In 2017, Collins took on the lead role of Ellen, an anorexic artist undergoing inpatient treatment, in Marti Noxon’s Netflix feature To the Bone. The casting choice surprised many, given her personal history with the condition. Portraying a character on the brink of starvation meant Collins had to lose significant weight for the camera, walking a delicate line between professional commitment and medical relapse.
The production established strict safeguards. Collins consulted a licensed medical nutritionist who oversaw every ounce shed, avoiding sudden caloric crashes. Blood panels, vital signs, and mental health evaluations took place regularly. Rather than hiding the physical transformation, the production team monitored her trajectory to prevent psychological triggers from activating old survival patterns.
| Career Milestone | Physical Demands & Preparation | Health & Wellness Safeguards |
|---|---|---|
| Mirror Mirror (2012) | Rigorous fencing training, core conditioning, heavy corsetry | Structured athletic fueling to support physically demanding stunt work |
| To the Bone (2017) | Targeted weight reduction to portray severe anorexia | Licensed clinical nutritionist oversight, frequent blood draws, therapy |
| Emily in Paris (2020, 2026) | 12, 14 hour production days, cobblestone heel navigation, couture tailoring | Pilates, functional strength training, anti-inflammatory whole-food nutrition |
Despite medical supervision, the project drew sharp industry debate. Critics questioned whether an actress in long-term recovery should ever alter her body for a performance. Collins defended the work, noting that confronting the narrative head-on granted her closure rather than causing regression. Her lived experience gave the role emotional weight that simple performance could never duplicate.
