As the sun lingers in the sky a little longer, our winter coats are cast off, and daffodils begin their golden emergence; the anticipation of spring and ensuing summer days is high.
Much like spring blooms popping up into action, our newest friend and rising talent, Davida McKenzie is here to brighten the last of these winter days. The Wellington local spent an afternoon during her holidays on the coast in Sydney with a bright team of CPC mates; newly relocated Stylist Annabel Dickson, dreamy Makeup Artist Carly Lim and the chill and extremely talented Photographer Olivia Repaci.
Not to mention the pretty and, at times, preppy lineup of fashion — this season is all about twin sets — from a pink sequin-embellished Chanel pullover and skirt combo to Miu Miu’s faded denim layered over stripes… game, set, and match.
Davida’s latest film, The Speedway Murders, has started screening in Aotearoa at the New Zealand International Film Festival to much acclaim (you’ll be hooked by the trailer alone). In her own words, “I have never seen a true-crime film like this one. Reading the script and seeing the vision that Luke and Adam had for the film was so honed after they had been working on it for 11 years. They really have brought a new and fresh twist on the true-crime genre.” Lucky for Ōtautahi residents there are more screenings to come this month.
Get to know Davida and hear more about The Speedway Murders below (no spoilers, we promise)! Then drift away to a land of soft sun and inspiring fashion in the gallery above.
What’s your elevator pitch (but make it a haiku):
Curly hair, big smile
I am leaving school this year.
I am an actress.
What drew you towards acting?
My family has always been involved in the performing arts industry, so I grew up around it. I started doing small projects when I was about 8 years old, and as I continued doing more work, the passion I had for acting and performing grew. I was lucky to watch some amazing people working at a very young age, like Jane Campion. I played a little kid on roller skates in her ANZ girl-power ad.
Can you tell us about your creative process?
Recently I've been really focusing on my creative process and what makes me an interesting actress. My acting style leans more towards realism and finding connections between myself and the character so, funnily enough, I don't feel like I have to 'act' like the character, I can instead 'be' the character. I'm very lucky to have my parents who help me prepare for roles or auditions I get.
How do you think your upbringing helped to shape your worldview?
From a young age, I realised how unique my family is; I was lucky enough to grow up with parents who wanted me to do whatever interested me, whether that was acting or something like astrology! My parents have always been focused on expanding my mind not just through school, but also traveling, visiting art galleries and experiencing the world first-hand, and for that I am very grateful and lucky.
When do you feel the most 'you'?
There's no particular time I feel the most 'me'; I think every day is different, and that is how I prefer it to be. Sometimes I prefer to be alone, and sometimes I just want to be surrounded by people and my friends.
What favourite spots in your hometown would you take someone visiting for the first time?
Although Wellington can sometimes feel small, my friends and I have found some amazing places that we love to go. I really love the Escarpment trail walk in Paekakariki on the Kapiti Coast, which I've done a few times now! And for food, I love Evil Twins Cafe on Willis Street. And for takeaways — Time for Thai in Kilbirnie. Yum.
Your latest film, The Speedway Murders, is playing at the NZIFF right now, can you tell us about it?
The Speedway Murders is a true-crime documentary/drama about the Burger Chef murders that happened in Speedway Indiana, in 1978. Four teenagers were murdered on their late night shift, and the evidence was cleaned up by police, who didn't know what had happened to the kids. After being a cold case for 40+ years, finally, their story is being told, and they can rest in the peace and love that they deserve.
This format of a true crime movie is so different to the reenactments we typically see on screen, and stylistically, a lot of thought went into the treatment. What did you love most about Luke Rynderman and Adam Kamien’s approach to making this film?
I have never seen a true-crime film like this one. Reading the script and seeing the vision that Luke and Adam had for the film was so honed after they had been working on it for 11 years. They really have brought a new and fresh twist on the true-crime genre, and did it in such a beautiful way to respect Ruth, Jane, Mark and Danny as well as their families.
What was the experience like researching and playing Ruth Shelton?
I was 15 when we filmed it in 2022, and now I am 17, almost as old as Ruth was when she passed. Getting to play her was an honour and I feel so lucky that I got to know the type of person she was with the extensive research provided by directors Luke and Adam, as well as the golden opportunity of being in contact with Theresa, Ruth's younger sister. I'm glad that through the film, Ruth's life and the opportunities she would have had, are shared, so her name can be remembered.
Without giving anything away – what was your favourite scene?
It's so hard to choose because every scene was unique in its own way. Whether it was using the incredible props, immersing myself into working at the 70s Burger Chef they specially built for the film, or getting to dive deep into the theories, there was always something exciting packed into each scene... it's just too hard to choose and I don't want to spoil anything!
Three words to sum up how you felt after wrapping filming?
Devastated, proud, excited.
What’s next for you?
I'm in my last year of high school, Year 13, and I am getting myself sorted to stay in London for a while, figuring out my next steps in life. I obviously want to continue with acting, modelling and being involved in the performing arts in whatever ways I can. And I do have an exciting and secret project that I got to be in, which will hopefully be coming out next year!
Photos: Olivia Repaci Fashion: Annabel Dickson & Chloe Hill Beauty: Carly Lim using Sisley Paris
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which this shoot took place.
