I must say, it’s quite fascinating delving into the captivating world of Gemma Chan and her mesmerizing performances that span across various genres. From the intriguing depths of “Humans,” where she portrayed the enigmatic Anita, a synth with an uncanny humanity, to the glamorous extravaganza of “Crazy Rich Asians” as Astrid Leong-Teo, Chan’s characters are as diverse and captivating as the actress herself.
Since 2006, Gemma Chan has consistently appeared in films and television series, accumulating a variety of notable roles across various platforms. Her versatility shines through roles like her scene-stealing performance as Soo Lin Yao, the pottery expert, on BBC’s “Sherlock” in 2010, as well as voice acting parts in movies such as Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and The Heron” and Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon.” Throughout her career, Chan has proven herself to be a dependable and multi-talented actress capable of leaving an impact in virtually any production.
The fact that Chan’s acting output is so consistently good may actually become a problem for fans who want to check out her finest work without sitting through her entire back catalog. To help you pick the best of the best from her sizeable résumé, here’s a list of our favorite Gemma Chan movies and TV shows.
Eternals
In a surprising twist for Marvel Cinematic Universe fans, Chloe Zhao’s “Eternals” might not rank among the best, but it excels in showcasing Gemma Chan’s talent as Sersi, the film’s leading character. Sersi serves as our gateway to understanding the lives of the Eternals and their secret interactions with humans, alongside her human companion Dane Whitman, portrayed by Kit Harington. Among the Eternals, Sersi stands out significantly, embodying a unique blend of importance and warmth that sets her apart from typical superheroes, particularly those known for their aloofness within her kind.
The character Sersi, as portrayed by Gemma Chan in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), demands a great deal from its actor. Not only is Sersi more complex than typical MCU characters, but Chan must skillfully direct an impressive ensemble cast that includes stars like Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Barry Keoghan, and Brian Tyree Henry. Despite differing opinions about the movie, it’s difficult to argue against Chan’s exceptional performance.
Submarine
As a fan, if you’re on the hunt for one of Gemma Chan’s early roles in a top-notch film, your search ends with “Submarine” from 2010. This critically acclaimed coming-of-age movie by Richard Ayoade offers a unique, understated British take on teenage love. The film artfully blends comedy and drama as it unfolds the developing romance between Oliver (Craig Roberts) and Jordana (Yasmin Paige). Adding to the mix is Paddy Considine’s intriguing portrayal of Graham, a mysterious guru figure. So, if you’re keen on exploring a quirky yet poignant teenage love story, give “Submarine” a watch!
As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that the talented Chan portrays Kim-Lin, a familiar figure in Graham’s life, in this gripping movie. Though her role might not secure a spot among her most iconic performances down the line, for now, it offers an engaging glimpse into her early career years. Moreover, it underscores the impressive instinct Chan demonstrated in selecting projects, even before she truly burst onto the scene.
The Creator
Despite flopping at the box office, “The Creator,” directed by Gareth Edwards, who also helmed “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” is not necessarily a poor film. Although it has been met with mixed reactions, the movie received its fair share of praise from both fans and critics. However, it’s crucial to understand that the tone it aims for is distinctly different from both “Star Wars” and “2001: A Space Odyssey,” so your expectations should reflect that.
Gemma Chan plays a significant role in the film “The Creator,” though discussing her character extensively might ruin key plot points. Suffice it to say, she portrays Joshua’s (John David Washington) wife, Maya Fey, and her performance is hard to miss. The ensemble cast, which includes Ken Watanabe, Ralph Ineson, and newcomer Madeleine Yuna Voyles, adds depth and strength to the production, with an engaging narrative, intriguing themes, and stunning visuals that make “The Creator” a captivating watch.
Captain Marvel
Fervent admirers might have observed that Gemma Chan is among the select actors who have portrayed multiple characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Though her most recognized Marvel character is Sersi, the protagonist of “Eternals,” she initially appeared as Minn-Erva, a blue-skinned Kree Starforce member, in the 2019 film “Captain Marvel.
Minn-Erva initially teams up with Carol Danvers (played by Brie Larson), but later switches sides when amnesiac Captain Marvel starts fighting against the Kree. Becoming a significant adversary, Minn-Erva is a skilled pilot and relentless warrior, making her a challenging opponent for Carol. What’s unique about Minn-Erva is that she personally dislikes Carol among all the “Captain Marvel” antagonists. Although it may not be a complex character, Minn-Erva contrasts greatly with Sersi, and it’s enjoyable to see Chan portray such diverse personas within the same universe.
Let Them All Talk
“Nothing compares to a rich comedy-drama featuring an exceptional ensemble cast, as demonstrated by Steven Soderbergh’s 2020 film ‘Let Them All Talk.’ In this intriguing movie, Meryl Streep, Candice Bergen, Dianne Wiest, Gemma Chan, and Lucas Hedges are brought together under the direction of Soderbergh. They all embark on the legendary Queen Mary II ocean liner, with Soderbergh encouraging them to improvise many of their lines while keeping the story on track according to the script.
The film’s plot revolves around renowned author Alice (Streep), who is secretly followed by her literary agent Karen (Chan) on a cruise to monitor Alice’s writing. Alice’s nephew (Hedges) and two old friends (Bergen and Wiest) round out the main characters, leading to a series of intriguing and emotional interactions and conflicts. The film, with its low-budget production and exceptional cast, quickly garnered critical acclaim, as Chan demonstrated her impressive acting skills by holding her own among seasoned improvisers. Notably, one of Chan’s earliest scenes was filmed with Streep, a three-time Oscar winner and an established acting icon.
As a gamer, stepping onto the set with Meryl Streep for our first scene together felt like facing off against an unbeatable boss level. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest and the silence was deafening, like the hush that falls over a crowded restaurant when something extraordinary happens. The Hollywood Reporter got the scoop on my feelings about this nerve-wracking encounter.
Humans
Gemma Chan frequently blends her conventional roles with a diverse range of genre projects, or put another way, she skillfully combines both. While she has an impressive resume in large-scale sci-fi and superhero films, her standout sci-fi performances remain with AMC’s critically acclaimed series “Humans.
“Humans” takes place in a world that’s similar to ours, but many people use realistic human-like synth robots as servants. However, things aren’t quite what they seem. The show soon starts exploring the synths’ hidden purposes, as well as the extent of their consciousness … and, more than anything, the way the introduction of human-like machines affects humanity itself. It’s a show full of big questions, and Chan’s charming and polite synth servant Anita is one of the greatest mysteries it has to offer.
Unlike the futuristic and spectacle-heavy series “Westworld,” “Humans” primarily avoids such grandiose set pieces and instead delves deeply into the emotional and societal repercussions of introducing highly realistic, slightly flawed humanoid robots. It explores how these robots perceive us, as well as the profound impact we have on them. This thought-provoking sci-fi drama is filled with tension, innovative concepts, and dramatic narrative shifts. To top it off, it boasts stellar performances from actors like Tom Hughes, William Hurt, and Will Tudor at the peak of their talents.
Crazy Rich Asians
2018’s “Crazy Rich Asians” was an exceptional case: a romantic comedy-drama that turned out to be an immense success, grossing over $239 million worldwide on a budget of just $30 million. Not only that, but it’s a film that both critics and audiences found enjoyable.
The film “Crazy Rich Asians” centers around Rachel Chu, an academic, who discovers that her boyfriend Nick Young is a member of an unimaginably wealthy Singaporean family, leading to a significant culture shock for her. In this movie filled with compelling characters, Chan shines brightly as Nick’s famous socialite cousin Astrid Leong-Teo, the wealthiest and most influential among them. Despite her lavish lifestyle and high status, she is one of the most sensible characters in the story, and her character development receives considerable focus.
As a massive fan, I can’t help but marvel at the impact “Crazy Rich Asians” has had on its stellar cast. The movie not only garnered countless awards and nominations, but also opened doors for many of its talented actors, like Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina, and, of course, Gemma Chan. While Chan already boasted an impressive list of roles before “Crazy Rich Asians,” the numerous high-profile projects she’s landed since its release suggest that the film’s success significantly boosted her career trajectory as well. Given the movie’s excellence and the opportunities it has provided for Chan, I firmly believe that “Crazy Rich Asians” showcases her best work to date.
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2024-10-13 17:00