Miriam Petche
in
HBO MAX Series
INDUSTRY
Photography | David Reiss
Stylist | Yasmine Sabri
Interview | Stella Hofferman
HBO’s critically-acclaimed series Industry recently concluded its third season with a shocking finale after a gripping eight-episode run that left audiences at the edge of their seats with their head in their hands every Sunday night. Amidst the chaos of television’s most stressful investment banking firm, we are introduced to season-standout Sweetpea Golightly, portrayed by English-born actress Miriam Petche. Petche is captivating and scene-stealing as Pierpoint & Co’s Gen-Z trainee who proves to be more than just a pretty girl with a cutesy name. Today, Miriam Petche sits down with ContentMode to discuss her thoughts on Industry’s season three finale, her experience playing Sweetpea, and what’s next!
Tights: Heist, Top: Guess, Skirt: Rue Agthonis, Bra: Intimissimi, Shoes: Gina
Bolero: Katya Zelentsova, Top: Marques ‘ Almeida, Boxers: Baserange, Tights: Falke, Socks: Falke, Shoes: AGL
Sweetpea is introduced in Season 3 as a trainee on the Pierpoint & Co. trading floor, and charmed viewers with her initial (albeit, naive) authenticity and later reveal of her cunning deception and adaptability. Has anything struck you about the enthusiastic audience response towards Sweetpea?
I am really struck by how people have responded to Sweetpea. You never know how something will be received, so it’s a unique experience when the audience reacts enthusiastically to a character you play. From the initial idea to shaping the character during filming and finally seeing them in the world of Industry, it’s surreal for me to watch a character grow and see the audience’s reaction.
Bolero: Katya Zelentsova, Top: Marques ‘ Almeida, Boxers: Baserange, Tights: Falke, Socks: Falke, Shoes: AGL
Tights: Calzedonia, Shoes: AGL, Dress: Jenn Lee, Earrings: Giovanni Raspini
After weeks of us watching her being belittled and abused by Rishi at Pierpoint, Sweetpea is gifted with a well-earned moment of vindication in the Season 3 finale, watching her perpetrator grovel at Harper’s feet and beg for his last chance at employment. What was it like getting to film this highly gratifying and pivotal scene?
It was one of the final scenes that I was involved in filming and I was excited to do it for a multitude of reasons. By then I felt a lot more relaxed on set and I was beginning to grasp her dynamic with the other characters. I was also just excited to work with Myha’la and Sagar who are very generous actors. Plus, we were filming in Bristol so I got to see my sister which was a bonus.
Tights: Falke, Skirt: Feng Chen Wang, Jacket: Feng Chen Wang, Shoes: Terry de Havilland
You’ve mentioned in previous interviews that you’re a big fan of the horror genre! What are your favorite horror movies, and what do you think would be Sweetpea’s?
I am definitely a horror genre girl! I wouldn’t say that I am an expert but I am super intrigued by the genre. To list a few I would say The Omen, An American Werewolf In London, The Shining, and Psycho. There are so many more but I’ll leave it at that at the moment! For Sweetpea, she would have definitely just watched The Substance and loved it.
Dress: Quira, Earrings: Giovanni Raspini, Tights: Falke, Shoes: Gina
Industry raises a lot of questions about what it means to be “free” within capitalism and/or corporations. For example, Eric’s shocking firing of Harper in the Season 2 finale has been perceived as either a mercy killing, or an act of revenge. The proximity of freedom to power is a central theme and dilemma for many of Industry’s characters. With this in mind, who at the end of Season 3 do you believe to be the most “free”?
I think freedom means different things to different characters. You could argue that freedom is the ability to say no and Robert’s choice to leave and find his own path away from Pierpoint could be seen as him being free. Again, you could argue that money and protection is freedom so Yasmin choosing Henry and subsequently his wealth and the powerful people around him gives her back a level of control. It is definitely a fascinating conversation and I think different arguments of freedom can be made for all the characters.
Dress: Quira, Earrings: Giovanni Raspini, Tights: Falke, Shoes: Gina
How did you prepare for your role as Sweetpea? Were there any previous projects you’ve acted in that informed your performance?
I had just recently left drama school so I was still in a whirlwind from that training and experience. It gave me the tools I needed to gain access to characters and find backstories and motivations for them and I used this for Sweetpea. However if I am being completely honest, she was found more so as the filming progressed. I think it’s healthy to have your ideas of a character challenged because she’s finding out who she is in this world just as much as I am as the actor.
Tights: Falke, Skirt: Feng Chen Wang, Jacket: Feng Chen Wang, Shoes: Terry de Havilland
Tights: Heist, Top: Guess, Skirt: Rue Agthonis, Bra: Intimissimi, Shoes: Gina
What have you learned since being in Industry? (I mean, other than all that finance nonsense!)
So much. To be surrounded by a group of creatives who are so driven, talented and good at their jobs is a real privilege to have so early on in my career. I’ve tried to absorb as much as I can both professionally and technique wise and I intend to use it going forward.
What are you most excited about right now? (This can be as vague or as specific as you’d like.)
Halloween. I’m seriously trying to cram as many autumnal things into October as possible.
How have you curated your personal style? Do you have any go to brands, practices, or looks?
My personal style is changing just as much as I am. I look to my friends for style inspiration as well as my sister and mother. I like that it’s something I’m figuring out. Also fashion is fun! I’m learning to simply have fun with it.
What’s next for you in your career?
I’m currently auditioning and open for any opportunity that challenges me. I’m very excited about the future.
Photography
David Reiss
Creative Director
Deborah Ferguson
Interview
Stella Hofferman
Stylist
Yasmine Sabri
Makeup
Justine Jenkins
Hair
Sophie Sugarman
Web layout
Katharina Grabinger
Fashion Assistant
Sara Lewis
Thank you
Pinnacle PR & HBOMAX