Israeli Actress Riki Reif Opens Up About Anxiety, Body Image, and Breakthrough Film Role
At 25, Israeli actress Riki Reif has already marked a significant milestone in her acting career by earning a nomination for the Ophir Award for her lead role in the film "Because You're Ugly." The movie, filmed over three years ago, faced multiple release delays but is finally set to premiere this weekend. Reif plays Abigail Erez, a fierce and insecure officer candidate struggling with personal and family challenges while seeking love and acceptance.
Reif, who also works as a kindergarten assistant in Ra'anana, describes her journey as unconventional and marked by personal struggles, including severe anxiety and panic disorder diagnosed at age 13. Despite social difficulties and repeated school changes, she found solace in drama classes and gradually built her self-confidence. She recounts the challenges of embodying Abigail, a character initially described in harsh terms, and credits director Sharon Engelhardt for helping her develop the role and her own self-worth.
The film's provocative title, "Because You're Ugly," is a line from Abigail to another character and not a reflection of Reif herself. Reif discusses how her weight has influenced the roles she is offered, often limited to stereotypical "funny fat" or "angry fat" characters. She believes that losing 50 kilograms would increase her audition opportunities but emphasizes her acceptance of her body and the difficulties she has faced with dieting.
Reif shares intimate details about her family background, including her parents' separation and her mother's resilience raising children alone. She also speaks about her supportive partner, Nadav Zeira, who has been with her for over three years and helped her through intense anxiety attacks, including one just before filming in Eilat. Reif hopes her film will resonate with others who feel insecure or unloved, stressing that feeling loved is the most important thing.
Her recent roles, including a notable supporting part in the TV series "The Commander," have increased her visibility. Despite ongoing challenges in the Israeli acting industry, especially for plus-size actresses, Reif remains hopeful for change and continues to embrace her identity and career path.
