Interview: Sam Riley on why She Is Love is his "first romcom"

When it comes to romantic leads, actor Sam Riley can count the number he’s played on the fingers of one hand. Mr Darcy in Pride And Prejudice And Zombies. But now he’s back in the world of romance and venturing into new territory at the same time.

In romcom She Is Love, which is released this week, he plays musician and DJ Idris, who lives with his girlfriend in their boutique hotel. A new guest arrives who, much to his surprise, turns out to be his ex-wife Patricia (Haley Bennett), who he hasn’t seen or heard from in over ten years. Her short stay brings back memories that both if them had long forgotten and it puts a strain on his relationship with his girlfriend. As the atmosphere becomes increasingly awkward, he’s forced to make a choice …..

In the interview below, Riley talks about why he’s previously turned down a romcom and why he decided to be in She Is Love, as well as writing the film’s theme song and singing it. He also reveals how much footage was shot, given that the film was largely improvised, and why he prefers to work with a script. And he considers the similarities between himself and Idris.