More intense performances from 2025 cinema

Hall's calm, reassuring performance as Deandra stands out, serving as the emotional core and throughline of the film. Her portrayal is deeply impactful, with her bathroom scene and crying in the nunnery being standout moments.

Lawrence goes raw, unfiltered, and dangerous, tapping into something wild and uncontainable that jolts the film to life. Her performance teeters between clarity and total collapse, reminding audiences of her star power.

Jordan delivers a dual performance, creating two intensely separate and fascinating characters, Smoke and Stack, who are 'glorious bastards' with subtle differences. This dual role is considered a masterpiece, showcasing his ability to create distinct and captivating characters.

Penn delivers a 'bananas' and animalistic performance as the primary antagonist, Lockjaw, in this Paul Thomas Anderson film. His compelling and appropriately cartoonish portrayal stands out, making him a strong contender for awards.

Del Toro's playful and memorable performance as Sensei Sergio, a karate instructor doubling as a migrant smuggler, is a highlight. Despite limited screen time, his scenes are jaw-dropping and excellent, making an Oscar nomination almost guaranteed.

Byrne delivers an astonishing, raw, and startlingly precise performance, completely disappearing into her role as a woman under the influence. Her ability to navigate fury, heartbreak, and humor with ease makes this a career-best. Critics have hailed it as the best female acting of the year, with strong Oscar buzz.

Elordi, unrecognizable under prosthetics, emerges as the heart and soul of the film as the Creature. His performance is a wonder of careful, immersive physicality and expressive, unspoken emotions, communicating a journey from wonder to rage.

Thatcher channels an eerie quality into her portrayal of Iris, a companion robot framed for murder, grappling with sentience and betrayal. Her performance perfectly embodies the complex emotions of the robot, making it a compelling and thought-provoking turn.

Chalamet delivers a mesmerizing and transformative performance, turning a brash punk into a captivating and exasperating character. His work is considered the best of his career, solidifying his status as a leading acting force.

Abela possesses immense charisma, entrancing audiences and holding her own against seasoned actors like Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett. She is seen as a rising star, with critics eager to see her in bigger roles after this intense spy thriller.

Seyfried delivers a physical performance that sneaks up on the audience, showcasing her expertise in a dramatic role where she is in the spotlight. This role reaffirms her immense talents and provides her with the fullest canvas of emotions to explore.

O'Brien plays both a grieving, emotionally shut-down twin and his 'slutty little dead gay twin' in flashbacks, conjuring two completely different, fully realized characters. This dark comedy role was eye-opening, showcasing his dramatic range.

Offerman proves himself a dramatic force, breaking out of his comedic box to deliver a powerful performance as Jerry Kane. He is considered a criminally underutilized and well-rounded actor, with predictions of an Oscar win one day.

Hawke's portrayal of Lorenz Hart is physically transformative and emotionally captivating, making the tormented, alcoholic genius both pitiful and exhilarating. This performance is considered a potential career-best, revealing new facets of his acting range.

Madigan's turn as Aunt Gladys is deranged, magnetic, and iconic, blending dark humor with unpredictable menace. She steals every scene with chaotic outbursts and bizarre advice, making her performance brilliant and unique.

Moura delivers a star turn in one of 2025's best films, leaving a lasting mark with his performance. His portrayal was widely adored by critics, solidifying its place among the year's most intense.

Dillane provides an overlooked but powerful and raw performance as Mike, a homeless drug addict, capturing a man trapped by his choices without melodrama. His magnetic portrayal makes the character painfully real and unforgettable.

Buckley delivers a powerful and devastating performance as Agnes Shakespeare, navigating isolation and tragedy with raw emotion and furor. Her portrayal is genuinely magical and unforgettable, especially her evolving emotions in the finale.

Edgerton's work is minimalist yet formidable, sculpting a fully realized, complex, and authentic character who is largely isolated. His performance brings a rough-hewn physicality without theatrics, making it a study for aspiring actors.