Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/641736
I t is one of those frigid New York City mornings when you can practically breathe icicles and the only sane place to be is by the fire with a mug of hot cocoa. Naomi Watts is undaunted. She and her two young boys—Sasha, 7, and Kai, 6, the little blondies from her 11-year relationship with actor Liev Schreiber—are braving the elements like an intrepid band of Arctic explorers: Parkas with fur collars, wool beanies down around the eyebrows, scarves over turtlenecks over base layers. The trials urbanites must endure for an outing to Whole Foods! Watts looks relaxed and happy even as a paparazzi photographer trails them back to their Tribeca apartment. The actress has not had much time lately for routine errands. Between this year and last, her name has appeared on eight different movies, including some of the most acclaimed projects of her career. Birdman, While We're Young, and St. Vincent were fêted by critics and honored on the awards circuit, and Watts is now a full-fledged sci-fi icon as well. As the abused wife turned rebellion leader in the popular Divergent series, Watts returns for a second time as the butt-kicking antagonist, Evelyn Eaton, in Allegiant (scheduled for release on March 18). The actress joined the massively popular franchise, based on the YA novels by Veronica Roth, after killing off Kate Winslet's character in last spring's Insurgent. "We needed someone who could play brittle and damaged on the outside and yet carry immense power under the surface, and Naomi delivers that magical mix and makes it look effortless," says Doug Wick, the series co-producer. "She's also someone who's just, you know, great to hang out and gossip with." The part is a departure for Watts, who at this stage in her career had not quite pictured herself heading a rat-a-tat army in a dysto- pian walled-in version of Chicago. "It's something of a stretch but in terms of character, Evelyn is someone I can appreci- ate," Watts says. "She is a survivor and she's made the most of her experience despite a bunch of twists and setbacks." At 47, Watts gets major points herself for endurance. She struggled for years to find steady footing in Hollywood after a childhood that she describes as "less than consistent." Born in seaside Shoreham, England, and reared there and in Wales, Watts was 4 when her mom, an antiques dealer and designer, split from her dad, a road manager and sound engineer for Pink Floyd. Peter Watts, whose Tiered ruffle dress, Proenza Schouler ($3,995). Barneys New York, Copley Place, 617-385-3300; barneys.com