If, like me, you’ve been seeking refuge from the sweltering summer temps, you are probably getting in a bit more screen time these days. I don’t blame you. In fact, I fully support this endeavor and have some pretty great suggestions for what and, more importantly, who to watch while you cool off. After all, who doesn’t love settling into a juicy mystery or lighthearted romantic comedy with the AC on full blast? I’ve gone ahead and done the hard work for you, scouring the streamers, networks, and summer film slate to keep you in the know on the rising names in Hollywood.
In what is our biggest Ones to Watch portfolio to date, I’m highlighting eight women serving up dynamic performances on screens big and small. From a model/musician making her television debut to the fresh faces putting their stamp on the Pretty Little Liars franchise, there’s no shortage of fantastic talent in this group. I caught up with each of them to talk about their projects, the stories and characters that light their fire, and the fashion items they can’t live without this season. So without further ado, here are the ladies on my radar right now!
WHO: Devon Ross
WHAT: When I met Devon Ross earlier this spring, I knew she was someone I must keep my eye on. And not just because of her It-Brit sensibilities and raven wolf haircut à la Joan Jett. With a passion for music, a notable modeling résumé (she’s worked with the likes of Gucci, H&M, Valentino, and Saint Laurent), and an on-the-rise acting career, the 22-year-old is making quite the impression these days. Just last month, she made her television debut in HBO miniseries Irma Vep, starring alongside Alicia Vikander. In the show, which is directed by Olivier Assayas and based on his 1996 film of the same name, Ross plays Regina, the assistant to Vikander’s Mira, a movie star tired of making studio blockbusters. Much like Ross, Regina is a cinephile looking to find her own path in the industry. It’s a noteworthy first act for the London-based actress, and with a showstopping Cannes red carpet appearance (in Celine rather) to top it off, I can’t wait to see what Ross does next.
I was immediately excited about the opportunity to be a part of Irma Vep because… Not only is the story amazing, but Olivier is one of the best directors of our time, and I was so lucky to be able to work with him.
Working alongside Alicia Vikander was… Amazing because acting was something I’ve never done before, and it was great to be able to watch and learn from her. She never once made me feel like I was the new kid.
A particularly fond memory I have working on this project is… I have so many great memories from this project. Filming in beautiful locations and hotels around Paris was really special. I also loved filming scenes with Lars Eidinger, who plays Gottfried. His character was so funny at times I had to hold it together.
The stories that make me feel excited to work in this industry are… Stories of how different actors get into character. The preparation for it all really intrigues me and gets me excited for the roles to come.
Outside of acting, some of my other passions include… All I do really is play the guitar, write songs, listen to music, and watch films.
If you catch me off duty, chances are I’m wearing… Mostly vintage! And a jacket with lots of badges.
When it comes to fashion, I’m a total sucker for… Go-go boots and rare vintage band T-shirts.
My summer wardrobe would not be complete without these three pieces…
WHO: Ava Capri
WHAT: We’re not crying—you’re crying. The third and final season of Love, Victor—the series set within the world of Love, Simon about a teen navigating his sexuality, relationships, and the trials and tribulations of high school—premiered on Hulu last month, and it was everything I hoped for and more. Not only has this groundbreaking series brought inclusive queer stories to the forefront and meant so much to so many people, but it has also introduced us to some incredible young talent in Hollywood—including Ava Capri, who plays Lucy. After joining the cast in season two, Capri quickly became a fan favorite, and with her blossoming on-screen romance with Lake Meriwether (Bebe Wood), she delivered some of my favorite moments of the final season. Lucky for us, this isn’t the last we’ll be seeing of the rising star this year. Later this fall, Capri is set to star alongside Sophie Turner, Maya Hawke, and Camila Mendes in the Netflix dark comedy Strangers, which promises to be a wild ride.
What I love most about playing Lucy on Love, Victor is… Playing a character that I know would have meant a lot to me to when I was young and just getting to be part of a show that is centered around queer joy.
Having been a part of this series for two seasons, I am most proud of… The stories this show has been able to tell and the meaningful relationships that I’ve gotten to have with the cast, both on and off set.
My next project is a film called Strangers, and I can tell you that… It’s going to be a real fun ride. I’m extremely excited for everyone to get to see this movie. I think our director, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, is a mad genius.
The stories that make me feel excited to work in this industry are… Stories that feel like they have weight and meaning. One of my favorite things I’ve done is a movie called Blast Beat about brothers who immigrate to the U.S. from Columbia. [It was] directed by Esteban Arango and produced by Macro. I love the stories Macro champions, and I’d love to be a part of more stories like those.
Outside of acting, some of my other passions include… I love playing games and random sports with friends (e.g., basketball and Pickleball) and just spending time with people I love and my girlfriend and our cat, Confucius.
If you catch me off duty, chances are I’m wearing… Vintage Levi’s, a worn-in T-shirt, and white Reeboks.
When it comes to fashion, I’m a total sucker for… A cool button-down shirt. I own way too many button-down shirts, yet I have a feeling I’m not done buying more.
My summer wardrobe would not be complete without these three pieces…
WHO: Zaria
WHAT: Everyone’s favorite anonymous texter “A” is back and ready to wreak havoc! We asked for a juicy summer watch, and HBO Max is delivering with Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, premiering July 28. The 10-part series from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa serves as the next chapter in the PLL universe, introducing a whole new group of liars who must come to terms with the secret sin their parents committed 20 years ago. Among the quintet of fresh faces being tormented by A is Zaria, who plays Faran, an ambitious ballerina dead set on making it out of her small town. Known for her role in the Oscar-winning live-action short film Two Distant Strangers, Zaria is an early standout in the mystery thriller, which sees her character battle both A and the cruel world of ballet.
I am so excited to be a part of Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin because… The show does an incredible job at starting the conversation. There are so many important topics that relate to young girls everywhere. Roberto and Lindsay, our showrunners, did a superb job balancing the nuances of microaggressions and other painful scenarios that young women face. They were always open to hear my personal experience, and they cultivated a cast that looks like the world around us.
While I can’t reveal much, what I can tell you about my character Faran is… She is a force to be reckoned with. She honestly taught me so much about myself and the world. She cares most about her personal definition of success and is so incredibly smart for her age. She had to grow up fast, so her maturity is evident. She doesn’t focus on what people think of her because she’s too busy chasing her dreams. She’s a bit rough around the edges, often saying the things that pop up in her head. No filter, no sugar, all her truth. I love that about her. Our writers did such a fantastic job at creating these incredibly dimensional young women, which I hope is the new trend in our industry.
I think fans of the original PLL will be happy to see… How much we love and respect the OG show. Every single cast member had a personal connection with the original PLL, and our show reimagines Pretty Little Liars in a new universe with respectful nods to the show that we all revere and love. I am so excited to make the PLL fandom proud because they are so supportive and enthusiastic. What an incredible honor to be a part of creating more content for them.
The stories that make me feel excited to work in this industry are… Truthful, dynamic, and nuanced. When I inhabit a character, I get to see the world through someone else’s eyes, and it is my goal to show the world how to see [through] their eyes as well. That, to me, is the beauty of being an artist. I get to connect a dot within myself and within the audience and within the character, and the line that runs through all of us is being open to understanding. That is connecting. So any story that gives me the opportunity to do that, I’m jumping to tell [it].
Outside of acting, some of my other passions include… Writing, painting, and directing. I love poetry and use poems as diary entries. Painting and poetry are mediums of release for me. There are no rules—at least I’ve decided—in poetry and painting. That is so fun for me. I write my scripts much like poems. A short film I made called Irish Exit reads quite like poetry on paper. I got to write, direct, produce, and star in it, and it was so interesting to know the world and story as well as I did. There was so much magic in creating that world and then being able to live in it.
If you catch me off duty, chances are I’m wearing… Levi’s jeans and an Aritzia crop top with a D&G wallet and kitten heels. I am relentless when it comes to only wearing clothes that physically feel good. Megan Stark and the entire wardrobe department on PLLOS were incredible with being sensitive to that.
When it comes to fashion I’m a total sucker for… Pieces that look like art. When I saw the creations from Dolce & Gabbana and Miss Sohee, I think I had to reattach my jaw. I love when clothes become something more than just something we use to cover up. I believe clothes should reveal something about ourselves, our love, our art. So anything unique or anything that tells me something I didn’t know about the world is usually what stops me in my tracks.
My summer wardrobe would not be complete without these three pieces…
WHO: Tyner Rushing
WHAT: Is it just me, or is Tyner Rushing popping up in all of our favorite shows right now? It started with her fantastic portrayal of Emma Smith—the strong-willed wife of Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of Mormonism and the Latter-day Saints movement—in Hulu’s true crime drama Under the Banner of Heaven. Then, she appeared as Virginia Creel, the kind and loving wife of Victor Creel who ultimately succumbs to Vecna’s curse, in the record-breaking fourth season of Stranger Things. And now, she’s starring as former army pilot Liz Riley in The Terminal List, an adaptation of the best-selling Jack Carr novel about a Navy SEAL who returns home after his platoon is unexpectedly ambushed only to discover dark forces were at play. These are three very different but great performances that serve as a testament to the Alabama native’s wide range as an actress.
Under the Banner of Heaven was a project that immediately interested me because… The filmmaker, Dustin Lance Black. I love his film Milk.
Playing Emma Smith was… An absolute gift. Telling her story has been one of the most meaningful jobs I’ve had.
Next, I’m particularly excited about my role in the series The Terminal List because… I got to bring my inner country girl to the screen. I grew up in rural Alabama, and it’s a huge part of me.
The stories that make me feel excited to work in this industry are… Ones that make audiences feel like their experiences are validated, ones that have the potential for healing.
Outside of acting, some of my other passions include… Hiking, singing, fruit and mushroom foraging, beach volleyball, and karaoke.
If you catch me off duty, chances are I’m wearing… A turtleneck. Yes, even in summer. There are sleeveless turtlenecks, you know!
When it comes to fashion, I’m a total sucker for… Consignment stores.
My summer wardrobe would not be complete without these three pieces…
WHO: Camryn Jones
WHAT: If you are looking to fill the gaping hole in your heart left by the Stranger Things season four finale, I have just the show for you: Paper Girls. Based on the comic book series launched in 2015, the ’80s time-traveling adventure follows four young women who, while delivering newspapers in their suburban town, stumble upon a time machine that sends them to the present day, where they meet their future selves and must save the world. Sound like a thrilling watch? It is! Even more so, the show introduces a diverse group of newcomers at the center of the story. I’ve got my eye on Camryn Jones, who plays Tiffany Quilkin, an ambitious student known for her encyclopedic knowledge of pop culture and love of technology. Jones has been stacking up the acting credits with roles in Ava DuVernay’s Cherish the Day, ABC’s The Mayor, and Epix’s Perpetual Grace, but Paper Girls is sure to be her breakout.
I would describe Paper Girls as… An inclusive and action-packed coming-of-age story that conveys both the ups and downs of growing up. While there is time travel through the decades, fighting, and a big adventure, there is also friendship. Tiff, Erin, Mac, and KJ, who didn’t know each other previously, have to work together despite their differences and trust each other not only to get home and to survive but also to fulfill a hole inside of themselves that was longing for friends. Without knowing it, each of these characters in one way or another needs the other three. It’s a jam-packed, high-stakes adventure that changes the course of these four girls’ lives forever.
What I love about my character Tiffany Quilkin is… How crazy smart she is. She can recite the exact make and model of any technology she owns at the drop of a hat. I also love how she is always there for her friends and will do anything to protect them. On top of that, she won’t let anybody talk to her crazy or tell her that her dreams and plans are stupid, and I respect that.
With this series, I can’t wait for audiences to experience… All of it, if I’m being honest. The crazy, the exciting, the sad, the thrilling, every single aspect that makes Paper Girls… Paper Girls. Also, there are so many subjects and themes touched on in this show that aren’t usually talked about, and I can’t wait for people to see them.
The stories that make me feel excited to work in this industry are… Stories that touch on topics that are negated or not usually talked about, ones that showcase diversity. Additionally, ones that unite people and show the good of humanity, even if they talk about touchy subjects. These types of stories inspire me.
Outside of acting, some of my other passions include… Dancing has been a big part of my life since I was 3. I’m at the bookstore on a weekly basis. Knitting and crocheting are big passions of mine since I actually learned how to do it while on set a few years ago. Fashion and music are also really big loves that I feel have impacted my personality today.
If you catch me off duty, chances are I’m wearing… Sweatpants/shorts with an oversize tee or jeans/cargo pants and a cute top! There’s really no in between. It really depends on my mood.
When it comes to fashion, I’m a total sucker for… Platform heels and jewelry!!!
My summer wardrobe would not be complete without these three pieces…
WHO: Amber Midthunder
WHAT: The buzz surrounding the fifth installment of the Predator film franchise—an origin story set 300 years in the past—is too big to ignore, especially when it comes to its star, Amber Midthunder (Roswell, New Mexico and Legion). Titled Prey, the film takes place in the Comanche Nation in 1719 and centers on Naru (Midthunder), a highly skilled warrior who must protect her camp from a vicious alien threat with technological advancements. Prey, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, promises to not only bring Predator fans something new and exciting that they haven’t seen before, but it is also showcasing an accurate portrayal of the Comanche people and honoring the Native communities. The cast is comprised almost entirely of Native and First Nation talent, and the film will be made available in the Comanche language via an alternate audio dub track.
Prey was a project that immediately interested me because… So many reasons—there are almost too many. First of all, I love action. I find it to be an extremely exciting challenge to be able to accomplish action and make it interesting inside of a story or somehow still find a narrative or unique style. The respect I have for Dan as a director is infinite, so anything he asked me to do, I would. My admiration for him stood before I was even cast, so that was a hugely exciting part for me. Then, of course, how historic it is for Indigenous people to have a movie like this where we get to be seen and represented in film, especially in a period piece, different than before. Typically, we are seen as almost subhuman, savages—of hyper-spiritual caricatures that help guide the main character—but in this, we are the main character. And we are people.
With this film, I can’t wait for audiences to see… How exciting this movie is in so many ways. I think it has something for everyone. The action is cool, and the predator is a completely new one from any of the other movies. On top of it all, Dan is such a great director. The story elements are rich.
Preparing for the role of Comanche warrior Naru was… Daunting. The Comanches were incredible warriors, so to even consider taking that on, on any level, felt huge but also is such an honor. I love this character, and I love this movie. I also think this film and this role represent a lot of big milestones for Indigenous people, especially women, being represented in film. I thought about all of those aspects constantly, just wanting to do right by that. With all that said, it was so exciting, and every day that went by living in it, it just felt like everything—the story, the character, the on-set environment—continued to get more lively and full.
The stories that make me feel excited to work in this industry are… Either something where I am challenged or where I’m having fun. I find a lot of meaning in what I do. The ultimate goal is always to enact change somehow in the world. Whether that be more opportunities for people like me or just presenting a different perspective for people. That said, I also am fortunate to enjoy what I do, so I think jobs that are fun are important too.
Outside of acting, some of my other passions include… Lately, I’ve been beading. I originally learned it when I was younger and picked it back up recently. I don’t think that I’m that great at it yet, but it feels good.
If you catch me off duty, chances are I’m wearing… No question, a pair of Lululemon [leggings] and a comfy tee (specifically my Billie Eilish concert tee) with a cute little pair of earrings and a couple of my “always” bracelets. Ya know, the ones you just never take off.
When it comes to fashion, I’m a total sucker for… Lately, Jordans.
My summer wardrobe would not be complete without these three pieces… I’m actually redoing my whole wardrobe right now, so you’ve caught me at an interesting time. But this summer, I’m finding my go-tos are…
WHO: Maia Reficco
WHAT: You didn’t think I could just include one new pretty little liar in the mix, did you? Of course not, because the show’s casting is that good. So here’s why you should have Maia Reficco on your radar now. Since making her acting debut in 2017 in the Latin American Nickelodeon series Kally’s Mashup, the actress has been making a name for herself stateside, starring in stage productions of Next to Normal and Evita. This summer, however, she’ll take her career to the next level as Noa—a cynical teen looking to get her life back on track after spending the summer in juvenile detention—in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. And then, because Reficco’s star is rising faster than A can uncover your secrets, she’ll be back on the small screen this fall in Netflix’s Hitchcockian dark comedy Strangers.
What I love about the Pretty Little Liars franchise and the Original Sin series is that… I’ve always been such a huge fan of the original! Aria was my biggest style inspiration, and the whole show in itself was a place for me to escape to ever since it came out. I loved the unbreakable bond the girls had, and it feels really special to get to carry on this sisterhood-like bond with our new generation of liars.
I was immediately drawn to my PLL character Noa because… Everything about her resonated with me! I remember reading the initial character breakdown for my self-tape and feeling like Noa had so much depth to her. It moved me. The way she carries herself, protects others, and is incredibly disciplined truly excited me to get to dive into. And that never died down! The more I got to know this character, the more I fell in love with her and truly have gotten to explore such different states of being, emotions, and relationships that I hadn’t been able to do in a while.
My next project is the film Strangers, which I’m particularly excited about because… It was so incredibly fun to shoot! Shooting this movie was one of the best experiences I have ever had—truly. And I can’t wait to see how that translates on-screen! The cast and crew were all incredible humans, and our director, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, never ceased to amaze me. Every inch of fun we had was because of her. She led the ship in a way people can only dream about doing!
The stories that make me feel excited to work in this industry are… Stories that can make others feel seen. Growing up, I rarely came across people that made me feel seen or represented in a realistic way, so changing that in whatever way I can is definitely something I dream of doing.
Outside of acting, some of my other passions include… Making music. I’ve been singing ever since I can remember. Music has always been a huge part of my life and my happiness. I also really enjoy sports, but nothing compares to music.
If you catch me off duty, chances are I’m wearing… Something extremely oversize. The comfort that goes with wearing oversize clothes has no comparison.
When it comes to fashion, I’m a total sucker for… Accessories. They really do make or break an outfit, and I love being able to add more of my personality through them. 🙂
My summer wardrobe would not be complete without these three pieces…
WHO: Minnie Mills
WHAT: I think we can all agree that Jenny Han (author of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before) has the magic touch—or at least a serious knack for writing truly heartwarming coming-of-age stories. So it’s no wonder her latest adaptation, the Amazon Prime Video series The Summer I Turned Pretty, is an immediate hit. The story follows Isabel “Belly” Conklin as she navigates first love and first heartbreak during one unforgettable summer that changed everything. By the end, you’ll either be #TeamConrad or #TeamJeremiah, and there’s no choosing both! I love a good show full of fresh faces, and this one delivers. Enter Minnie Mills, who plays It girl Shayla. In her first-ever role, the British Korean actress makes a big impression, especially when it comes to her character’s endlessly chic wardrobe.
I can personally relate to a story like The Summer I Turned Pretty because… I know that feeling of discomfort and disorientation when it feels like everything in your life is changing and how confusing it can be, even if that change is positive. I like that the show reminds you how beautiful and exciting change can also be.
What I love about Jenny Han’s approach to coming-of-age stories is… How her protagonists are imperfect. They are just teenage girls trying to figure out life and all the crazy twists and turns that come with it, and I think a lot of people can connect with that.
The stories that make me feel excited to work in this industry are… Stories that explore the multitude of incredible and diverse Asian cultures and backgrounds. Stories that challenge stereotypes and portray complicated, well-rounded, multidimensional, and beautifully flawed Asian characters at the forefront. Stories that highlight overlooked communities. I just want to make something that makes people feel emotion and connection and pride.
Outside of acting, some of my other passions include… Reading, writing, child brain development, making clothes (knitting, crocheting, sewing).
If you catch me off duty, chances are I’m wearing… Sweats. I love to be cozy, so I’m ready to nap at any moment.
When it comes to fashion, I’m a total sucker for… Platforms and crop tops!
My summer wardrobe would not be complete without these three pieces…
