By: Sahra M.
At the Toronto International Film Festival, I had the opportunity to cover Girl Group, Rebel Wilson’s new film, which she stars in, writes and directs. The film brings together an ensemble cast that includes Jennifer Coolidge, Randall Park, Nicole Scherzinger, Sheridan Smith and Sally Hawkins, alongside emerging talent including Miracle Washington and Bailey Stender. As Rebel Wilson made her way down the red carpet, smiling toward the press line, there was an excitement surrounding the film that was easy to feel. Being there in person and seeing the cast arrive was one of those moments that made covering TIFF especially memorable for me. I also had the opportunity to meet Randall Park and shake his hand before speaking with some of the film’s younger talent about their experience working alongside Wilson and the rest of the cast.
When I spoke with actress Bailey Stender, I asked what it was like to work with Wilson, Jennifer Coolidge and such an accomplished ensemble, as well as having Wilson behind the camera as a female director. Bailey told me that she has never had a bad experience working with a female director and that it is always a pleasure for her to work with one. She was already a fan of Wilson before joining Girl Group but said that working with her exceeded the expectations she had going into the project. I asked Bailey what she learned about her character throughout the filming process. At first, she explained, she was trying to figure out how she should play the character. Eventually, she realized that authenticity was key. Instead of trying to force a particular performance, she understood that she could simply be herself — even embracing the parts of herself that might be a little weird.
That idea of authenticity also came through in my conversation with Miracle Washington, who plays Panda. Washington described Panda as a protector who deeply loves the girls around her, saying that the love she has for them is what she loves most about the character. That idea of authenticity also came through in my conversation with Miracle Washington, who plays Panda. She described Panda as a protector who is deeply devoted to the girls around her, adding that the bond they share is what she appreciates most about the character. When I asked Washington about the message, she hopes audiences take away from Girl Group, she pointed to girl power, finding your true authentic voice and embracing your individuality. It is a message that feels fitting for a story centered around young women discovering who they are while pursuing their ambitions. Washington also brought her own sense of individuality to the TIFF red carpet. When we spoke about her look, she explained that she wanted to create a black and white aesthetic, making the styling feel intentional and reflective of her character.
What stood out to me most throughout these conversations was how often the idea of being yourself came back into the discussion. Bailey spoke about discovering that authenticity was the key to her character, while Washington emphasized the importance of finding your own voice and individuality. Although the film brings its characters together as a group, each performer brings her own personality and perspective to the story.
Seeing Rebel Wilson arrive at TIFF with the cast was another memorable part of the experience. After years of seeing her work onscreen, watching her step into the director’s role while also leading the film as its star added another dimension to the premiere.
For me, covering Girl Group was about more than attending a TIFF premiere. It was about meeting the people behind the film, hearing their stories and seeing the excitement surrounding a project that brings together established performers and a new generation of talent. From the red carpet to my conversations with Bailey and Miracle, Girl Group offered a reminder of the importance of finding your own voice and having the confidence to let it be heard.
Sahra M.
Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Special Sense Magazine
Follow entertainment journalist Sahra M. on substack @sahrareports.
