Lucy Hale’s Best Roles Since ‘Pretty Little Liars’

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As a child, the entertainment world captivated Lucy Hale, marking her debut in the music industry through participation in a reality television singing competition. Over time, Hale transitioned her talents towards acting, making appearances on Nickelodeon and Disney programs. In 2010, her career gained significant momentum when she was chosen to portray Aria Montgomery in the television adaptation of Pretty Little Liars. This teenage mystery series centered around a clique of friends who were persistently harassed by an anonymous tormentor.

The show garnered unprecedented popularity, captivating viewers with its intricate plot twists but also leaving them puzzled due to some illogical plots and implausible occurrences. Unlike some of her “PLL” co-stars who have stepped away from the spotlight post series finale, Hale continues to thrive in the industry. Since 2017, she has consistently been active, venturing into roles within romance, thriller, and occasional drama genres. Dive deeper to explore Lucy Hale’s top performances post “Pretty Little Liars”.

10
Lucy Neal

‘A Nice Girl Like You’ (2020)

In the movie titled “A Nice Girl Like You“, the character Lucy Neal (portrayed by Hale) uncovers that her partner has a habit of watching porn. He blames her for being too conventional and claims she’s not meeting his needs in their intimate life, subsequently ending their relationship. Determined to demonstrate her ex’s allegations false, Lucy devises a list of sexual experiences she aims to explore. It’s possible that Grant, an individual she encounters at a wedding, could lend a hand in this mission.

Give People What They Want

This lighthearted, love-themed movie is actually adapted from a book (although quite distinct from “Pretty Little Liars”). It’s got that classic, gooey charm you’d find in any small-studio romantic comedy. However, it doesn’t shy away from its identity, delivering the predictable yet enjoyable elements of a romcom and featuring endearing leads who fuel the story’s quirks.

9
Elly

‘Borrego’ (2022)

Borrego

In a nutshell, this survival thriller revolves around a character named Elly, who is a botanist. One sunny day in the desert, while she’s engrossed in her plant studies, she stumbles upon an airplane crash. She rushes to assist the victim, but little does she know that the unfortunate passenger is a dangerous drug smuggler, who instead of expressing gratitude, kidnaps Elly. With her hands bound, Elly braves the harsh desert landscape, fighting against the challenging elements and the menacing drug network she’s now unwillingly involved with.

No Type Casting Here

Previously on PLL, there were many intense and dramatic scenes, but Hale’s roles since then have been more lighthearted. It’s refreshing to see her take on a different type of character. At times, Borrego carries an eerie atmosphere reminiscent of horror movies, with suspenseful scenes that truly make viewers concerned for Elly’s well-being.

8
Katy Keene

‘Katy Keene’ (2020)

Following PLL, Hale’s focus has generally shifted towards cinema over television. However, Katy Keene is an unusual case. This musical dramedy unfolds within the Archie Comics universe (the same one as Riverdale). After appearing as a guest on Riverdale, Hale was offered her own show centered around four individuals striving for success in New York City.

Gone Too Soon

Let’s hope the series finds more success than its initial cancellation suggests. Despite being canceled after only one season on The CW, this show is filled with glamour, features an intriguing ensemble of characters, and doesn’t shy away from creating conflicts. If you enjoy soapy teen dramas, I think you’ll find this series quite appealing.

7
Olivia Barron

‘Truth or Dare’ (2018)

Title “Truth or Dare” refers to a horror movie produced by Blumhouse Productions. The story revolves around college student Olivia and her friends during their vacation. What seems like an ordinary game of truth or dare soon takes a dark turn as they discover that failure to adhere to the game’s escalating challenges could lead to dire consequences.

Laughing With or at You?

This film turns out to be hilarious in an unexpected manner that the creators may not have intended. It’s not frightening; on the contrary, it’s rather amusing. To put it simply, “Truth or Dare” is inadvertently comical. The smiles on the characters’ faces when they’re controlled by the game and the excessive dramatic reveals of secrets make this movie perfect for a hearty laugh, not shared laughter.

6
Lucy Hutton

‘The Hating Game’ (2021)

In a new twist, Hale delved into another book adaptation, specifically the romantic novel titled “The Hating Game,” written by Sally Thorne. The narrative primarily revolves around two office colleagues, Lucy (again, a character named Lucy) and Josh, who harbor intense dislike for each other. As the title implies, their animosity is palpable. When both are in contention for the same promotion, their rivalry escalates dramatically.

The Future of Romance?

In simpler terms, many viewers found this film slightly cheesy, with some embracing its cheesiness wholeheartedly while others couldn’t help but avert their eyes. However, among the romantic comedy tropes, it was Hale who truly shone and established herself as a key figure in the genre of romance.

5
Jesse

‘The Unicorn’ (2018)

As an ardent admirer, I’d like to share that “The Unicorn” tale revolves around a pair, Caleb and Malory, who are rather reserved. After four years of prolonging their engagement, they find themselves at a juncture where the typical next step – wedding planning – seems almost laughable. Instead, they find themselves drawn into an unexpected triangle with a vivacious woman named Jesse (played by Hale).

Deserves More Hype

The release of this movie slipped by without any fanfare or recognition. The intriguing trailer didn’t seem to grab the internet’s attention, and it remains unknown how much profit the studio managed to earn from it. Nick Rutherford and Lauren Lapkus portray Caleb and Malory respectively, while Hale makes up the third member of this passionate cast. They all delivered this daring film with an impressive ease.

4
Carol Anne

‘Son of the South’ (2020)

In a different key, “Son of the South” unfolds as a biographical drama centered around the civil rights era. The narrative is set in 1961, where we find our protagonist, Bob Zellner (portrayed by Lucas Till), studying at an exclusively White college in Alabama. Amidst worsening racial tensions in the Southern region, Bob will grapple with the decision of whether to maintain silence or take a bold stance.

Not Like Other Roles

In this story, Hale portrays Carol Anne, Bob’s betrothed, who subtly advises him to steer clear of the dispute. Hale adopts a Southern accent and convincingly portrays this challenging character. If the artificial tension in Hale’s other performances seems overdone, the raw authenticity of this narrative’s events is refreshingly different.

3
Lily

‘Dude’ (2018)

The film titled “Dude” features Hale, Alexandra Shipp, Kathryn Prescott, and Akwafina (with a guest appearance by Austin Butler). In their last year of high school, the friends Lily, Amelia, Chloe, and Rebecca are on the verge of graduation. As they near this milestone, they grapple with understanding what their individual paths will be and how it may affect their bond as friends.

Why It Works

The idea behind it might be straightforward, yet its effectiveness isn’t lost on anyone. This film tugs at your heartstrings powerfully. Each character within the friendship circle grapples with issues that resonate deeply with many viewers. In today’s media landscape, tales of friendship are scarce. However, this production doesn’t shy away from romance; instead, it emphasizes the strong bond shared by these girls, which forms the core of the narrative.

2
Lake Edmunds

‘Ragdoll’ (2021)

In the gripping TV series titled “Ragdoll”, an ominous serial killer is on the loose, taking the lives of six hapless individuals. To add to the chilling horror, this murderer assembles his victims’ dismembered bodies into one grotesque composition. Detective Lake Edmunds (portrayed by Hale), who once served in the police force, will join her team in a relentless pursuit to apprehend this vile fiend.

Calling True Crime Fans!

Regardless of how many detective series are produced, there will always be an audience for them. The moment when the detectives uncover a corpse is particularly spine-chilling, and throughout the six episodes, there are numerous unsettling scenes like that one. Hale’s character shows a greater level of maturity compared to her other roles, while still injecting dry humor and intelligence into this gruesome setting.

1
Jane

‘Which Brings Me to You’ (2024)

Indeed, we’re dealing with another heartwarming romantic comedy, and another captivating book adaptation. The story, titled “Which Brings Me to You“, focuses on Will and Jane, two individuals who have had their fair share of romantic misfortunes. Their paths cross at a wedding, and just as they are about to connect, Will pauses. Instead, he shares his tales of past love disasters, inspiring Jane to do the same.

An Undeniable Connection

In a fresh and natural rephrasing: Nat Wolff portrays the character Will, and his on-screen chemistry with Hale might just be the most enchanting romantic pairing she’s had among her screen lovers, excluding the questionable relationship with Fitz, as PLL fans would agree. The audience will find it challenging not to develop feelings for both Will and Jane individually and to cheer them on as a couple.

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2025-01-11 21:32