In 2012, Tom Rhys Harries was named Star of Tomorrow by British film magazine Screen International. Nearly a decade later, tomorrow is here, and the British actor is definitely the kind of star that shines steadily through each role. From bit parts on longstanding TV series like Midsomer Murders or an appearance among the all-star cast of H&M’s Erdem hookup, to striking roles on Britannia and White Lines, he’s gone from strength to strength. For his next role, he joins Uma Thurman on Suspicion, the remake of Israeli thriller False Flag. So of course, the first question could only be...
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Right Leather jacket by BERLUTI
What makes you suspicious, Tom Rhys Harries?
Politicians?
(Laughs.) After the year, we’ve been through, I don’t feel like letting you off the hook because that sounds like an easy out.
I’m not very suspicious on the whole. I don’t really believe in any conspiracy theories. (Laughs.) I didn’t think you’d ask me that. We have this running joke on set that we’re all going to have to get Botox afterwards because obviously, we have a sort of perma-frown developing from all the suspicion. I’ve been practicing. (Tom makes a hilariously suspicious face at the camera.) That’s about the extent of my acting.
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Just like Zoolander and Blue Steel, all you need is one look.
Exactly! That’s my bible.
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So after that strenuous bout of frowning, what are you up to? Chillaxing at home in your loft under the eaves?
It’s got everything I need. But these windows here overlook a really lovely pub, which is a bit of a tease, since I obviously can’t go.
Customised vintage t-shirt by MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA , pants by McQ and boots by GRENSON
I can see it from here: you and your mates trying to break into a pub, hilarity ensues.
Funnily enough, my friends and I have been talking about either sneaking into the pub, or moving into it. We’d get in trouble, wouldn’t we? (Laughs.)
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Right Knitwear and pants by MAISON MIHARA YASUHIRO
Since we’re here talking, you can’t have gotten too much trouble today. What have you been up to?
I’ve been training, and writing some music. I’ve been working with a friend to try and finish some stuff.
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Right Blazer by VALENTINO, pants by LANVIN and vest by DOLCE & GABBANA
Last I heard, you described yourself as “very bad.” Twelve months on, where are you at?
I’m getting better at structure, which is something I brought up. So I hope I can get something out soon. I’ve got all my kit here.
Wow, that’s one sensitive microphone… If the music doesn’t work out, you could do ASMR. What else have you learned in the past year?
That you’ve just go to roll with the punches. There’s this quote I quite like: “The obstacle becomes the way.” No matter how organized and on top of everything you are, life – not just Covid-19 – gets in the way and it comes at you fast doesn’t it.
Left Coat and vest by AMI, track top by MAISON MIHARA YASUHIRO, custom bleached jeans by stylist from NUDIE JEANS and boots by GRENSON
Right Coat by LANVIN, blazer with hood, pants and vest all by DOLCE & GABBANA and boots by GRENSON
Your latest Instagram post was Fran Leibowitz – she’s having a bit of a moment on social media. What made you think of her?
For the filming of Suspicion, we stayed at this hotel just outside of London for the night shoots. It took us a couple of weeks to get the sequence, so during the day, we’re supposed to be sleeping. But I just couldn’t sleep and found myself binge-watching the Martin Scorsese on Fran Leibowitz. I can’t recommend it enough. Really, she’s so bold, confident, strong and self-assured. She just didn’t give a shit.It was like Fran’s love letter to New York – so funny, so smart and wish a really dry sense of humor. I started to feel like she became my buddy for the weekend. And she smokes like a chimney.
Customised vintage t-shirt by MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA , pants by McQ and boots by GRENSON
Oddly enough, someone this week mentioned that artists are no longer as rambunctious or decadent as they once were. Something to do with being under a panopticon of public scrutiny and the constant injunction of being role models.
I’m sure they just have very good publicist.
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Hmm… So how good is Simon at his job then?
Very good.
I knew it. You have broken into the pub.
Dude, I’m in the pub now. I’m smashed. (Laughs.) That being said, when you have a job that comes with notoriety – musician, actor, athlete – you didn’t set out to be a role model. Anybody’s field of work could put them in the public eye and open them to constant scrunity. All of us try things, experiment. We’re all humans trying to figure it out. And especially in times like now where it’s important to have conversations to ensure that causes that truly matter [like justice and equality] truly advance.
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Interview by Lily Templeton
Photography by Gavin Bond
Fashion by Mark Anthony Bradley
Grooming by Tyler Johnston
Set Design by Chris Williams
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