Watching him is like watching a raccoon rummage through garbage cans. “The only other actor who makes me feel that way is Joaquin Phoenix. I turned to Paul, and I was like, ‘You can’t take your f_king eyes off her.’ He looked at me like, ‘Right?’ When I visited the set, I remember sitting there and being glued to the monitor, even between takes. “You know the phrase, ‘You can’t take your eyes off her?’ I’ve experienced that feeling before, watching a fireplace or a baby, but rarely with adults. Reilly also had huge praise for Haim, saying in a chat with the singer and actress for Interview Magazine: “When Paul sent me that first screen test, I was like, ‘Dude, if you can keep them feeling this free, I think you’ve got a movie.’ Be sure to see #LicoricePizza November 26!”Īctor John C. There’s little better than going to a PTA movie. JJ Abrams praised Haim and Hoffman, saying: “Truly incredible debut performances. Going by those who have attended an early screening, Licorice Pizza may be another hit for Anderson, some calling it a “masterpiece” and “brilliant”. The upcoming film, which stars Haim in her debut performance, is a coming-of-age drama set in the 1970s in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, focusing on Haim’s character Alana Kane and Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman). Licorice Pizza marks Paul Thomas Anderson’s ninth film and first since Phantom Thread in 2017.Īlana Haim has attracted widespread acclaim for her role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film Licorice Pizza.