A refreshing comedy: Sandra Oh and Awkwafina’s ‘Quiz Lady’

In today’s fast-paced world, sometimes all we need is a good laugh. Enter Sandra Oh and Awkwafina with their Hulu television movie, Quiz Lady. This film, which has been nominated for an outstanding television movie Emmy, showcases the comedic talents of both actresses, who also serve as producers.

A dynamic duo: Sisters with contrasting personalities

The plot revolves around two very different sisters. One is a free-spirited, carefree individual who takes nothing seriously, while the other is an obsessive trivia enthusiast who takes everything seriously. This stark contrast sets the stage for a series of hilarious and heartwarming moments. Sandra Oh, known for her dramatic roles, especially in the spy thriller “Killing Eve,” where she earned an Emmy nod, showcases her incredible range by diving into broad comedy.

“I was just thrilled to be able to do a really broad comedy,” Oh shares about Quiz Lady. “After ‘Killing Eve,’ which was so dark in places, I really wanted to do something funny. We all want to be sophisticated filmgoers, but sometimes you just wanna laugh.”

Physical comedy: A new challenge for Sandra Oh

Sandra Oh has always wanted to explore physical comedy, and Quiz Lady provided the perfect opportunity. Her first scene involves a comical altercation with a driver who nearly runs her over while jaywalking. This physicality adds a new dimension to her character and the film’s humor.

“When the opportunity came to play with Nora, I was thrilled,” Oh says, referring to Awkwafina’s real name, Nora Lum. Initially, Oh was asked to play the kooky sister, Jenny, but later, producers suggested she play Anne, the socially awkward introvert. “I thought, ‘Oh, that’s not as interesting to me,’ so I asked Nora, and she said, ‘Yeah, sure. Whatever you wanna do.’ And thus, Jenny was born.”

The art of transformation: Hair, makeup, and wardrobe

The transformation into their characters was crucial for both actresses. “The hair, makeup, and wardrobe were key,” Oh explains. She even received pointers from an old friend who teaches the art of being a clown. “In a classic way, Jenny is a clown. I had these platform trainers that informed so much of how Jenny would walk and run. A lot of times, it moves from outside-in or inside-out of how you find a character, but with Jenny, outside-in really informed a lot.”

A whirlwind of emotions: The sisterly bond

The film’s tonal shifts are rapid, reflecting the complex relationship between the sisters. They bicker incessantly, adding layers of humor and depth to their interactions. The plot thickens with a mother on the run from loan sharks, a kidnapped pug, a decades-long rift, and a secret that finally gets revealed.

“You go from her throwing a muffin at her sister to really having an argument, then from her storming off and throwing out a juvenile kind of insult. But all still within that energy of the anger,” Oh says.

Genuine chemistry: Off-screen bond translates on-screen

The genuine sisterly dynamic between Sandra Oh and Awkwafina on screen is a testament to their strong off-screen bond. “Nora is very important to me in my life. She is probably one of the most unique people I know,” Oh shares. “The closer Nora and I were physically together, for me, the funnier they were. Like my favorite sequences are when they’re in the Ben Franklin Inn, getting ready for bed.”

“I would just try and make Nora laugh, where I would just be touching her face with my feet, with my toes,” Oh laughs. “That is a very sisterly thing where you get so bodily close to someone and you invade their space. I really felt like we got exactly what it feels like to be a sister and to be sharing a bed with a sister that you’re annoyed with. That’s just the level of truthfulness that I hope to get to.”

A must-watch for comedy lovers

Quiz Lady is a delightful comedy that showcases the versatility of Sandra Oh and Awkwafina. Their chemistry, combined with the film’s witty script and physical humor, makes it a must-watch for anyone in need of a good laugh. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the hilarious journey of these two sisters.