5 cold-weather outfits to add to your winter wardrobe

Actor, and this week’s model, Lily Sullivan may be a familiar face. In 2012, at 17, she made her feature film debut in P.J. Hogan’s Mental, opposite Toni Collette. But she is best known for her role as Miranda in the six-part series Picnic at Hanging Rock. Next up, the 29-year-old will appear in the unscripted film, Lunacy. Here she chats to Sunday Life.

You were born in Queensland but have spent a bit of time overseas. Where are you living these days?

I just left the NSW Northern Rivers after four months. I spent a wonderful and slow chapter living on my friend’s 130-acre farm. Now I am on the move again. Mexico is the next destination, then Los Angeles.

What brought you back to Australia?

I love coming back to Australia between jobs. During the actors’ strike it was the perfect moment to take a break from a movement-based life. I will always return to where my creative roots started, working with people who I have collaborated and grown with over the years. Also, I always return to spend time with my mum. What is life without the one who raised me?

You recently filmed Lunacy here. Did you enjoy that experience?

It was truly a gift to have the opportunity to work and create in the ancient Daintree Rainforest – a place where time stands still and feels prehistoric. Truly, there were cassowaries roaming not far from where we shot. We lived on set in a sublime compound called the Stamp House, which at times felt like a character in itself.

Tell us about the project.

Lunacy is a film and installation experience told in nine movements. It follows six strangers who receive an invitation to a rainforest retreat. But when the host fails to arrive, the guests gradually realise they are inexplicably unable to leave. Through its improvised framework, the film explores the degree of “lunacy” we often experience as a result of our separation from the natural world and our true self. Life imitating art definitely came into play when shooting this film. We were all given an archetype to play – to explore parts of ourselves that come to the surface when stripped back and out of our comfort zone.

What were some of the highlights?

Thanks to the brilliant director Daniel Askill, this experience was such a gift. The highlights for me are wrapped around our intoxicating location, working off-grid and having the rare chance to be left to our own inner voices with an amazing group of individuals. We created bonds that are hard to express in words.

You’ve done quite a few thriller/horror films, would you like to try something a bit lighter?

The beauty of horror and thrillers from an acting point of view is the invigorating challenge. You have to push your boundaries and exercise realities that people push to the back of their minds – the dark spaces. I weirdly feel extremely comfortable in this world. Prior to Lunacy, Monolith and Evil Dead Rise, my characters have sat in the drama world – and a few comedies – so I feel blessed to have danced between genres and hope to continue to. Filmmaking is such a fun, collaborative experience. One can never take it all too seriously.

Do you enjoy doing fashion shoots?

I love exploring creations and styles that push my own boundaries of style. I guess that’s why I act. I love taste-testing other realities and worlds. When playing in the fashion realm, it feels like a microcosm of a film or a character.

How would you describe your personal style?

From fitting most of my clothes in a suitcase, my style has become quality over quantity. But mostly I am a tee and trouser kind of gal. Statement boots are a must, no matter how my wardrobe evolves. You will always find a long trench in my suitcase.

Plans for the future?

One step at a time for me. When you roam in the freelance world, you learn to let go and trust. But I am writing, so I am planting seeds of creations that hopefully I can grow slowly. It will be nice to move behind the camera at some point.

Lunacy will be available to rent or buy from April 8 on Apple TV, Prime Video and Google Play.

Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.