What Is Interview About?
The premise of Interview in 256 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the dim glow of a stylish restaurant, a world-weary journalist finds himself thrust into a meeting that promises more than a routine promotional chat. Pierre Peders is a seasoned war correspondent, his cynicism honed by years of witnessing conflict’s raw edges, and he arrives with a mission to peel back the glossy veneer of a cultural icon. Across the table sits Katya, a dazzling soap‑opera star whose public persona radiates confidence and allure, yet hints of something deeper linger just beneath the surface.
The film unfolds with a keen observational tone, blending sharp, wry dialogue with an undercurrent of uneasy tension. As the two characters navigate the delicate dance of interview etiquette, their starkly different lives collide—one shaped by the brutal realities of front‑line reporting, the other by the manufactured perfection of fame. Their conversation becomes a battlefield of wits, where each question and answer probes the line between genuine self and carefully curated image, leaving both participants questioning what they truly know about each other.
Against the backdrop of a city that never stops watching, the narrative teases the possibility that even the most polished façade can crack under the right pressure. The encounter hints at unexpected vulnerabilities and concealed truths, suggesting that the simple act of speaking face‑to‑face may lead to revelations that upend long‑held assumptions. With a tone that balances intimacy and satire, the story invites the audience to wonder how far someone willing to expose the world’s darkest corners will go when faced with the dazzling, often deceptive light of celebrity.
What Happens in Interview?
The complete story of Interview, from the first scene to the last, in 512 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Pierre Peders, a dedicated political journalist portrayed by Steve Buscemi, finds himself in a precarious situation when he is assigned to interview the charming yet infuriating soap opera star, Katya, played by Sienna Miller. Katya arrives significantly late, showing no remorse, and quickly manages to charm the maitre d’ into giving them the best table in the restaurant, which had just been vacated by a couple who leaves without protest.
As the evening unfolds, Katya’s self-absorbed demeanor becomes increasingly apparent—she boldly answers her incessantly ringing phone with an absurd dog ringtone that drives Pierre to the brink of frustration. This irritation ultimately leads him to abandon the interview altogether. It becomes evident that he only knows about Katya from hearsay, particularly regarding her numerous high-profile relationships. After Pierre leaves the restaurant in a huff, he notices Katya engaging with paparazzi outside, dramatically highlighting her fame.
In a bizarre twist of fate, Pierre’s taxi driver, fully enamored with Katya, loses control of the vehicle, causing a minor accident that leaves Pierre with a bump on the head. Surprisingly, Katya offers to take him home to help him recover. Once there, the two share an evening filled with alcohol and candid conversation, revealing their contrasting worldviews. Katya, with her insights into what men desire in women—emphasizing factors like high heels and fishnets—offers Pierre a glimpse into her less-than-innocent persona.
As they converse, Pierre attempts to probe deeper into her life, eventually sharing a heart-wrenching tale about his brother, Robert, a journalist whose life was shattered by war and loss. This revelation leads him to read Katya’s online diary, uncovering her struggles with feelings of loneliness and depression, which sparks a dialogue about authenticity in their lives. Despite attempting to encourage her to confront her emotions, he faces resistance from Katya, who refuses to acknowledge her troubles.
A pivotal moment arises when Pierre proposes a deal: if Katya reveals her deep secret, he will share his. In a raw and emotional confession, she discloses her cancer diagnosis, displaying vulnerability that contrasts with her earlier bravado. Pierre calmly assures her that he won’t disclose this sensitive information. However, when it’s his turn, he admits to embellishing his brother’s tragic narrative and confesses a dark secret about his own past, revealing his guilt over neglecting his wife’s needs during her struggles with addiction.
In a tense twist, Pierre mistakenly believes he has captured his confession on Katya’s camcorder, only to realize too late that he accidentally took a tape of her rehearsing for her soap opera. When he excitedly calls his editor with what he thinks is breaking news about Katya’s health, she confronts him, exposing that the cancer storyline was fabricated for the show and that she has the recording of Pierre’s confession.
Left alone in her opulent loft, Katya watches the tape, giving her the upper hand in this emotional tug-of-war, while Pierre finds himself spiraling into a nightmare that he can no longer control. The complicated dynamics of fame, desperation, and moral accountability leave both characters at a crossroads they never expected to encounter.
Interview Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Pierre's Assignment” to “Confronting Morality”. 6 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
Pierre's Assignment
Political journalist Pierre Peders receives an assignment to interview the elusive soap opera star, Katya. This sets off a chain of events that will drastically change the course of his evening.
- 2
Late Arrival
Katya arrives significantly late for the interview, showing no remorse for her tardiness. She charms the maitre d' and secures the best table at the restaurant, further highlighting her celebrity status.
Where:Restaurant
- 3
Frustration Builds
Throughout the dinner, Katya's self-absorbed attitude shines through, particularly when she answers her phone with a loud dog ringtone. Pierre becomes increasingly frustrated, feeling that the interview is slipping away from him.
Where:Restaurant
- 4
Abandoning the Interview
In a fit of agitation, Pierre abandons the interview altogether and leaves the restaurant. He sees Katya interacting with paparazzi outside, which underscores her glamorous yet troubling public persona.
Where:Outside the restaurant
- 5
Taxi Incident
As Pierre hails a taxi, the enamored driver loses control, resulting in a minor accident. This unexpected turn of events leaves Pierre with a bump on the head, leading to Katya offering him a ride home.
Where:City streets
- 6
A Night of Alcohol and Conversation
Once at Pierre's home, the two engage in an evening filled with alcohol and unfiltered conversation. They reveal contrasting views on life and love, with Katya offering insights into her world of superficial desires.
Where:Pierre's home
- 7
Pierre's Backstory
During their conversation, Pierre shares a heartbreaking story about his brother, Robert. A journalist himself, Robert's life was marred by the horrors of war, and this revelation deepens the connection between the two.
- 8
Katya's Online Diary
Intrigued by Katya's struggles, Pierre decides to read her online diary. He finds entries that reveal her lonely battles with depression, leading to a more sincere dialogue about authenticity in their lives.
- 9
Proposing a Deal
Pierre proposes a deal with Katya: if she shares her deep secret, he will reciprocate. This moment marks a pivotal shift in their dynamic, pushing for vulnerability from both sides.
- 10
Katya's Confession
Katya reveals her cancer diagnosis to Pierre, a stark contrast to her earlier bravado. This admission showcases her vulnerability and sets the stage for mutual confessions.
Show the other 5 events of Interview Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Pierre's Dark Secret
When Pierre finally shares his secret, he admits to fabricating parts of his brother's tragic story. He confesses his guilt over overlooking his wife's struggles with addiction, revealing the darker aspects of his past.
- 12
Camcorder Confusion
Pierre mistakenly believes he has recorded his confession on Katya's camcorder, only to discover he's filmed her rehearsing for her soap opera. This blunder heightens the tension and stakes of their emotional exchange.
- 13
Unexpected Revelation
Pierre excitedly calls his editor to share what he thinks is a breaking story about Katya's health. However, he is confronted by her, who reveals that the cancer storyline was a fabrication for her show and she has recorded his confession.
- 14
Katya's Advantage
All alone in her lavish loft, Katya watches the camcorder tape, gaining the emotional upper hand in their complex relationship. Meanwhile, Pierre grapples with the spiraling consequences of his mistakes.
Where:Katya's loft
- 15
Confronting Morality
Both Pierre and Katya are left at a crossroads, facing the realities of fame, desperation, and moral accountability. This unexpected encounter forces them to confront their vulnerabilities like never before.
Who Are the Main Characters in Interview?
2 characters, among them Pierre Peders (Steve Buscemi) and Katya (Sienna Miller): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Pierre Peders (Steve Buscemi)
Played by Steve Buscemi
Pierre is a dedicated political journalist grappling with his past and current frustrations. His pursuit of authenticity drives him to confront Katya, though he battles his own insecurities and guilt. As the narrative unfolds, his character reveals vulnerability, especially in relation to his family and career.
- 📰 Journalist
- 🎭 Vulnerable
-
Katya (Sienna Miller)
Played by Sienna Miller
Katya embodies the complexities of fame, balancing charm and self-absorption. She hides her loneliness and struggles behind a glamorous facade, navigating her world with a blend of bravado and vulnerability. Her interactions with Pierre reveal the depth of her character beyond superficiality.
- 🌟 Celebrity
- 😔 Vulnerable
Where and When Is Interview Set?
Interview is set in Restaurant and Katya's Loft. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The narrative appears to be contemporary, addressing modern themes of fame and emotional complexity. It subtly highlights the impact of celebrity culture on personal relationships and mental health, reflecting current societal issues.
Where
Restaurant, Katya's Loft
The restaurant serves as a high-class dining venue where Pierre's interview with Katya unfolds. It reflects a world of luxury and celebrity, showcasing the glamorous lifestyle of the rich and famous. Katya's loft, on the other hand, is a lavish personal space that offers a glimpse into her life, filled with opulence yet marked by her personal struggles.
- 🍽️ Restaurant
- 🏙️ Loft
What Are the Themes of Interview?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Isolation and Truth vs. Deception.
-
01
Isolation
Isolation emerges as a critical theme in the film, illustrated through Katya's public persona versus her private struggles. Both characters navigate their feelings of loneliness despite being in a world filled with people. Their interactions reveal how fame can lead to a profound sense of disconnection from others and oneself.
-
02
Truth vs. Deception
The theme of truth versus deception is explored through Pierre and Katya's revelations. Their candid conversations reveal personal secrets, but also highlight the façade that both maintain in their lives. The climax reveals the thin line between what is real and what is fabricated in both journalism and personal narratives.
What Kind of Film Is Interview?
Tense in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A steadily paced, high-stakes psychological duel set almost entirely between two characters, where layers of performance are stripped away to reveal startling vulnerabilities, leaving both participants emotionally exposed and holding damaging secrets over each other.
- tense
- deceptive
- vulnerable
- anxious
- claustrophobic
- cynical
- fame and celebrity
- journalistic ethics
- authenticity vs image
- emotional manipulation
Content notes: cancer (mentioned/fabricated), addiction (mentioned), emotional manipulation.
Quiz
How well do you remember Interview? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Interview
Rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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