Florence Pugh’s Career: From ‘The Falling’ to ‘Thunderbolts*’

In a short span of time, Florence Pugh has emerged as one of Tinseltown’s most captivating performers. Making her debut on the silver screen in 2014, she’s displayed an impressive versatility since then. From collaborating with esteemed filmmakers to appearing in both major studio productions and indie films, Pugh has proven herself to be a gifted actress capable of portraying intricate characters. This skill has garnered her significant recognition from critics and numerous accolades.

Spanning from historical epics to comic book adaptations, Pugh’s movie portfolio is quite varied. Renowned for her intense and moving portrayals, she imbues each character with a rich depth, ensuring they remain vividly etched in our minds. This chronicle traces her path from her debut film to her forthcoming ventures, highlighting her meteoric rise within the cinematic world.

‘The Falling’ (2014)

Back in 1969, I stepped onto the silver screen for the first time, starring as Abbie Mortimer in that gripping mystery-drama. Set in a rigid English girls’ school, this character was a captivating, well-liked student who found herself in the midst of an unexplained fainting outbreak among her peers following a tragic incident. My portrayal of Abbie was praised for its unwavering confidence and enchanting allure.

The movie delves into topics of adolescent camaraderie, sexual awakening, and collective panic. Abbie, portrayed by Pugh, established the film’s enigmatic atmosphere right from the start. Her character played a pivotal role in the storyline, and her acting alongside Maisie Williams was particularly captivating. Even making her debut on screen, Pugh already showcased the charisma that would become her career’s signature trait.

‘Lady Macbeth’ (2016)

In this movie, Florence Pugh made a notable debut, portraying Katherine Lester – a young lady forced into an emotionally barren marriage with an older gentleman. The narrative unfolds in 19th-century rural England, where Katherine defies her confined existence. As she enters into a passionate relationship and resorts to extreme measures to preserve her liberty, the story progresses.

I was greatly lauded by the critics for my performance in ‘Lady Macbeth.’ I skillfully depicted Katherine’s metamorphosis from a submissive bride to a formidable, chilling anti-heroine. The role was intricate, requiring both vulnerability and unwavering resolve. ‘Lady Macbeth’ demonstrated my ability to shoulder a film and manage demanding material, solidifying my status as a prominent talent.

‘The Commuter’ (2018)

In this fast-paced action movie, Florence Pugh adopted a more modest role alongside other cast members. The story revolves around Liam Neeson, playing an insurance agent, whose ordinary train commute becomes an entanglement in a complex criminal plot. Here, Pugh portrays Gwen, a fellow passenger who becomes part of the intriguing central enigma among various commuters.

Despite having only a modest amount of screen time, Pugh left an impression. Her character plays a crucial part in the mystery that Neeson’s character needs to unravel. She gave a compelling portrayal as a tormented young woman with a hidden past. The role demonstrated her proficiency at performing in a high-budget action film alongside a seasoned actor.

‘Outlaw King’ (2018)

In a historical action drama set during the 14th century, Florence Pugh made an appearance. Her character was Elizabeth de Burgh, who was not only the goddaughter but also the wife of King Robert the Bruce, played by Chris Pine. The movie chronicles Robert’s struggle to regain the Scottish crown from English control.

In simpler terms, Pugh’s portrayal of Elizabeth depicted her as a powerful and unyielding woman who stood by her husband amidst significant peril. Even when faced with capture and imprisonment, she remained determined. Her performance infused the character with warmth and strength, resulting in an engaging historical figure. The movie highlighted her talent for excelling in period dramas.

‘Malevolent’ (2018)

In this chilling supernatural horror movie, Florence Pugh starred as the central character, Angela Sayers. This American woman residing in Scotland was depicted engaging in a fraudulent scheme with her brother, feigning paranormal experiences to generate income. However, their hoax took an ominous twist when they accepted a job at a haunted countryside estate, which harbored a genuinely eerie history.

At first, Pugh’s character maintains a skeptical and disbelieving demeanor. However, as events take a terrifying turn, she convincingly portrays Angela’s escalating fear and despair as the situation becomes increasingly chaotic. Her performance played a crucial role in sustaining the film’s suspenseful and eerie ambiance, carrying much of its overall scary feeling.

‘Fighting with My Family’ (2019)

In the biographical comedy-drama, Florence Pugh portrays Saraya “Paige” Knight, a genuine professional wrestler. This movie chronicles Paige’s authentic life journey – from starting out in her family’s local wrestling circuit in Norwich, England, to ascending to WWE stardom. To convincingly execute the wrestling moves, Pugh underwent rigorous training.

In simple terms, Pugh portrayed Paige’s tough facade as well as her hidden vulnerability, as she found herself in a cutthroat new environment – that of a professional wrestler. Her acting demonstrated the rigorous physical and emotional hurdles one faces in such a profession. Her performance was applauded for its zest, wit, and depth, showcasing her talent and adaptability in a cheerful, uplifting film.

‘Midsommar’ (2019)

In this celebrated folk horror movie, I stepped into the role of Dani Ardor, a grieving college student. Accompanied by my boyfriend and his friends, I embarked on an idyllic journey to a secluded Swedish commune for a midsummer festival. However, as time passed, the seemingly peaceful retreat began to unveil itself as a harrowing and unsettling pagan cult.

Pugh’s portrayal in the movie ‘Midsommar’ was an outstanding display of emotion. She skillfully depicted Dani’s emotional journey from grief, anxiety, to a startling metamorphosis with a remarkable intensity that left a lasting impact. The role was both physically and mentally taxing, and her acting played a crucial role in the film’s haunting impact. Pugh’s performance in ‘Midsommar’ further cemented her place among the leading actors of her generation.

‘Little Women’ (2019)

In the film version by Greta Gerwig, Pugh assumed the character of Amy March. Instead of the character being typically disliked as portrayed in previous adaptations, Pugh’s Amy was presented as ambitious, practical, and multifaceted. As a skilled artist, Pugh’s Amy also underscored the financial challenges women faced during that era.

In recognition of her role, Florence Pugh was nominated for both an Academy Award and a BAFTA in the category of Best Supporting Actress. She infused her character with wit, insight, and depth, which resonated deeply with viewers, eliciting empathy and comprehension towards Amy’s decisions. Her performance, outstanding among many skilled actors in the film, truly shone.

‘Black Widow’ (2021)

In simpler terms, actress Florence Pugh became part of the Marvel Universe in the role of Yelena Belova, a character who shares a unique background with Natasha Romanoff (also known as Black Widow). Yelena was raised as Natasha’s sister and the movie delves into their shared history. The story brings them together once more for a mission aimed at dismantling the training program that shaped both their lives as assassins.

In no time at all, Pugh earned the affection of many viewers. Her portrayal of Yelena was lauded for its clever humor, deep feelings, and exceptional action abilities. Her screen partnership with Scarlett Johansson was a standout feature of the film. The part catapulted her to stardom in one of the world’s most prominent film series.

‘Don’t Worry Darling’ (2022)

In this psychological thriller, Alice Chambers, portrayed by Florence Pugh, is a 1950s housewife living in an apparently flawless experimental community in the California desert. As she becomes aware of peculiar happenings, she starts to doubt the genuine essence of her picture-perfect life and the corporation her husband is employed with.

Although there were private issues affecting the film production, Pugh’s performance in the movie was generally praised by many. She skillfully demonstrated Alice’s transformation from peaceful happiness to fear and suspicion. Her talent for maintaining the film’s enigma and tension was a standout aspect, with numerous critics claiming she was the most impressive element of the picture.

‘The Wonder’ (2022)

In this period piece, we encounter Florence Pugh portraying Lib Wright, a logical and scientifically minded English nurse in 1862. She’s assigned to investigate a remote Irish village where a girl is said to have lived miraculously without food for months. It falls upon Lib to decide whether the incident is genuine or a clever deception.

In a nuanced yet impactful manner, Pugh showcased her acting prowess by embodying a woman grappling with her own history. She skilfully depicted Lib’s professional demeanor as well as her evolving emotional bond with the girl she is monitoring. The film, being a thoughtful and character-focused production, leans significantly on Pugh’s talent for expressing intricate emotions delicately.

‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)

In this reimagined fairy tale, Florence Pugh assumes the voice role for Goldilocks, who serves as the head of the notorious Three Bears Gang. Alongside them, she embarks on an exciting journey in search of the legendary Last Wish, a magical artifact that promises a “suitable” family.

Through her voice acting, Pugh’s portrayal of Goldilocks embodied both humor and warmth. She portrayed Goldilocks as a strong-willed and resolute leader, yet also someone who cherished deeply the bear family she had adopted. Her performance in the film added an intricate emotional depth to the antagonist, making her character simultaneously amusing and endearing.

‘A Good Person’ (2023)

In this movie, Florence Pugh portrays Allison, a woman whose world crumbles following a tragic car accident that claims another life. The narrative traces her path through grief, substance abuse, and an unexpected bond with the deceased person’s father. Notably, Pugh also took on a producer role in the film.

In this role, Pugh truly demonstrated her emotional depth as an actress, delivering a sincere and authentic performance of a character grappling with intense guilt and sorrow. The movie, penned and helmed by her partner at the time, Zach Braff, served as a platform for her impressive acting skills to shine.

‘Oppenheimer’ (2023)

In the grand biopic by Christopher Nolan featuring J. Robert Oppenheimer, Pugh portrayed Jean Tatlock, a character with significant importance. Tatlock was not just any psychiatrist; she was also part of the Communist Party, adding intrigue to her role in Oppenheimer’s life before and during the Manhattan Project. Additionally, she was a turbulent romantic figure for Oppenheimer.

Despite having limited on-screen presence, Pugh left a lasting impression. She skillfully embodied the character of Tatlock as an intelligent, passionate, and tormented woman. Her compelling performances alongside lead actor Cillian Murphy significantly highlighted the intricate personal and psychological aspects of Oppenheimer’s character.

‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)

In a different version, Florence Pugh lent her voice to the English adaptation of a remarkable animated film by director Hayao Miyazaki. She portrayed Kiriko, a sturdy sailor woman who forms an alliance with the main character, Mahito, in a mystical realm filled with enigma.

From my perspective as a dedicated cinephile, I’d say that within the enchanting realm of this movie, Pugh skillfully molded Kiriko into a character who embodies both competence and compassion. Her portrayal exuded an aura of power and sagacity, seamlessly blending with the film’s magical essence. It was evident that her passion extends to embracing diverse and creative ventures spanning various cinematic genres.

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

I became part of the esteemed science fiction series, stepping into the role of Princess Irulan Corrino. In this universe, I am the daughter of the ruling Emperor Shaddam IV. As a shrewd member of the imperial court, I chronicle the story’s events, offering my perspectives as written introductions to the film’s world.

Portraying a character renowned for her intelligence and strategic skills, Pugh infused her performance with an air of grandeur and deliberate finesse. While her character forms the cornerstone for forthcoming narratives, she solidified Irulan as a significant figure in the intergalactic power game. Her selection for the role was widely appreciated as a fitting choice for such an esteemed franchise.

‘We Live in Time’ (2024)

In this touching romantic movie, Florence Pugh shared the screen with Andrew Garfield. She portrayed Luna, a clever and talented chef who develops affection for Tobias, a compassionate psychologist. The film is a deeply moving and engaging tale that chronicles their love affair as it ebbs and flows throughout their journey together.

In the movie, the dynamic between Pugh and Garfield on-screen was a significant aspect that attracted much acclaim from critics. Pugh’s portrayal stood out due to its depth of emotion and vulnerability. Her acting lent a genuine and relatable quality to her character, making the emotional journey of their relationship seem authentic and moving.

‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025)

In this MCU movie, Florence Pugh once again took on her widely loved character Yelena Belova. This time, she heads up a group of morally ambiguous characters and former antagonists from the Marvel universe. The narrative centers around these individuals as they are enlisted by the government for a crucial mission, denoted by the asterisk in the film’s title.

In this movie, Pugh moved into a leading role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and viewers got to delve deeper into Yelena’s narrative, with her distinctive blend of action and comedy on full display. The film strengthened her position as a key character in the series, solidifying her reputation as a globally recognized action movie star.

Which Florence Pugh performance has been your favorite so far?

2025-08-26 02:46