“I need to get my heart rate up just like it does in real life, when you find yourself in those situations. Then it’s just allowing the emotion to come to you by being vulnerable, which takes practice.” These words show the dedication and emotional depth that define Raquel Esteban as an actress. It’s a skill, you know, this vulnerability? But it’s the key that unlocks everything. From sun-drenched Spain to the vibrant pulse of Sydney, she brings a vivid blend of cultural insights and personal introspection to her art. In our exclusive interview, we delve into how her global experiences have shaped her acting style, her rigorous approach to character preparation, and her thoughtful reflections on life and career.
Photography by Matteo Macri
As an actress who has lived and worked internationally, how have your experiences in different cultures influenced your acting style?
If anything it has made me understand my own flaws and helped me to get to know myself better. I would say the most influential factor in my performance choices is the education I received being born and raised in Spain compare to someone who has grown somewhere else. It just comes down to cultural differences I think. Living and working abroad has indeed helped me to become bilingual allowing me to perform in English. It’s the accent that gives it away!
How do you prepare for a new role, especially when it requires a significant physical or emotional transformation?
First thing is to read the script, understand the story and the character’s emotional journey. Understanding the psychology behind it. The “why’s and do’s” behind her words and actions. I also like to work closely with the director and the writer to understand their vision and what are they trying to convey. Of course, memorising the lines is a must! When it comes to preparing myself for a highly emotional performance I need to get in the zone. To do so I use music, breathing and movement. My performance background comes from dancing and rhythmic gymnastics so movement truly helps me to connect with my emotions. I need to get my heart rate up just like it does in real life, when you find yourself in those situations. Then is just allowing the emotion to come to you by being vulnerable, which takes practice. Afterwards, when shooting the scene, once I hear “ACTION” for me it is all about being present. Trusting the preparation process and simply being in the moment. Breathing, listening to what my scene partner is saying and allowing it to get me.
You mentioned a love for both the past and the future. How does this duality influence your choices in roles or projects?
When it comes to chose a project, it all comes down to the script or the creative idea nowadays. If It resonates with me I’M IN. The team or production company involved is also important. I like to make sure we share a similar creative vision or understanding of the project. I have always been in love with the 50s-70s aesthetics. Particularly the French New Wave movement such as Jean-Luc Godard or Eric Rohmer movies. They feel realistic and raw. Then there is James Bond or The Great Gatsby. All the classy femme costumes, the neat hair and makeup, suited man, the old cars…it’s all that elegance that my eyes are attracted to. Hopefully one day I get a role in such a movie.
“It is more mental health that I have been working on lately. I am trying to establish a meditation routine, catching up with friends often, choosing carefully where I put my energy on and allowing myself to just do nothing.”
What has been the most challenging role or project in your career so far, and what did you learn from it?
More than a challenging role or project is a moment. It was a few years ago working in a TV commercial for TKMAXX with Michael Gracey, you can still watch it on my instagram. It was a winter campaign so I had to wear all these winter clothes – a turtleneck, wool jumper, wool coat, etc. I had to dance, run, do some stunt work…take after take. There was a moment where I started feeling too hot as if I was going to faint. I needed water. Being this a big production, the pressure was on and I wasn’t confident enough to stop the set. I ended up passing out. We had to stop filming for about 30min. What a mess! I felt awful. Lesson learned, look after yourself because no-one else will regardless of the circumstance.
You are currently based in Sydney. Do you see yourself moving back to Spain in the future? What aspects of home do you miss the most, and how do they influence your thoughts about potentially returning?
Tough question can I skip it? (laughs) I do! Not necessarily Spain but Europe. I do love it here in Sydney. The weather, living in a city by the beach, the relax vibes. It’s awesome! It’s been over 10 years and I feel proud of calling Australia home. But I miss my family. I am very close to them and it has never been easy for me. I also miss very much the fact that in Europe everything is so close. Just a flight away! I miss the charm of European cities. For me there is certain weight and sentiment attached to them that I miss in Australia. Must be it’s history. It’s hard to explain. The magnificent architecture, narrow shady streets, the city canals, water fountains, cute cafes…But I had to move away to understand the value of it all.
“Every woman can be sensual by claiming her body and herself as enough.”
In a previous interview, you mentioned the importance of a morning shower or swim to kickstart your day. Could you share more about your overall philosophy towards feeling well and wellness?
I don’t really have a philosophy tbh. At a physical level the only thing I take seriously is going to the gym 3 to 4 times a week. When it comes to eating, drinking and all the rest I believe is just about balance. I allow myself to have a couple of drinks a week but not everyday. It is more mental health that I have been working on lately. I am trying to establish a meditation routine, catching up with friends often, choosing carefully where I put my energy on and allowing myself to just do nothing. Essentially trying to maintain a calm nervous system. And yes still love a morning shower or ocean swim.
I love your shoot with Matteo; it is both sensual and natural. Is it challenging to wear minimal clothing in front of the camera?
Thank you! Indeed can be challenging but also very empowering.I had the necessity to dive into my feminine energy. Reclaim my sensuality. Nowadays, it feels like, in order to operate in the world, an amount of masculine energy is needed and that isn’t serving me as a woman. Every woman can be sensual by claiming her body and herself as enough. Matteo also created a safe space for this to happen. He made me feel comfortable. I trust him and this is necessary when doing such work. I ended up dancing nude in the photography studio.You might see some of this work soon on my instagram.
The most important thing in life is?
This is the hardest question of the interview. I’m torn between love and time.
Model/actress: RAQUEL ESTEBAN @_raquelesteban
Photographer: MATTEO MACRI @matteomacrifoto
