Brave New World actor Harry Lloyd speaks to Glass about the parallels between the lack of human interaction it depicts and today’s society under lockdown
Harry Lloyd. Photograph: Charlie Gray
As technology becomes fundamental to the way that we lead our lives, so does our need for real human connection. Harry Lloyd currently stars in Peacock TV streaming platform’s Brave New World, an adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s eponymous novel. The storyline examines a dystopian future where emotion and individuality are conditioned out of people from the time they are born and monogamy is outlawed because “everyone belongs to everyone else”.
The London-born actor also happens to be the great-great-great-grandson of novelist Charles Dickens – a fun bit of trivia that he says is “probably the most interesting fact about myself honestly.” His resume, comprising a variety of impressive roles in film, television and theatre, proves otherwise.
From starring in the Oscar-winning productions such as The Theory Of Everything – alongside Eddie Redmayne –to The Iron Lady opposite Meryl Streep and delivering an exceptional performance in Game of Thrones, Llloyd’s career has gone from strength to strength. With Brave New World coming to the silver screen, his cultural footprint will only hit new heights.
Harry Lloyd. Photograph: Charlie Gray
In the Huxley adaptation, one of the most poignant issues of our times resurfaces – connection and the lack there-of. “There’s a parallel between people being more connected than ever before but also feeling more disconnected than ever before,” Lloyd tells me on our Zoom call, adding, “This is a far better interview than us talking on the phone, but it might have been better if we were sat in a pub.” I can’t help but nod in agreement.
The impact of lockdown on human interaction is a subject of deep concern to Lloyd, an ambassador for Mental Health Research UK. The charity recently launched a campaign to raise money for a study into the psychological trauma arising from the Covid-19 lockdown.
“People predict a huge suicide epidemic even into next year and high levels of unemployment,” says Lloyd. “It’s a very scary time. I’m speaking to my friends more than I would have done before, but I’m not seeing them. I’m not touching them. And we’re beginning to understand the difference between connecting and connecting.”
Harry Lloyd. Photograph: Charlie Gray
The phenomenon is explored throughout the narrative of Brave New World. “One of the main reasons why humans can end up unhappy is because they’re not where they want to be,” he explains. “Human relationships cause jealousy, strife, anxiety and depression – family, monogamous relationships and religions. In the series, we get rid of all of those guys and to fill that void we distract people with the things they love the most: chemical happiness, sex and entertainment.”
Taking a ‘Brave New World’ approach in today’s climate is undeniably tempting. Would you deny yourself the luxury of living in a society where everything is reduced to mere physicality and a complete lack of emotional involvement? “These people are enslaved by their own obliviousness. But actually they have sex all the time and they take drugs the second that they might feel unhappy. But it does make me think about … pressing the snooze button in my life as opposed to standing up and making difficult choices and looking at the truth.”
Harry Lloyd. Photograph: Charlie Gray
The parallels between Brave New World and the society that we currently live in are eerily evident. In the grander scheme of things, our coping mechanisms have become the enemy of evolution and also the core source of our inner contradictions. “We’re all desperate to fit in and be connected, but we’re all desperate to be individual, fabulous and special,” says the 37-year-old actor.
At the time of this interview, Lloyd was scheduled to take to the stage at Hampstead Theatre in December in Harold Pinter’s dark comedy The Dumb Waiter; a highly anticipated production that might be cancelled because of new lockdown restrictions. Even for a performer of his calibre, the future is uncertain. Even so, as theatre owners get together to try and thrash out solutions, there is a slither of light at the end of the tunnel.
Harry Lloyd. Photograph: Charlie Gray
“They’re not competitors anymore. We’re all on the same side and no one wishes another theatre to close,” declares Lloyd.
“People are forced to think of new ways – If I can’t get you into the building, then I need to bring the building to you, There has been this convergence between live theatre, video games, movies and VR in [a] kind of immersive theatre zone. I think in terms of ingenuity, we’ll be fine with the arts in the coming years.”
The overall takeaway from Brave New World, though? “Don’t assume that having an orgy every night is going to be a great way to meet people and fall in love.”
by Adina Ilie
Photographer CHARLIE GRAY
Stylist FABIO IMMEDIATO
Groomer LIZ TAW at THE WALL GROUP using VANDEROHE
Post production MAMMOTH RETOUCH
Talent HARRY LLOYD
Look 1 and 2 – BOSS
Look 3- Prada
Look 4 and 5 – Givenchy