Zain Al Rafeea – Capernaum
In the Lebanese film, Capernaum, we get not one, but two dazzling performances from children. Well, given many of the supporting players are also younglings, there’s praise to be had all round. Nadine Labaki’s poverty-riddled landscape, which scooped the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, is very much about children. Children forced to be strong in a world where they have very little.
At the center, is 12 year-old Zain, played by namesake Zain Al Rafeea. Who finds himself launched into the big bad world, to fend for himself, when his dear sister Sahar is sent away. The young actor is astonishing. Covered in grime, but also haunted by his unpriveliged life, Zain finds immeasurable courage to take a new path. His rapport with the one-year-old Boluwatife Treasure Bankoler, too, is a fascinating experience in the midst of turmoil. — Robin @Filmotomy
Jim Cummings – Thunder Road
Jim Cummings’ performance in his film Thunder Road is one of the most tender, tragic and heartfelt performances we’ve witnessed on the big screen in years. His character, officer Jim Arnaud, is close to a breakdown at the beginning of the film following the death of his mother, and his marriage has just ended too.
The film begins with a tragi-comic funeral scene, where Jim performs a dance number in honour of his late mother. The scene is proof of Cummings’ dramatic and comedic skills; his performance throughout the film tip-toes on the line of being too over the top and finding just the right amount of pathos. Cummings is at times like a child who isn’t afraid to stay inside the lines when drawing, pushing the limits of empathy we can reserve for such a flawed character. It’s a remarkable physical and emotionally layered performance from Cummings. — Maria @marialattila
Noah Galvin and Austin Crute – Booksmart
Noah Galvin and Austin Crute stole the show as George and Alan in Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut, Booksmart. The two create some of the most memorable moments amidst an already bubbling concoction of brilliance. From their first introduction in homeroom all the way to the end they are a complete delight to watch and not a single moment shared between the two is dull.
Their dedication to embodying their quirks so fully was inspiring. Perhaps one of the highlights of the whole film is their murder mystery party where Crute introduces himself as a widow who only knows “sorrow and grief” to which Galvin brings him down in dismay; “you’re at a ten and I need you at a two”. Watching the two of them go head to head to enhance one another’s impeccable comedic timing is one of the many great joys Booksmart has to offer. — Billie Melissa @billiemelissa_
Jharrel Jerome – When They See Us
If there is one thing that I look for when it comes to performances, it’s a complete transformation. Jharrel Jerome’s portrayal of wrongfully convicted teen, Korey Wise, is an excellent example of what a performance truly should be. Jerome becomes Wise, adopting his various speech patterns and mannerisms in order to perfectly achieve a raw, emotional, and stunning portrayal. Jerome’s reaction to being found guilty, despite his promised innocence after being coerced by authorities, is enough to bring tears to any viewer’s eyes.
Wise spent 12 years in various adult prisons and those 12 years are seen through Jerome’s range as he maintains the emotional beats and rawness of his performance from age 16 to age 28. This performance proves Jerome is one to watch; if this is his breakthrough, I can only imagine what is next in store for him. — Jasper @BaumannJasper
Jack Lowden – Fighting With My Family
Fighting With My Family is a strong showcase for Florence Pugh as WWE wrestler Paige. However, between both actors, Jack Lowden has the more devastating arc as Paige’s brother, Zak. Once Zak is denied a chance to join the WWE, he goes on a slow breakdown and Lowden presents him with a rather brittle vulnerability. While Zak is happy for what his sister has achieved, he still feels crushed seeing her accomplish the dreams he always wanted.
Even as Zak becomes more hostile to those around him, one can still sympathize with his self-loathing. In the hands of a less capable actor, Zak might’ve been portrayed as a cynical martyr but Lowden still gives him necessary three-dimensionality by making him a walking contradiction. After having more miniscule roles in Dunkirk and Mary Queen of Scots, Lowden has been given an expansive role for him to really sink his teeth into. — Matthew @filmguy619
Andrew Garfield – Under The Silver Lake
In Under The Silver Lake, Garfield displays a range of complex emotions with precision and seamlessness. From sheepish and stoned, to crazed focus, he tackles a character we would otherwise feel nothing for- and makes him relatable. The subtleties in his performance are everything, it’s clear he gave every word of the script appropriate contemplation. Even his accent is flawless. Watching this odd character dive down such a dark and mysterious rabbit hole is only made all the more satisfying by the clear arch defined in Andrew’s performance.
People will talk about this movie for a long time, and even now are picking it apart. This relies heavily on the lead. Every scene of the movie becomes different when you realize our main characters point of view and how the events taking place affect him. A film like this can only work with a truly fantastic actor taking the lead. — Gary @garysreview
Veronica Ngô – Furie
Though heralded for its laudable fight choreography in the thick of a familiar story, Furie ultimately succeeds because of Veronica Ngô. Whether she’s gra ppling tangible enemies or her own inner demons, Ngô seizes the audience’s attention in every scene. One second she’s pummeling the bad guys, the next she’s pleading for help in finding the one good thing she’s ever made. This kind of emotional journey is what lacks in other rescue op actioners of today.
Those films fail to convey the message that brutality and emotion aren’t mutually exclusive. In addition, Ngô’s dexterous and vulnerable performance never felt more stirring than when her character was confronted by her troubled past. That translation of pain felt by most anyone who’s never lived up to familial expectations is deserving of praise. Veronica Ngô could be the next big, international action star, but her prowess for drama should not be taken lightly. — Paul @AFinalBoy
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