For Isla Fisher, home has always been a complicated idea. Born in Oman to Scottish parents and raised across Iran, Sarawak, Brunei, and England before her family settled in Western Australia, the actor grew up between worlds. Now, as Fisher, known for films like Confessions of a Shopaholic and Now You See Me, returns to Australia for Spa Weekend, a comedy about female friendship and a chaotic girls’ getaway, she finds herself back in a place that still feels most like home—with old friends and plenty of laughter. In this conversation, Fisher speaks about shooting in Australia, how she approaches different genres, and what a good spa day looks like.
What can you tell us about this film?
Spa Weekend is so much fun. It’s from (writers/directors) Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, who people might know from The Hangover and Bad Moms. We shot it in Australia, and it’s just a chance to hang out with some funny ladies who are out to have a fun time.
What was it like being part of such a wonderful cast of women?
Everyone had so much fun. I have known Anna Faris and Leslie Mann for years, so it was great to work with them. But to work with Michelle Buteau was just a dream come true. Right from day one, we all got along so well. There was so much love, encouragement, and support.
What about the fight scene?
That was so funny... and hard! As women of a certain age, fighting is not our thing, so we had to train hard for that scene. There was a lot of practice and laughing, but I think it worked out great in the end.
How hard is it not to constantly crack up while shooting for a comedy film?
With this group of women... so hard! We were laughing a lot on and off set. There was a cyclone when we were filming in Queensland, and so we were all locked in our hotel together. It was surreal because I think three or four films were being shot at the same time there. We were all stuck, playing cards, chatting and hanging out at the bar.
You have lived and worked all over the world. Where feels like home most for you?
Australia. I have a very complicated cultural identity because I was born in Oman to Scottish parents and raised between Iran, Sarawak, and Brunei, and then England. Then we immigrated to Western Australia when I was six. So I did pretty much all my growing up in Australia. It still feels like home when I go back.
Who were your comedy heroes growing up?
Growing up in Australia, we had a lot of British comedy on TV. So things like The Young Ones, The Goodies and Blackadder left an impression on me.
How was it working with two directors as opposed to one?
It was great. Jon and Scott share the same vision while dividing their duties. Their working style makes everything feel so much more relaxed and less frantic than it often is with just one director. It really was a no-stress set.
Both Jon and Scott have been saying how great you are at improvising in scenes. Is that something you enjoy?
I love it. Jon and Scott give so much space for improvisation, and I think it created so many funny scenes. Everyone is just hilarious in this. People are going to love these ladies.
There seems to be a real comedy revival going on at the moment...
Definitely. I think with everything going on in the world right now, we need fun films like this. I find myself naturally gravitating towards projects that are fun and full of positivity. I love any kind of story that brings people together in that way.
Do you prefer comedic or dramatic roles?
I don’t really differentiate between the genres because, from an acting perspective, you are approaching the characters the same way. You are connecting with the humanity of the role and keeping the character grounded in reality. Something is only funny if it’s real, I think. If it turns into a parody of something, I find it can feel pushed. My acting technique remains the same. Working on a drama is fun because everybody takes it seriously, but there is a part of me which finds it just so ridiculous because we are just playing dress-up. Equally, I get immersed in comedy roles too.
What kind of spa weekend would you recommend?
Just something fun and super relaxing, some place that you can spend some time with your girlfriends. I think every woman deserves a break from being of service to the people in their lives that depend on them.
Finally, why should people watch Spa Weekend?
They should watch because it’s so funny and just the perfect movie that celebrates female friendship. It’s the perfect excuse to get your girlfriends together and have a fun night out at the cinema.