If you recognise Camille Razat’s mischievous grin and effortless French-girl style, that’s probably because you’ve seen her turn heads (and toss back a few witty one-liners) as Camille in Emily in Paris. But the model-turned-actress is more than just a fashion-forward fixture on your Netflix queue. Behind those enviable bangs and nonchalant charm is a performer ready to dive into stories that push emotional boundaries. She even has her own production company to boot: Tazar Production develops music videos and international films that tackle contemporary themes.

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In her latest French film, Prodigies (Prodigieuses in French)—which screened at the recent vOilah! French Film Festival—Razat steps away from the sparkling Parisian cafés and glossy wardrobes to take on a complex, true-to-life role. Playing a pianist vying for the spotlight under intense family pressure, she trades in her chic outfits for a world of discipline, vulnerability, and artistic struggle.

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Based on a true story, the movie tells of twin sisters, Claire and Jeanne (played by Razat and fellow French actress, Mélanie Robert), whose extraordinary talent for the piano drives them to the prestigious Karlsruhe Conservatory. There, they compete relentlessly to become soloists, only to discover they are both afflicted with a degenerative illness that threatens not just their art, but their identities. Inspired by the true story of the Pleynet sisters, Prodigies delves into family expectations, resilience in the face of adversity, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.

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Having known each other for close to 20 years, Razat and Robert brought an authentic closeness to the set—an ease that helped them channel the sisters’ empathy and fierce devotion. In this exclusive interview, the actresses (who were in town to promote the film) discuss their roles, the challenges of playing twins, and how this gripping tale of family, identity, and resilience came to life on screen.

ELLE: What drew you to the roles of Jeanne and Claire, and how did you connect with their journeys?

Camille Razat: The script was incredibly well-written and rare, especially for women. We often don't get such layered, complex characters, and these roles were both deep and challenging. The story is based on real people, which gave us an exciting opportunity to meet them and learn about their lives. It felt almost like investigative work—getting to understand who they are, how they think, and what their emotions are. Meeting them three weeks before shooting gave us incredible material to bring to our characters.

Mélanie Robert: I connected deeply with my character, Jeanne because, like her, I’m very empathetic and sensitive. What stood out to me was her need for her sister, which mirrored my own feelings about Camille. Our bond in real life made it easy to portray that deep reliance and support between the characters.

How did your long-standing friendship help strengthen the bond between your characters?

CR: We’ve known each other since I was 11, so we didn’t need to create a relationship. It was already there, and it was very strong. Our real-life sisterhood made the complicity in the movie feel genuine. Moments where we share love or support for each other weren’t acting—they were real.

As the twins in the film, were there any challenges in achieving an identical look, and how did you prepare for that?

CR: The challenge wasn’t in makeup or wigs—it was in getting our hair the exact same colour! It took a toll on my hair, but we both had the same haircut and colour, which helped make the visual connection between the characters. We didn’t use prosthetics or fake lenses because we wanted to keep it as natural as possible.

The themes of family and identity play a central role in the story. How do you think audiences will connect with those themes?

CR: The father’s role in the film (played by Franck Dubosc) is one that many can relate to. He’s strict, almost tyrannical, but he’s also projecting his own dreams onto his daughters, which is a dynamic many people experience in their own families. The story really speaks to the pressures we put on those we love and how that impacts our identity.

MR: It’s a complex family dynamic, and I think it resonates with people because it’s real. Many of us have parents who push us, and while it can be tough, it also shapes who we become.

How did you prepare for the emotional intensity of some of the film's more dramatic scenes?

MR: I tend to keep my emotions in and let them build up during a scene. When the camera is rolling, that’s when everything comes out.

CR: It’s important to allow yourself to feel, but also to control it. If you’re too emotionally involved all the time, it can be damaging. The challenge is finding the balance between staying connected to your character and being able to step out of it when the scene is over.

You both trained extensively to learn the piano for your roles. How challenging was it to pick up the Pleynet technique?

CR: It was tough! We trained for eight months, starting with basic piano skills before learning the Pleynet technique, which is very specific and challenging. It was definitely a physical and mental hurdle, but we were dedicated to making it as authentic as possible for the film.

This film highlights strong, resilient female characters. How do you hope it will inspire women today?

MR: I hope the film inspires women to never give up, to keep pushing forward, especially in the face of adversity. It’s important for women to have more voices in film, and the fact that we’re seeing more female directors and storytellers is encouraging.

CR: These two women are incredibly resilient, but they’re also stubborn and unapologetic. They don’t care about others’ opinions—they just do what they need to do. I think that’s an important message for women today, in any profession.

Prodigies is showing at selected Shaw Theatres cinemas till 13 December 2024.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.