AHEAD of my interview with Louis Partridge in early August, I had a quick scroll through his Instagram in the name of research. From what I could see from his grid, it seemed that we have a mutual appreciation for a few things – namely Paris, tabby cats and a Breton stripe. But what I quickly concluded from these squares, is this: Louis is way too cool for his age.
Of course, I mean this in the nicest way possible – perhaps with a hint of envy – because at just 17 years old, the actor has travelled to various parts of the globe and can be seen striking a picture-perfect pose in front of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. And just like Harry Styles, he can naturally pull off a bright pink suit. What I believe both of these stars have, is an innate sense of style.
It’s really not surprising, then, that Louis has already amassed a huge following on the photo-sharing app. What Louis’s social media doesn’t disclose to his fans and followers, however, is his refreshing modesty. He isn’t one to brag about his on-screen successes: “I just don’t want to be that guy,” he tells me. But equally, his modesty isn’t too maddening. Louis seems to know what he wants and arguably, how to claim it. After all, he managed to land himself a leading role alongside Millie Bobby Brown in a Netflix film before even turning 18.
Having starred in Medici – the Italian Renaissance TV series – Louis was no stranger to period drama. He was thereby on familiar ground with Enola Holmes, a mystery film set in Victorian England.
Directed by Harry Bradbeer, the film is based on Nancy Springer’s book series of the same name and is a feminist retelling of the Holmes family. Millie Bobby Brown leads the story as Enola, the younger sister of Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft Holmes (Sam Claflin).
Having embarked on a journey to find her missing mother, Enola runs into the mysterious Tewksbury (Louis Partridge) who is fleeing from his cruel uncle and his own impending lordship. Enola sets out to save him, which leads to a reverse fairy tale subplot. Louis’s brilliant, fresh and endearing portrayal of a ‘damsel in distress’ will undoubtedly make him one of the film’s best-loved characters – even if he does have a questionable haircut at the beginning.
In anticipation of the Enola Holmes premier, Glass spoke to Louis about the emergence of his acting career, the challenges he has faced as a young actor, and how befriending his co-stars has helped him along the way.
How did you get into acting? Do you come from a family of actors?
My dad always wanted to be an actor, so I sometimes feel like he’s living vicariously through me. But yeah, he didn’t become an actor. I think his mum said to him: “You won’t earn a penny. You need a proper job.” But I was very much supported. My parents aren’t actors at all.
Louis Partridge
What was your first acting role?
It was actually in a school play, Robin Hood, that I did in my old school. I was casted as Maid Marian, and it basically took off from there.
I did the occasional extra work such as walking in the back of things like Call the Midwife. Then I started doing short films and yeah, I sort of got more and more involved.
What do your friends and peers at school make of your acting career?
To be honest, I think they think I’m bluffing a little bit! I don’t think any of them have really seen Medici. I don’t think it’s really their thing – Italian Renaissance drama. But I think when Enola [Holmes] comes out, they might realise.
But I mean, I don’t really talk about it a huge amount at school. A few of my close friends know, but I don’t go into great detail about it. I just don’t want to be that guy that just talks about that really.
In Enola Holmes, you play the role of a young lord called Tewksbury. How were you able to connect with a character from another century?
I guess I tried to find the similarities – if any – between me and him. I also listen to music and I have a little book where I write things down. You know, you put on the music and you have a think about what he’s going through. As much as it’s in a different time, the feelings that he is experiencing are not dissimilar to things that people experience today.
Louis Partridge
What was the biggest challenge about taking on such a big role?
I think trying not to look out of place in a cast of legendary actors. I mean, trying to become confident enough in myself to be brave enough to try new things, to make creative choices – because that’s super hard.
I think having Millie as a mate as well as a cast member really helped me because I felt like I had a bit more freedom to try new things and to bring new things into the scene or the character.
How did it feel to star alongside Millie?
I mean, I can tell you that the first time I saw her, I was a little starstruck. Sometimes it’s so easy to forget that, but I have little moments now and again where I’m like, OMG I’m doing something for Netflix with Millie Bobby Brown.
But I really, really enjoyed working with Millie – she’s a great person to work with.
Have you stayed in touch with each other since?
Yes, we have! I went to her party just before lockdown. I haven’t seen her for a while now. I was hoping to have a big premier [for the film] but…
Louis Partridge
Louis Partridge
Enola Holmes has an incredibly prestigious cast, including Henry Cavill and Helena Bonham Carter. What have you learnt from successful senior actors such as these?
Well, I’ve learnt to always say hello to them if you can because I didn’t even see Helena Bonham Carter. She was at the read through and I was too nervous to go and say hello!
I did speak with Fiona Shaw though. She was incredible to work with – she’s so cool. I asked her what her method was, and I remember her telling me that she likes to know all of her lines two weeks before she does the filming.
“Don’t get fixed into a certain way of doing it,” she told me – which was quite good advice.
What was the highlight of starring in Enola Holmes?
I think that fight scene at the end was pretty incredible for me. I thought that was pretty amazing to film – and all of the special effects! Everything happening in that corridor – all of the explosions – they were actually happening! It was really, really intense but just so fun because I’d never really done it. That was proper action.
Other than acting, what kind of activities do you enjoy?
I listen to a lot of music. I have a completely crazy taste, but at the moment I’m quite into my ‘50s sort of Doo-Wop 4-man A Cappella band.
I go skateboarding. I go to London shopping in Soho. I’m a big fan of Dover Street Market – I go there quite a bit. I can’t really afford much of it, but I love it! I often skateboard around there with my mates and around Southbank as well.
I know you love fashion, so where do you shop for your clothes?
Anywhere I can really. I used to be big into your very Supreme Brands, but I’ve started going more second-hand. I discovered Oxfam is a very good place. You can give to charity and you can find some hidden gems! There’s a great vintage shop called Rocket in Covent Garden that has really nice clothes, but also Ebay as well.
Louis Partridge
Is there anyone in particular you admire in the film industry?
I like Matthew McConaughey, I like Christian Bale. I’d love to work with Noah Baumbach. Tiger White sounds like a pretty cool guy. I’d like to get as much experience as I can. But yeah, there’s a lot of people I look up to but I’m constantly finding new people.
I also think Jake Gyllenhaal – he’s never won anything somehow! I recently saw Prisoners and I’ve been watching quite a few of his stuff.
Finally, what is your dream acting role and why?
I’d quite like a coming-of-age film, something about teenagers or young adults but quite a raw and real take on it. Maybe something that’s different to what I’ve done before. I think it’s so easy to stick to what you know, but I’d love to do something that stretches me as an actor.
Whatever his next project, I think we can expect big things to come.
by Rhiannon Jenkins
Enola Holmes is available exclusively on Netflix now
[…] other words, Louis is not a nepo baby. He told Glass Magazine that “My dad always wanted to be an actor, so I sometimes feel like he’s living vicariously […]