Hello! Meet Aza!

In which John and Turtles All the Way Down star Isabela Merced discuss acting, color, the deep love of parents, and compassion toward one's self.

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[vlogbrothers]

Hi. As you can see in this video, Isabela Merced has such a deep understanding of Aza and human dynamics and she's just brilliant. I am so grateful to her for pouring so much love and talent into Aza. -John

[sayna]

I immediately noticed johns “19” necklace which indicates that he is the 19th important actor on set and I love it

[OctopusLady]

"She was just you with a wig on?" made me legit laugh out loud

[fiveclub]

As someone with OCD, I’m SO excited for this movie because Turtle All the Way Down is one of the only accurate and respectful depictions of OCD that I’ve ever seen, and this movie will bring that good representation to an even wider audience ❤️

[sam-the-moomin]

I love that she didn’t fall for the favorite Beetle favorite color trick lol

[B_Skizzle]

"I can feel empathy for Aza that I struggle to feel for myself."
I’m not a writer in the traditional sense, but I can relate to this so much. I play D&D and I often find that I have an easier time working through things in character.

[mars_girl]

I'm obsessed with this entire video. Isabella was supplying relatable theatre kid content the entire time, especially when she talked about the constant need for reassurance and the blackout when you're really in the scene. I've loved her in all the projects I've seen her in, I know she'll be great in this

[Azeria]

Isabela is such a great actor, and I was so happy to see she was playing Aza in this film. I can’t wait for movie!

[sarahknott]

On being a parent not wanting to be too desperate:

As a mom of a middle schooler who has been going through some times, being there feels the most relevant. I'll lay in her bed and just be in the space while she does her own thing. Or sitting on the couch with her. Or driving in the car. My presence is there and she decides if she wants or needs me to be involved in her life. Her insecurities, her fears, her excitement, her accomplishments. We have discussions that fit her understanding, not her age. Being open minded and open hearted will get your caring energy as a parent across. 💜

[camilled]

She looks exactly like I imagined Aza the first time I read the book, both physically and mentally, the movie is going to be fantastic !

[beccam]

I really love this, and I can only imagine how hard it must be to watch the heartwrenching scenes come to life. I hope it's joyous to see happy scenes come to life.

[fhovtuj]

Its awesome that its always a mission for you to befriend the actors behind the characters lol

[wietse]

Struggling to feel empathy for yourself like you would feel for others really resonates with me.

[evalynn]

I love that, despite the age difference, John never talks to these actors as if they're kids, and always listens as though he has something to learn from them. It feels like they are equals in the conversation. I feel like it's a rare quality to have and it's really refreshing to see.

[suntzugames]

I could listen to you two talk for hours if not days. Such comfortable dialogue and expressions 🙂

[IMakeupStuff]

John's laugh when she calls him out about how Aza looked in his head cured my depression.

[AMTunLimited]

Mr. Rogers said that all of the characters for the land of Make Believe were aspects of himself (fears, insecurities, vanities, arrogance) that he found difficult to express, and therefore love, especially Daniel Stripped Tiger.

Externalizing these things gives you permission to treat yourself with the kindness you would afford other people

[maggiemiller]

I LOVED Isabella in Instant Family, and I can't wait to see what she brings to Turtles All the Way Down!

[VioletEmerald]

This was SO special to see, like John wasn't expecting to be so vulnerable but Isabela just peeled back all the layers so carelessly and playfully without even trying! What an amazing interesting soul connection thing going on.

[caruarias]

I have never been diagnosed, but I have struggled with what I think is anxiety my whole life, and watching this movie made me really feel identified and definitely not that lonely with what I have experienced. Loved it. I wish I read the book before, but I'm going to do that right now. Congrats.