Dress Atsuko Kudo / Shoes Jimmy Choo / Ring Jakhu Studios / Earrings Burberry

Dress Atsuko Kudo / Shoes Jimmy Choo / Ring Jakhu Studios / Earrings Burberry

This takes form in a physical “Lizzy scrapbook”, with Ibrag having meticulously created it with pictures, lines from the script, comments on how scenes would have affected Lizzy, and more. When asked about any parallels between herself and Lizzy, Ibrag explains that “there are times when she reacts similarly to how I’d react to things. I am quite a passionate person, and I am a hopeless romantic. I recognise those qualities in her and that’s something I connected with her on”.

Born in Dagestan, a republic in the northern region of Russia, Aubri moved to Australia at a young age. “There was always this sense of having one foot in two places,” Aubri reflects. “That idea of being caught between cultures has definitely shaped the way I approach characters. It makes you pay attention to nuance.” That duality almost definitely underpins her work, and likely contributed to her layered take on Lizzy, a character Aubri portrays as constantly negotiating who she is allowed to be. 

Leather bra, waist belt and skirt Willow Selby Willis / Tights Falke / Shoes Jimmy Choo / Ring Jakhu Studios / Earrings Burberry

Another element Aubri had to work on was her accent, with a largely Australian accent coming through when she talks.”My accent is pretty Australian, I moved when I was 10. Although I will say, it has sort of neutralised a bit over the years”, with Aubri explaining her migration journey that includes Dagestan, Australia and USA. “I had to work on my accent and I had a great accent and dialect coach. I also think moving around quite a bit has actually helped, as I tend to mirror who I’m around. If I’m hanging out with Australian friends, I’m suddenly the most Australian Australian. When I’m with my American friends, I’m suddenly from like, The Valley?!”, laughing and taking praise humbly when her Buccaneers accent is applauded.

Although set in the 1870s, The Buccaneers doesn’t feel like your typical period drama. From the soundtrack to the pace of the dialogue, everything was designed to feel vivid and current. That was deliberate, says Aubri. “We talked a lot about how to balance the history elements with how young women really are, and always have been,” she explains. “It’s a period piece, sure, but we didn’t want it to feel distant or unappealing to people who aren’t necessarily familiar with the 19th century. The way we talk, act, all the characters’ energy and curiosity – I think it’s beautiful how it works.” It’s that modern heartbeat paired with Edith Wharton’s sharp social commentary from the original texts, that makes the show stand apart. “There’s still the sense of escapism that people crave from television, but the modern music and the way we talk makes it accessible, with the mix of ‘proper’ and modern!”.

Waistcoat Dries Van Noten from Baraboux / Bra Stylist’s own / Shorts Holly Laidler / Shoes Stella McCartney

Of course, period dramas come with certain physical challenges – mainly corsets. “Getting used to the costumes was a whole thing,” she says, almost laughing. “You can’t breathe the same way, you move differently. But in a weird way, it helped. It put me in Lizzy’s mindset.” More than the outfits, the emotional weight of the role was what pushed her as an actor. “The biggest challenge was doing justice to Lizzy’s journey,” she says. “She goes through so much, you know? Grief, love, betrayal. I wanted to make sure every step of that felt truthful.”

Though she’s no stranger to acting, The Buccaneers marks Aubri’s breakout international role – and the shift has been fast and surreal. “It’s still sinking in,” she admits. “I remember in school, I wasn’t the greatest at other subjects, but drama just got me, it was my saving grace. I was in a school play, it was Midsummer Nights Dream, and I played Helena – and I just remember thinking, “I have no choice but to pursue this path. I need to figure out how I can do this for a living”, smiling as she remembers her old drama teachers. “I feel incredibly lucky that I get to do this as a job. I can believe it, but I can’t believe it at the same time.” That blend of humility and ambition feels rare. She’s deeply reflective about the path ahead, even as new doors begin to open. 

Full look Willow Selby Willis

As for what’s next, and fresh off the back of a course completion at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, Aubri is keeping her options open – however, emotional range is clearly her priority. “I’d love to do something totally different next I think? Maybe something gritty or dark,” she says.

Explaining her current love and admiration for Daisy Edgar-Jones, she laughs when prompted for a reason. “I think she’s amazing and I’d love to do something like Normal People, something stripped back. I’ve been in a corset for a while now, so I would love to just wear a t-shirt and some sweats?! Maybe we can manifest that for the future”, giggling. Continuing, she explains, “I’m really drawn to characters who are going through something real. But also… I wouldn’t mind a comedy. Something light and fun!” That polarity – the idea of wanting both the heavy and the humorous – says a lot about her instincts as an artist. She’s interested in stories that stretch her chops as an actor, and whether it’s Lizzy or her next big role, Aubri is chasing characters with dimension.

Full look Willow Selby Willis / Shoes Paris Texas

The Buccaneers Season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV.

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