Anna Kendrick recently revealed details about how her long-term relationship became emotionally abusive and how difficult it was for her to recognize it.

In an October 23 episode of Call Her Daddy, Kendrick discussed how her 2022 film Alice Darling paralleled her real-life experience of emotional abuse. She shared, “I had just gotten out of a relationship very similar to the movie,” adding she kept the project secret to avoid others’ advice against taking the role.

The Pitch Perfect star explained that it took time for her to see the abuse clearly. “It didn’t follow a traditional pattern,” she said, noting how abuse can sometimes manifest unexpectedly. “The relationship was seven years, but it felt like an overnight switch,” she recalled, explaining that this drastic change lasted about a year. The sudden shift left Kendrick doubting herself, thinking, “If one of us is crazy, it must be me.”

She further shared that even their couple’s therapist didn’t recognize the abusive behavior at first. “He’s apologized to me in recent years,” she said, noting that it was during a therapy session where she finally lost control that something shifted in her perspective. “The therapist called me afterward and said, ‘I’m so proud of you,’ and that’s when I knew something had changed.” Shortly after, the relationship ended.

Kendrick didn’t allow anyone to sway her decision about taking the role in Alice Darling, saying she felt it was something she needed to do for herself. “It was like pushing myself off a cliff,” she said, trusting her instincts.

Understanding Emotional Abuse:

Emotional abuse can be subtle and difficult to identify, as it often involves manipulation, gaslighting, and control. Survivors may feel confused or blame themselves, much like Kendrick’s experience. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional abuse, it’s important to reach out for help. Support networks like the National Domestic Violence Hotline offer confidential assistance and resources at 1-800-799-7233 or through their website. Recognizing the signs and seeking support are crucial steps toward healing.