I must say, Zawe Ashton is truly a chameleon when it comes to her acting roles. From the rebellious party girl Vod in Fresh Meat to the enigmatic Josephina in Velvet Buzzsaw, she has demonstrated an incredible range that leaves me simply gobsmacked!
Zawe Ashton initially made a name for herself as a consistent performer in British TV shows and films, yet she’s steadily accumulating roles in American productions. With a substantial list of theatrical roles on her resume, she’s versatile—she excels in comedy, drama, and has a mischievous personality that adds depth to every character she portrays. She’s far more than just Tom Hiddleston’s fiancée, as her career choices continually demonstrate. Ranging from romantic, historical costume dramas to realistic police procedurals, she’s tackled various roles throughout her career in the limelight. It’s her courage and ambition to avoid being typecast that makes her such an intriguing actress, and her career remains captivating because of it.
Among all the shows and movies she’s been in, here are some that truly highlight her intelligence and quick thinking – must-watch content for any gamer! Here’s a handy guide on where to find these masterpieces:
Case Histories
A captivating BBC crime drama titled “Case Histories” presents an unexpectedly comforting ambiance amidst its exploration of grim events. The main characters approach case-solving from a deeply personal perspective. It delves into the lives of those affected, particularly focusing on how the private investigator at the heart of the series assists them in coping with the loss of loved ones and the lingering guilt that survivors carry.
This crime drama revolves around Jackson Brodie (played by Jason Isaacs), a private investigator who served in the military but finds himself cash-strapped while operating his detective agency with minimal resources. Despite his tough exterior, he harbors a deep compassion and is eager to tackle any case that crosses his path. In the first season of the series, Zawe Ashton portrays Deborah Arnold, one of Brodie’s assistants at the agency. Deborah is known for her stylish demeanor and organizational skills, often stepping in to help Brodie unravel complex mysteries. If you’re curious about Deborah’s journey, seasons 1 and 2 of “Case Histories” can be found on Peacock.
The Handmaid’s Tale (Series)
The short screen time given to Zawe Ashton in Hulu’s adaptation of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” based on Margaret Atwood’s influential feminist novel, is not indicative of its quality. This series portrays a post-war America rebranded as Gilead, where fertile women are forced to bear children for the elite. The narrative primarily revolves around June (Elisabeth Moss), who has been separated from her daughter and husband, and is compelled by the state into service. Despite the continual degradation she endures, June resists and works towards reuniting with her family. The sixth and final season of “The Handmaid’s Tale” will premiere in 2025.
In this adaptation, Ashton’s character, Oona, is a passionate human rights activist from Canada. She teams up with Moira Strand (portrayed by Samira Wiley) to help refugees escape the perils of Chicago and find sanctuary in Toronto. Throughout their journey, they kindle a romantic relationship. However, when Moira decides to attempt smuggling June out of Gilead via their transportation vehicles, they engage in a heated debate over whether bringing June along could potentially put other refugees at risk. This conflict unfolds across three episodes, but Ashton brings an elegant and impactful performance to the role.
The Marvels
In “The Marvels,” Zawe Ashton introduces herself to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Dar-Benn, a Kree leader who causes trouble for Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani), Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris). As a character trying to restore Hala’s atmosphere, Dar-Benn resorts to an unconventional method: opening portals, disrupting reality, and draining resources from other locations for her own planet.
Certainly, Danvers was responsible for obliterating the Supreme Intelligence on Hala, plunging them into a state of despair that lasted for years under the shadow of darkness. Dar-Benn and her followers accuse Danvers of its destruction, believing that Earth’s sunlight, which they see as her ultimate revenge against Captain Marvel, will power Hala. However, Danvers has the support of Ms. Marvel and Rambeau on her side. Ashton delivers a captivating portrayal as Dar-Benn, contributing to the lively atmosphere of the film that some might have missed during its 2023 cinema release. For those who didn’t get a chance to see it, “The Marvels” is now available for streaming on Disney+.
Dreams of a Life
A Poignant Blend of Fiction and Reality – “Dreams of Life
The film titled “Dreams of Life” faced some controversy, since Vincent’s siblings refused to participate in the project and even advised its director, Carol Morley, against making it. However, the final product has proven to be a significant showcase for Ashton’s abilities, with her delivering an impactful performance as a woman who yearns for connection but eventually retreats into an isolated world of permanent privacy. Interested viewers can assess it themselves by streaming the movie on Prime Video.
Fresh Meat
It was the groundbreaking TV show ‘Fresh Meat’ that propelled Zawe Ashton into prominence in the U.K. This innovative, amusing, and intricately developed series follows six college students living together in Manchester as they navigate their way through adulthood. When they all find themselves late-registered and forced to live off campus, it initially appears as a catastrophe; however, fate steps in, and they realize they complement each other perfectly, leading to a blend of drama, humor, and enjoyable times.
In a different setting, Ashton portrays the character Vod, a party-loving woman with a knack for questionable decisions when it comes to enjoying herself. This free-spirited individual engages in outlandish acts such as overindulging to the extent of waking up in a foreign country following graduation, employing drug dealers as security for wild parties, and eventually becoming the target of burglars who clean out her house. However, Vod’s journey also serves to illustrate the challenges faced by working-class individuals in higher education who struggle to make ends meet. If you’re curious about where Vod’s story leads, you can catch all four series of Fresh Meat on Tubi for streaming.
Velvet Buzzsaw
In simpler terms, “Velvet Buzzsaw” is an audacious horror movie that features a large cast and has a humorous take on contemporary art. This film marks Zawe Ashton’s American debut, and she delivers a captivating performance in this artistic slaughterhouse.
In this story, Ashton portrays a character named Josephina who transitions from being in a punk rock band to working at an art gallery. She finds herself involved in a questionable relationship with art critic Morf Vandewalt (Jake Gyllenhaal). An unexpected event occurs when Josephina stumbles upon the lifeless body of artist Vetril Dease (Alan Mandell) within her apartment building, and she also uncovers his distinctive and grisly artwork. Enthused by its quality, Josephina decides to sell these pieces at the gallery, eventually persuading the strict owner, Rhodora Haze (Rene Russo), to display them. As Dease’s art gains traction in various museums and galleries throughout town, a sinister presence starts targeting individuals associated with Josephina – including Morf and herself. The film “Velvet Buzzsaw” offers an unforgettable ending and should be recognized for its bold critique of the art world, as well as Ashton’s captivating, darkly sarcastic performance.
Mr. Malcolm’s List
Are you a fan of “Bridgerton”? If yes, then I think you’ll really enjoy the movie “Mr. Malcolm’s List.” This film takes you smoothly into a romantic entanglement set in the regency era. Critics have called it an enjoyable romantic comedy, but I personally find Zawe Ashton’s performance in this movie to be particularly delightful and one of her best roles yet. It’s definitely worth watching!
In the story, Julia Thistlewaite (Ashton) is still reeling from a public embarrassment following an unsuccessful encounter with Mr. Jeremy Malcolm, London’s most sought-after bachelor. To uncover the cause of her humiliation, her cousin, Lord Cassidy (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), is enlisted for help. It is revealed that the reason lies in Mr. Malcolm’s stringent criteria for a potential bride. Enraged, Julia enlists the aid of her friend Selina Dalton (Freida Pinto) to play the role of an ideal bride and end matters with Malcolm, seeking revenge. However, an unexpected turn of events occurs as Selina and Malcolm develop feelings for each other, leaving Julia in a dilemma: should she pursue revenge or allow Selina to find her own happiness?
A delightful and playfully romantic movie, “Mr. Malcolm’s List,” offers Ashton an opportunity for a nuanced acting role that goes beyond stereotypical villainy, setting it apart as a standout choice.
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2024-10-12 21:00