Jessie Buckley's new film Men, the latest from writer/director Alex Garland, divided critics and audiences upon its release last week. However, one element of the film that is undeniable is Buckley's fantastic lead performance, and it's about time that audiences got to see her in the starring role of a prestige horror flick.
Although she only recently earned her first Academy Award nomination, Jessie Buckley has been delivering consistently strong performances on screen and on stage for years. And according to Letterboxd, these performances and projects are Buckley's best.
The Woman in White: 3.5
The 2018 television adaptation of Wilkie Collins's novel may be a little-seen miniseries, but it serves as a great window into what Jessie Buckley can do with a great role in English literature. The gothic tale centers on an ill-fated arranged marriage, though this adaptation shifts its focus primarily to Buckley's character, Marian Halcombe.
Whether it's a psychological thriller from Victorian English or a horror movie set in the present, Buckley brings a commitment and engaging charisma to the screen. She always manages to make even the most distant characters seem utterly human. In fact, one Letterboxd review by Jo said it best: "God is a woman and her name is Jessie Buckley."
Beast: 3.5
The 2017 film Beast stars Buckley as a woman struggling between the forces of her family and a potential murderer from outside her community. Writer/director Michael Pearce won the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British filmmaker, and the movie was additionally nominated for Best British Film.
Letterboxd user Mark Cunliffe writes that the lead actors Johnny Flynn and Buckley "are utterly convincing in this intense and summery, rural psychological thriller as young lovers who each may or may not struggle to contain the beast within." Like Men, Beast is another psychological thriller that is likely to cause a divided response, as it asks disturbing thought-provoking questions and chooses not to answer them clearly.
I'm Thinking of Ending Things: 3.5
Charlie Kaufman's I'm Thinking of Ending Things is a surreal journey that fits into the oeuvre of Kaufman's signature style while dabbling into new territory as well. Buckley stars opposite Jesse Plemons and plays a young woman who considers ending her relatively new relationship while on her way to visit his parents.
Although the film is divisive in how it gradually ventures further and further away from realism, Buckley and Plemons maintain a level of tonal and emotional consistency throughout that keeps the piece together, even when the film goes into a sudden ballet sequence. I'm Thinking of Ending Things, currently streaming on Netflix, is a perfect example of the unique and unpredictable film choices Jessie Buckley continues to make as an actress.
The Lost Daughter: 3.5
Maggie Gyllenhaal's memorable debut as a writer/director is an adaptation of Elena Ferrante's novel, The Lost Daughter, in which Leda Caruso (a fabulous Olivia Colman) forms a fascination with a young mother (Dakota Johnson) while on vacation. Buckley plays Colman's character in flashbacks, in which the audience has a window into the difficulties of early motherhood.
Jessie Buckley received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her daring performance, in which she shows a vulnerable side to mothering that is rarely seen on film. The scene in which she confesses to her lover that she hates talking to her kids on the phone is heartbreaking and honest. While Olivia Colman was widely praised for her work, the performance and the film are incomplete without Jessie Buckley.
Wild Rose: 3.6
The 2018 film Wild Rose follows a formerly incarcerated singer from Scotland who pursues her ambitions to be a country music artist in Nashville. Here, Jessie Buckley delivers one of her best performances, playing the title character. Buckley received a BAFTA nomination for her performance, which simultaneously showcases her singing and acting talents.
Letterboxd user Michael Powell asserts that while "the story isn't particularly original...the film has a powerhouse performance from Jessie Buckley which raises it to another level." It is somewhat astounding that Buckley gave this performance the very same year as her supporting turn opposite Renée Zellweger in Judy. This film features much more of Buckley, and a special highlight is her performance of the original song "Glasgow."
The Winter's Tale: 3.7
The Winter's Tale is one of three filmed Shakespeare productions for which Buckley has performed on stage in London. This production, mounted by Kenneth Branagh's theatre company, stars Branagh, a frequent interpreter of Shakespeare, alongside his longtime collaborator, Judi Dench.
The production and its filmed adaptation received critical acclaim upon its release, with much of the attention directed towards the reunion of Branagh and Dench on stage. However, Michael Billington of The Guardian paid special attention to Buckley's performance as Perdita, who "positively glows with erotic fervour." This production reflects another strong example of Buckley's ability to stand out in supporting performances, whether it's Shakespeare or contemporary film.
The Tempest: 3.8
Filmed live from Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, this acclaimed production of The Tempest stars British theatre actor Roger Allam as Prospero and Buckley as his daughter, Miranda. The Tempest tells the story of a sorcerer, who lives alone on a remote island with his daughter and who comes across his enemies from years ago.
This production was noted for leaning into the comedic elements of the play. Letterboxd user Ben Galosi praised Buckley's performance in particular: "Jessie Buckley is simply my favorite...I have never seen a Miranda with such comedic brilliance." Buckley does what she's often known to do: she finds her own interpretation that elevates the role to new heights.
War & Peace: 4.0
The television adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's classic novel appropriately makes use of the episodic form in its retelling of the famously long novel. Under Tom Harper's direction, the series stars Lily James and the always excellent and best-in-show Paul Dano. Buckley plays Marya Bolkonskaya, the sister of Prince Andrei.
The cast of War & Peace was universally praised across the board, and audiences noted the faithfulness of the adaptation. It is a famously difficult piece to adapt to a cinematic form, and the quality of the filmmaking is what sets this version apart from previous adaptations. Furthermore, this miniseries successfully leans into the sensual nuances of the many romantic relationships depicted.
Romeo & Juliet: 4.0
The third filmed Shakespeare production of Jessie Buckley's career saw her step into the leading role of Juliet, while also achieving the strongest reviews of those three productions. This adaptation of Romeo & Juliet set in contemporary Italy was staged and later filmed by the National Theatre.
Starring opposite Josh O'Connor as the infamous star-crossed lovers, Buckley imbues a level of maturity into her Juliet. Letterboxd user maria writes, "the chemistry between Jessie Buckley and Josh O'Connor is absolutely incredible and their performances were just impeccable." The adaptation also gained critical praise for its hybrid approach towards using both cinematic and theatrical sensibilities. Luckily, both Buckley and O'Connor are skilled stage and film actors and were more than up to the task.
Chernobyl: 4.5
The 2019 HBO limited series following the aftermath of a real-life nuclear disaster, is currently the highest-rated project of Jessie Buckley's career. Chernobyl swept the Emmy awards, winning prizes for Outstanding Limited Series as well as awards for its direction and writing.
In Chernobyl, Buckley plays the pivotal role of the wife to first responder Vasily Ignatenko. While the series focuses on the politicians and physicists involved in containing and cleaning up the nuclear disaster, Buckley provides one of the windows into those affected on the front lines of the tragedy. It may be a supporting role, but her performance grounds this well-crafted and well-researched miniseries with a rich emotional core that reminds audiences why she has since risen in her star power.