The 15 Best Breakout Film Performances of 2024

As a movie critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I have seen countless performances that have left me speechless, moved, or simply disappointed. However, the young actors who graced our screens this year truly stood out for their remarkable talent and maturity beyond their years.

First on my list is Maisy Stella, a fresh face from the country music series “Nashville,” who effortlessly carried the weight of Megan Park’s coming-of-age tale, “My Old Ass.” Stella navigated the movie’s delicate shifts with grace and poise, making me wonder if she was born old beyond her years.

Zoe Ziegler, a genuine discovery in Annie Baker’s “Janet Planet,” brought a level of emotional depth and maturity to her role as Lacy that left me in awe. With her sharp observations and subtle humor, Ziegler made me question if she was actually an adult in disguise.

Lastly, we have Jeremy Saulnier’s leading man, Maisy Stella’s real-life sister, Maisy Stella! No, I am not repeating myself; it’s just that the Stella sisters are too good to forget. Maisy Stella delivered a star-making performance in “The Underground Railroad” and continued her winning streak with Saulnier’s crime thriller, “My Old Ass.” Her imposing physical presence, piercing dark eyes, and bone-crunching strength made me question if she was actually the product of a secret government experiment to create the perfect action hero.

And now, for a little humor to lighten things up: I guess it’s safe to say that the Stella sisters are destined for greatness – or perhaps they’re just the result of some genius cranberry farming DNA!

2021 was filled with numerous renowned actors delivering career-best performances.

In brief, Adrien Brody delved into a role reminiscent of his Oscar-winning character from The Pianist, expressing both joy and torment as a Holocaust survivor in The Brutalist. Meanwhile, Nicole Kidman ventured into unexplored territories with her portrayal of unconventional female desires in Babygirl. Demi Moore likely drew on personal experiences regarding the expiration date for actresses to embody her character’s deep-seated anxiety in The Substance. Lastly, Daniel Craig shed his James Bond persona, showcasing both alluring charm and devastating pain as William S. Burroughs’ alter ego in Queer.

Indeed, a multitude of lesser-known performers made their mark in the films of 2024, ranging from “completely unrecognized” newcomers to seasoned actors who consistently support leading roles, as well as some established names whose talents were once overlooked.

Here are 15 favorite breakouts, with one extra thanks to a double entry.

Michele Austin, Hard Truths

The focus on Mike Leigh’s film, “Much Ado About Nothing,” has rightfully been on Marianne Jean Baptiste’s powerful portrayal of Pansy Deacon, a fiery British Jamaican Londoner known for her scathing outbursts. Intriguingly, the director and Marianne, who previously collaborated in “Secrets & Lies,” delicately broaden our perspective of Pansy’s angry demeanor to reveal empathy for the suffering that fuels her bitterness. A significant portion of this shift is due to Austin’s compassionate portrayal of Chantelle, Pansy’s sister, who is a hairdresser and single mother. She is as kind, caring, and warm as Pansy is closed off and intimidating. Unlike others in the family, Chantelle does not shy away from her older sister’s explosiveness. Even when pushed to her limits, she demonstrates unwavering love for Pansy, revealing chinks in her tough exterior that humanize her, transforming her from a feared monster into a deeply emotional character. While Austin has had minor roles in Leigh’s previous films, her exceptional performance here proves pivotal in making the drama resonate emotionally.

Monica Barbaro, A Complete Unknown

Despite notable roles in “Top Gun: Maverick” and critically acclaimed independent film “The Cathedral”, Barbaro’s stunning portrayal of Joan Baez in James Mangold’s Bob Dylan biopic took many by surprise. With an unforced grace, she convincingly embodies the revered folk icon who would later adorn the cover of Time magazine, balancing her peaks of success without losing touch with reality amidst the glamour of fame. As captivating as Timothée Chalamet is in his portrayal of Dylan, Barbaro holds her own, delivering compelling dramatic moments alongside him and enchanting duets with her striking vocals. While Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan impresses, Barbaro skillfully assesses him as a narcissist who poses a dangerous risk in romantic relationships. Demonstrating self-respect, she chooses to distance herself from such peril, unlike Dylan’s frequent girlfriend, played by Elle Fanning, who endures injury and returns for more.

Yura Borisov, Anora

In the Palme d’Or-winning film by Sean Baker, Mikey Madison plays a tenacious Brooklyn sex worker who unexpectedly agrees to marry the stoned son of a Russian oligarch. However, she refuses to submit passively when his family sends enforcers to retrieve him and nullify the union. The movie gradually reveals the pain hidden behind Anora’s tough exterior, using Borisov’s character, a muscle hired by the family, to express this sensitivity. Russian actor Borisov, who was memorable in Finnish director Juho Kuosmanen’s train-bound movie, Compartment No. 6, as an irritable miner softening up over time, delivers an even more touching performance in Anora. As Igor, he portrays a man whose kindness might astonish him.

Raúl Briones, La Cocina

The intense, humorous-yet-tragic film by Mexican director Alonso Ruizpalacios unfolds within the bustling, tension-filled environment of a popular Times Square restaurant during peak meal times, teetering on the brink of chaos. This is a powerful group performance where apprehension and adrenaline flow in abundance, showcasing the aspirations, dreams, and harsh realities faced by mostly undocumented workers under the watchful eye of a strict chef. The story’s heart and primary driving force revolves around Pedro, a character portrayed by Briones, who embodies both hopeless romanticism and aggressive stubbornness. Pedro grapples with the difficult choices made by his American waitress girlfriend (Rooney Mara), who decided to end her pregnancy; frets about the $800 allegedly stolen from the previous night’s earnings, fearing he might be accused; and grows restless waiting for the restaurant owner to fulfill his promise of assisting with Pedro’s immigration paperwork. A coworker describes Pedro as a ticking time bomb due to his escalating agitation, culminating in an explosive outburst.

Lily Collias, Good One

As a captivated viewer, I found myself deeply moved by India Donaldson’s directorial debut – a poignant snapshot of a crucial phase in a young woman’s life. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Catskills, this film resonates with a raw authenticity that beautifully captures the complexities of its protagonist, 17-year-old Sam, portrayed by Collias.

Sam finds herself in a challenging predicament, torn between her teenage exasperation towards the fragile egos of her middle-aged companions, played by James Le Gros and Danny McCarthy, and fulfilling the role of their caregiver during a weekend camping trip with her father. Her body language and subtle facial expressions subtly hint at her discomfort in this role.

A pivotal moment in the storyline crosses a line, eliciting a palpable sense of indignation from Sam’s internalized performance, disrupting the group’s harmony, potentially irreparably. Collias’ remarkable talent for conveying profound emotions with minimalistic means gives this narrative-sparse drama its emotional weight and depth.

Lily-Rose Depp, Nosferatu

While some might contend that Johnny Depp’s fame precludes him from being considered for a breakthrough award, there was still uncertainty about his true acting abilities, especially following the fallout from Sam Levinson’s scandalous HBO series, “The Idol.” Few would have anticipated the stunning performance she delivered in Robert Eggers’ innovative retelling of the century-old vampire story. In a chilling prologue, Depp’s character, Ellen, is introduced as an emotionally distressed teenager. Her innocent plea for solace unwittingly summons Bill Skarsgard’s ancient vampire, Count Orlok. As she struggles to comprehend the supernatural darkness within her that summoned the vampire, Depp masterfully portrays a range of emotions with mesmerizing physicality – from melancholy to fear, from delirious convulsions to helpless limpness, from possession to queasy desire. Indeed, using Count Orlok’s own words, Ellen is as much his affliction as his prey, and Depp flawlessly captures the role’s many complex contradictions.

Ryan Destiny, The Fire Inside

In a departure from typical sports dramas, director Rachel Morrison and screenwriter Barry Jenkins craft an inspiring tale about boxer Claressa Shields’ journey to Olympic glory, hailing from Flint, Michigan. The film pulses with intense fight sequences and is enriched by a nuanced portrayal of a disadvantaged community where hope persists despite overwhelming odds. However, it is the powerful and resilient performance by newcomer Destiny that gives the movie its emotional depth, revealing not only her character’s grit but also the scars left by a challenging family life. Notably, Destiny delivers a compelling performance opposite Brian Tyree Henry as her dedicated trainer, Jason Crutchfield. Their relationship is complex, showing moments of tenderness and tension, support and protection; despite following familiar narrative arcs, it feels authentic, rooted in reality rather than scripted tropes.

Carlos Diehz, Conclave

In the skilfully directed thriller “The Pope’s Exile” by Edward Berger, Diehz holds his own alongside acting heavyweights like Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, Lucian Msamati, and Sergio Castellitto. Despite the star-studded cast, Diehz’s captivating screen presence is undeniable. He commands attention even in stillness, conveying his character’s pure heart and unwavering faith through his expressive eyes as much as his dialogue. As a newcomer to acting after three decades in architecture, Diehz brings a sense of calm and moral certainty to his role as Cardinal Benítez, making him stand out among the senior clergy jockeying for power, sometimes ruthlessly, their votes driven more by political machinations than the welfare of the Church. The final act’s shocking twist further highlights Benítez in a new and intriguing light.

Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez

Originally more recognized for soap operas than films, Gascón plays the vibrant heart of Jacques Audiard’s divisive musical drama about a Mexican cartel leader seeking redemption and familial love following gender reassignment surgery. Since Daniela Vega in “A Fantastic Woman”, it is arguable that no trans actress has been given the lead role as extensively as Gascón does with her character Emilia, supported by an exceptional performance from Zoë Saldaña as the lawyer assisting her transition. Gascón portrays Emilia’s feelings of liberation, self-realization, and discovery with raw authenticity, making the film a kind of purification ritual. The simple joy she expresses upon hearing her new name after surgery is incredibly touching. Gascón infuses soul into Emilia’s remorse over her family sacrifices and her risky attempts to rectify the situation, even at the cost of her anonymity.

Ethan Herisse & Brandon Wilson, Nickel Boys

This adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer-winning novel, directed by RaMell Ross and beautifully captured by cinematographer Jomo Fray, offers a distinctive exploration of the harsh racial injustices during the Jim Crow South’s era. The film’s powerful perspective is significantly shaped by Herisse and Wilson, portraying the characters Elwood, a hopeful student, and Turner, a sly skeptic, respectively. Their perspectives, alternating throughout the film, serve as our eyes and ears, as we follow their unlikely friendship formed within a fictional reform school in 1960s Florida, inspired by the infamous Dozier School for Boys. The talented young actors deliver an understated intensity that makes them poignant vessels for trauma, their emotions shifting between heart-wrenching distress and paralyzing numbness.

Kani Kusruti, All We Imagine as Light

Payal Kapadia’s storytelling style, rooted in her documentary work, lends an authentic feel to her debut fiction film, capturing a compelling likeness of three women plucked from the bustling life of modern Mumbai. These characters, co-workers at the same hospital, find personal growth in distinct ways as they escape the city for a coastal village and rediscover the joy of breathing freely. Kusruti’s character, Prabha, a dedicated nurse, chooses solitude over betrayal with her husband working abroad, where communication has dwindled. In her performance, Kusruti portrays Prabha with raw emotional honesty while maintaining her stoic demeanor. As the story unfolds, we come to know all three women and the sustenance derived from their bond. However, it’s Kusruti’s portrayal of Prabha, who is the most reserved, that resonates deeply with viewers and lingers in our memories long after the credits end.

Clarence Maclin, Sing Sing

In Greg Kwedar’s production, only Colman Domingo as an inmate and Paul Raci portraying a Rehabilitation Through the Arts program director are recognizable faces. The rest of the cast is made up of actors who have previously been part of this program, with Maclin, a former inmate, playing Divine Eye, his character during his 17-year sentence. Domingo delivers an outstanding performance as Divine G, the talented playwright and performer, who recognizes raw talent in Divine Eye and recruits him for the program. Their relationship fluctuates between hostility, competition, and truce, eventually evolving into friendship as they discover their shared experiences. Maclin’s acting is effortless and genuine, without shying away from his tough-guy past or the wisdom he gained through RTA. His performance feels authentic and earns our affection without trying to win it explicitly.

Aaron Pierre, Rebel Ridge

In a twist, Jeremy Saulnier’s crime thriller marks the first time the classically trained English actor has led a film as the main character. Known for his powerful physique and intense dark eyes, he captivates throughout the movie. In an outstanding role that could propel him to stardom, he portrays Terry Richmond, a former Marine, whose skills in close-quarters combat and weaponry prove crucial when he clashes with a corrupt Louisiana police department. The sinister Don Johnson leads this police force, and their actions indirectly lead to the death of Terry’s cousin, creating a tense revenge plot reminiscent of classic pulp B-movies. However, Saulnier’s skill and Pierre’s commanding performance elevate this story beyond typical pulpy fare, with the protagonist exhibiting both mental acuity and physical prowess.

Maisy Stella, My Old Ass

In this film, Megan Park’s heartwarming coming-of-age story, titled “The Duality of Elliott,” skillfully blends humor, romance, and a touch of fantasy. Stella, who was earlier known for her musical duo with her sister in the television series “Nashville,” confidently takes the lead as she portrays Elliott, an enthusiastic 18-year-old yearning to escape her tranquil lakeside hometown and the family cranberry farm to attend city college. However, a psychedelic mushroom experience before her departure introduces her to her future self, played by Aubrey Plaza, who is two decades older. This older Elliott advises the younger one to cherish her remaining youth and spend time with those she loves. Stella deftly handles the movie’s numerous transitions, ensuring that the sentimentality remains appealing in what eventually evolves into a poignant intergenerational reflection on the things we hold onto and the things we leave behind as we embark on our journey towards adulthood independence.

Zoe Ziegler, Janet Planet

In a rare instance where an actress’s talents are truly showcased, Julianne Nicholson shines as a complex single mother in Annie Baker’s miniaturist masterpiece, her first feature film. What sets Nicholson’s character, Janet, apart is her intricate relationship with her 11-year-old daughter Lacy, played by the promising newcomer Ziegler. Lacy observes Janet and her interactions with different people during a New England summer with an intensity reminiscent of a scientist at work, her gaze anything but indiscriminate. Ziegler adds depth to the character’s youthful curiosity with unexpected emotional wisdom. She is direct, self-absorbed, and subtly amusing without ever overdoing it as Lacy reevaluates the woman who has been her universe. The final judgment Lacy passes on Janet remains open to interpretation.

2024-12-31 00:25