Valerie Complex’s most popular movie appearances in 2023

In a film landscape full of talent, certain performances stand out. Of the quiet intensity of Greta Lee Past lives to the overwhelming presence of Taraji P. Henson The color purple, This collection of actors represents some of my favorite performances I’ve seen in the film year. Each actor brings a unique energy and emotional depth to their roles to not only define but elevate their characters.

These are in no particular order.

Greta Lee and Teo Yoo, Past lives

Lee beautifully navigates the delicate emotional journey described in Celine Song’s screenplay. She subtly embodies Nora’s silent longing, her expressive eyes and soft smile suggesting the depths of unspoken feelings. When confronted with the ghosts of yesterday, Lee unleashes a rawness that is both devastating and resonant, reminding us of the vulnerability required to brave the roads not taken. Yoo delivers a nuanced, emotional performance as Hae Sung, convincingly conveying the character’s connection to a long-lost soulmate. His sensitive acting really connects with the universal romantic longing.

Teyana Taylor, One thousand and one

Teyana Taylor delivers a passionate performance in AV Rockwell’s One thousand and one. As Inez, a mother trying to create a stable home for her son while battling gentrification in Harlem, she brings a sense of strength and resilience to the character, portraying Inez’s passionate love and loyalty with commitment and care .

Dwayne Perkins The ones that turn black

Perkins’ level of physical comedy and dialogue in Tim Story’s horror comedy is sharp and perfectly suited to the mayhem on screen. He gives himself over completely to the absurdity and reacts to every twist with overwhelming fear and comic confusion.

Lily Gladstone and Isabel Deroy Olson, Fancy dance

I know people are talking about Lily Gladstone Flower Moon Killer – which is also a fantastic performance – but Gladstone and Isabel Deroy-Olson deliver deeply nuanced performances in the Erica Tremblay and Miciana Alise drama. Both actresses fill their roles with so much truth – from playful banter to painful trauma – that their relationship becomes deeply real. Together, the duo finds the tender heart of the film through their compassionate performances.

Emily Bader, Jennifer Esposito and Odessa A’zion, New murders

Bader, Esposito and A’zion deliver powerful performances in Esposito’s directorial debut, which premiered at Tribeca 2023. New murders. As three generations of women grapple with the lasting impact of organized crime on Staten Island, their actors convey both this family’s close ties and painful secrets. The film is still awaiting distribution, but when will audiences finally get to see it? New murders You will see that these achievements and talents are undeniable.

Anna Hathaway, Eileen

Hathaway smolders in William Oldroyd’s noir thriller. I’ve always thought she had a compelling screen presence, but this is on another level. The actress is captivating as she intricately reveals Rebecca’s dark ambitions in every scene.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Origin

Ellis-Taylor delivers a poignant and nuanced performance in Ava DuVernay’s latest drama. With boundless scope, she captures the true aspects of Isabel Wilkerson’s life, with intellect and tenacity coupled with emotional depth and openness. Ellis-Taylor is one of Hollywood’s most enduring and underrated talents, bringing a level of sincerity and vitality to every role.

Robert Pattinson The boy and the heron

Pattison lends his voice to the English dub of Hayao Miyazaki’s latest Studio Ghibli animated film. His intuitive connection with the heron’s character is fun, but still attuned to the nuances of the story. The actor’s surprising performance captures the magical connection between the boy, the heron and the overall message of Miyazaki’s vision.

Erika Alexander, American fiction

Known for her role as Maxine in the 1990s television show Single life, American fiction brings an exciting new dramatic chapter for this talented actress. With emotional generosity and honesty, Alexander defiantly breathes life into this role. Jeffrey Wright and Alexander have a sharp chemistry that dominates every scene together.

hunter shepherd, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of songbirds and snakes

As Tigris Snow, Coriolanus’ enigmatic cousin, Schafer brings an otherworldly presence to the dark role. In just a few scenes, Schafer makes his mark by delivering the dialogue with urgency and purpose. The “Imagine it was your name they signed” speech really resonated with me.

Taraji P. Henson, The color purple

I love Danielle Brooks and Fantasia Barrino’s work in this film, but it’s best for Henson. She gives a powerful performance as Shug Avery in the exciting musical adaptation of Blitz Bazawule, bringing beautiful vocals, magnetism and sweetness to the role. Henson reaffirms her status as one of the most talented actresses working today and her role here is sure to remain a highlight of her career.

Jamie Bell, We are all strangers

Bell shows his dramatic side and delivers a strong performance that showcases his emotional range and versatility. Bell’s performance is intense and captures his character’s emotional landscape.

Paul Giamatti, The survivors

Giamatti’s performance in Alexander Paynes The survivors is a master class. He breathes life into Paul Hunham, the unpredictable professor of English classics, with plenty of raw charm, hidden vulnerability and surprising bursts of humor. This is by far my favorite Giamatti performance.

Trace Lysette, Monica

In Monica, Lysette embodies the web of resilience, sadness and longing with a calm intensity that captivates you. Her face speaks volumes as every emotion is evidence of the unspoken trauma and longing beneath the surface for the character. Here Lysette can develop her full acting talent.

Cara Jade Myers Flower Moon Killer

Myers explodes on Martin Scorsese’s screen Flower Moon Killer with a compelling performance as Anna Burkhart. In a film full of seasoned giants, Myers’ fresh presence is felt. She gives Anna a cracking rawness that balances vulnerability and heartbreaking sadness.