. Most of the cast had not seen the film before, and from the very start, she recalled the filming experience and the joy she felt during that time. She expressed pride in the film, stating that even if she had only a minor role, she would still consider it a significant achievement in her career. The last 20 minutes of the film left her in tears, and once it concluded, the shared acknowledgment among the cast of their accomplishment moved her to tears once more.

      Regarding her beauty essentials for the festival, she opted to do her own makeup, considering it a calming ritual. She initially applied her makeup in the morning and then touched it up for the red carpet. She used Fenty Beauty's highlighter, which is a staple for her, and Huda Beauty foundation that perfectly matched her pale, neutral-toned complexion.

      In terms of her philosophy for red carpet dressing, she emphasized the importance of comfort. She wore a ring made by her mother for her 21st birthday, crafted from her grandmother's diamonds, which anchored her sense of self amidst the event's glamour.

      Her favorite moment of the festival was watching the film, especially experiencing parts where she did not appear as well. The instant reaction of the audience around her, sharing the realization of their unique achievement, was particularly special amidst the frenetic lead-up to that moment.

      Credits: Photographer: Oliver Holms, Hairstylist: Owen Gould, Stylist: Sarah-Rose Harrison.