In an engaging promotion for their newest stoner comedy, “The Wrong Girls,” Kristen Stewart, Alia Shawkat, and writer-director Dylan Meyer gather to discuss the film and their personal experiences with cannabis. Like Chekhov’s gun awaiting its moment, a joint rests on the table beside them—though they clarify none are partaking in it just yet. Stewart, 36, openly embraces cannabis, stating, “I’m not ashamed… I want to be able to finish my sentences and then I’ll smoke after.” Meyer, 38, concurs, emphasizing the importance of clarity in conversation.
A Comedic Journey in Los Angeles
Set to premiere in theaters on Friday, “The Wrong Girls” follows two young women in Los Angeles, Frankie (Stewart) and Molly (Shawkat), who navigate their lives amid their love for weed and food. Frankie, having struggled since dropping out of Stanford, fears losing her deep friendship with Molly to her romantic interest, Josh (Zack Fox). Their quiet lives shatter when a case of mistaken identity combined with a mysterious briefcase leads them on a chaotic adventure, pursued by a Danish pharmaceutical company and gifted with newfound telekinetic abilities, culminating in communication with their cats.
Weed and Rebellion
Even in a progressive place like California, where cannabis is legal for recreational use, discussing it openly carries a hint of rebellion. Meyer reflects on her experiences, noting that weed-centric comedies often struggle in international markets. “A lot of people don’t get along with weed,” she remarks, highlighting the contrast between the casual approach in California and the more serious attitude in many parts of the world.
Creative Inspirations
This film marks Meyer’s directorial debut and reflects a tactile, handmade quality reminiscent of the punk-infused lo-fi sci-fi classic “Repo Man.” It also draws inspiration from the strong female friendships portrayed in ’90s comedies like “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” and embraces the stoner sensibilities found in “The Big Lebowski.” Meyer describes her artistic inclinations as existing at “the nexus of a highbrow, lowbrow intersection,” an amalgamation she hopes is present in the final product.
The Essence of Female Friendship
As their promotional activities intensify, Stewart, Shawkat, and Meyer balance creativity with analysis. “I’m stoked actually to be doing all these silly eating shows…and smoke weed here, smoke weed there,” says Stewart, emphasizing the importance of capturing curiosity rather than delivering weighty critiques about cultural messages. At its core, “The Wrong Girls” explores the nuances of female friendship, contrasting the societal notion that intimacy must wane in a coupled phase. Meyer questions the stereotypes, presenting the characters as relatable representations of women who are often mislabeled as stagnant.
Character Inspirations
Stewart’s portrayal of Frankie mirrors facets of Meyer herself, along with her close friend Maggie McLean—whose fiancé inspired the character of Josh. “There were aspects of Frankie’s character that I know are in Dylan,” she admits, but insists that her approach was not strictly autobiographical; rather, she incorporated her own interpretations. Shawkat echoes this, appreciating the complexity of the whimsical story that “has amazing structure,” balancing emotional stakes with humor.
Feline Friends and Unique Humor
Not only does the film adopt an offbeat charm, but it also finds humor through Frankie and Molly’s interactions with their cats. These felines—voiced by Seth Rogen and Kumail Nanjiani—play pivotal roles in the narrative. Stewart shares a whimsical perspective on cats: “They do feel like little aliens… they kind of know how you’re feeling.” This sentiment aligns with the film’s playful spirit, illustrating the unconventional insights that the characters acquire in bizarre situations.
Embracing the Journey
As they define what it means to be “wrong girls,” Stewart articulates, “Enjoying whatever happens and being able to pick up the pieces… you know it’s going to work out.” Meyer emphasizes that these characters thrive in an environment laden with joy and adventure, embracing imperfections while navigating life’s challenges. Their narrative celebrates the beauty of female friendship and the acknowledgment that not every path follows a standard route. In embracing their quirks, it becomes clear—perhaps the wrong girls carry the right attitudes all along.
