On March 2, 2026, Jessica Chastain shared insights about filming intimate scenes for the film Dreams, where she played Jennifer McCarthy, a wealthy socialite involved in an affair with Fernando Rodriguez, portrayed by Isaac Hernandez. The 48-year-old actress emphasized that the intimate sequences were important to the film’s narrative and that she took measures to feel safe during these moments.
Chastain described her initial apprehension about performing sex scenes, particularly given her scene partner’s background as a professional ballet dancer, which added complexity to the experience.
“Yeah, I was absolutely… It’s like, ‘Ugh, do I really want to do a sex scene with a professional ballet dancer?’ That is so complicated and difficult.”
– Jessica Chastain, Actress
Intentional Choices to Maintain Comfort and Storytelling
Chastain explained that she was actively involved in planning how the intimate scenes were shot, requesting clear explanations from director Michel Franco on how each scene contributed to the story. She specifically asked to film the notable staircase scene in a way that would protect her comfort and privacy.
Originally, this scene was set to be in a living room with exposed windows, which concerned her due to the visibility. She suggested relocating it to another part of the house to feel more secure during filming.
The actress expressed pride in how the staircase scene turned out, highlighting how the scene remained covered and guarded yet conveyed a strong emotional impact without showing explicit content.
“I think it goes to show that the more you hide, sometimes the stronger a scene like that can be. You don’t have to be gratuitous, basically.”
– Jessica Chastain, Actress
Comfort with Intimacy for Narrative Purposes
Jessica Chastain acknowledged that although intimate scenes make her uneasy, she often accepts them when they serve a meaningful purpose in the story. She referenced her roles in other projects, such as Eyes of Tammy Faye and Scenes From A Marriage, where vulnerability and closeness were essential.
She revealed that sex scenes are a recurring challenge in her career, yet she views them as opportunities for growth rather than something she seeks out.
“And usually those parts, like Scenes From A Marriage or Jennifer, things like this, are difficult and require that kind of intimacy and vulnerability.”
– Jessica Chastain, Actress
Working With Michel Franco and His Unique Filming Style
Chastain accepted the role in Dreams partly because of her desire to collaborate again with director Michel Franco, having worked together previously on the 2023 film Memory. She praised Franco’s distinctive method of shooting scenes in a single take, comparing it to live theater.
This approach, she noted, demands precision and commitment from actors, as no editing can salvage a less-than-perfect performance.
“But it’s really tough as an actor to work that way. It’s like live theatre, but I love it. I love how collaborative he is.”
– Jessica Chastain, Actress
Significance of Transparent Boundaries in Intimate Film Scenes
Jessica Chastain’s experience filming Dreams highlights the importance of clear communication and mutual respect on set, especially during vulnerable moments like sex scenes. Her insistence on understanding the purpose of each scene and adjusting the surroundings to maintain her comfort sets an example for actors navigating similar challenges.
This collaboration also underscores the value of directors like Michel Franco, who push for authenticity and live performance intensity while fostering a protective environment for their actors. As Chastain continues to take on complex roles involving emotional and physical intimacy, her approach may influence future productions to prioritize actor wellbeing without compromising storytelling.
