Lukita Maxwell on Shrinking Series Two, Nuanced Mental Health Representation, and Returning to Herself

Words: Isabella Greenwood | Photographer: Yasmine Diba | Stylist: Valeria Semushina | Glam: Ciara Maccaro | Video: Steph Macdonald

lukita maxwell apple tv shrinking polyester zine fur coat actress mental health grief healing performances — Make it stand out

*Shrinking*, a poignant series on Apple TV that delves into grief, healing, and unconventional therapy, stars Jason Segel as Jimmy, a therapist grappling with personal loss. Lukita Maxwell plays Alice, Jimmy’s resilient daughter, who, despite her age, exhibits profound emotional strength and independence in the face of her mother’s death. The show breathes life into the complex narrative of loss and resilience due to its esteemed ensemble cast, including Harrison Ford, Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, and Ted McGinley.
Maxwell sits down with me on video call from a leafy green garden. Her friendly aura exudes through the screen as she relaxes into her chair. She tells me to stop her if she speaks too much - though I assure her the space is hers - and of course, she is perfectly succinct. Her offerings are brilliant and rich as she speaks on the film industry, her fellow actors on *Shrinking*, future projects and the conscious act of returning to herself.

Maxwell’s journey into acting began early, marked by poignant performances across both television and film. Known for her roles in HBO’s Generation and other indie projects like Speechless and Lucky Fish that showcase her versatility, Maxwell brings a thoughtful intensity to her characters, particularly adept at portraying the intricacies of teenagehood. Her rising career speaks to Maxwell’s talent for performing with authenticity, securing her as a compelling force in contemporary storytelling. Below, we get into her method, her inspirations and her future goals.

How did you emotionally prepare for playing Alice in Season 2, especially as the character navigates complex father-daughter dynamics that touches on themes of abandonment, independence, grief and love?

Alice changes in season 2, I wanted to make sure she maintains youthfulness and gets to really lean into being a teenager. When I was filming season 1, I was closer in age to Alice, and then because of the strike, I became further away in age to her in the second season, which helped me look at her experience of teenagerhood more objectively. I also have learned through personal experience, and through Alice’s character, that the older you get the less you know, which was something I kept in mind when filming season 2.

You’ve mentioned that inspired by Segel you want to continue working in comedy and find the light in dark moments. What unique aspects of Shrinking’s approach to therapy, vulnerability, and dark humour resonate with you personally, and how do you see these resonating with viewers?

I’m not naturally funny in times of crisis. I'm actually very pragmatic and practical, and I tend to look to others for humour - it’s true that we can all relate to having some lightness shared in dark moments. I was new to comedy coming into Shrinking, but having the privilege of being such a central character among such incredible actors really helped me to learn in the space, to a point where it began to feel natural to be more comedic in all aspects.

The show does a remarkable job of exploring mental health from various perspectives and highlighting its impact on relationships and community. In season two, we see how isolation can affect mental health, especially through Brett’s character. Could you share your thoughts on this?

The show not only normalises mental health but also presents it from different angles and perspectives. We see characters experiencing significant challenges and how those experiences impact others around them. While it’s about mental health, the show is also deeply rooted in themes of chosen family and community. In season two, Brett’s character highlights the very real risk of isolation in dealing with mental health. Community is incredibly important to me. Growing up, I was homeschooled in a close-knit family while living somewhat isolated in Utah. Since then, I’ve found communities that have shaped who I am today. I also feel a strong sense of community on set — it’s inspiring to see everyone supporting each other, collaborating, and doing their best work.

“I was very emotional during the flashback episode on season two, because at that point, it had been established where Alice was coming from.”

Working alongside actors like Harrison Ford and Jason Segel brings both gravitas and comedic timing to the series. Did their approaches influence or challenge your craft?

The first time I spoke with Jason Segel, we did some improv over the phone, and there was instant chemistry, even though improv doesn’t usually come naturally to me. Jason is not a father in real life but feels very paternal to me and I can look to him for advice both on and off set. He really is my guiding light. Harrison is great as well and amazing to work with. When we first met he asked me if I wanted to run lines with him and was generally incredibly supportive. I’m so lucky to have been working with them both! They really value my own opinion, made the process so supportive and collaborative and helped me grow so much.

Working on an emotionally rich and layered series like Shrinking, how do you personally navigate the balance between connecting deeply with a character and maintaining emotional separation without your own life bleeding through?

I didn’t draw anything specific from Alice. I see myself as a conduit of energy. In terms of separating from the role, I like your use of the word ‘bleed,’ as it sometimes feels like the emotions from set bleed into my life at home.

I was very emotional during the flashback episode on season two, because at that point, it had been established where Alice was coming from. I’ve worked on this character for years, seeing her walls being broken down emotionally was hard for me, because she was so raw and vulnerable and it was heartbreaking. There are definitely scenes that are harder to film, but I’m better at not taking the emotional rawness of them home with me.

Are there any techniques you use to do this?

I practise a few different tactile techniques. For example, I use different scents for set and home, which really helps. I also make sure to take time, even just ten minutes before and after being on set, to connect with myself — being present with my body, thanking it for its work, or welcoming it back at the end of a long day of filming.

What films, directors, or projects have inspired your craft the most?

I feel inspired by films that have a breathiness to them, especially films by directors: Andrea Arnold (Director of Wuthering Heights, Bird, Fish Tank and Cow), and Sean Baker (director of The Florida Project, Tangerine and Anora). I am also deeply inspired by movement and dancing, I would love to do more of that in my own work.

Before we wrap up, are there any future projects you would like to share?

I’d love to dive into projects that explore movement, theatre, body horror, or period dramas. Right now, I’m especially drawn to Shakespeare, after seeing King Lear in New York, I was completely captivated! I have a special affinity for characters like the Fool and wise women in Shakespeare’s plays.

Lukita Maxwell on Shrinking Series Two, Nuanced Mental Health Representation, and Returning to Herself

“I was very emotional during the flashback episode on season two, because at that point, it had been established where Alice was coming from.”

Youngmi Mayer on Writer’s Block, Balancing Emotions and Finding Humour in Sadness in Her New Memoir, “I’m Laughing Because I’m Crying”

Sophia Wilson’s Intimate Portraits of Black Female Bodybuilders in NYC