Top 10 Roles of Daisy Ridley Beyond Star Wars

Daisy Ridley gained worldwide recognition for her iconic portrayal of Rey Skywalker in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, yet her acting prowess extends far beyond this beloved franchise. While the Star Wars series undoubtedly shaped her initial career trajectory—beginning with the blockbuster Star Wars: The Force Awakens—Ridley has since carved a prominent niche for herself in Hollywood. With her anticipated return in the upcoming project New Jedi Order, it’s essential to recognize her diverse range of roles that showcase her extraordinary talent beyond the galaxy far, far away.

Since the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, Ridley has featured in 13 different films, including video games and podcast series. Her remarkable evolution post-Star Wars is a testament to her versatility, illustrating that she is far more than just Rey. In this analysis, we will explore her ten finest performances outside the Star Wars universe, spotlighting her unique abilities in various genres.

10 Chaos Walking – Viola

Despite Its Box Office Struggles, Ridley’s Performance in Chaos Walking Shines

The 2021 release of Chaos Walking is largely remembered for its disappointing box office performance, grossing only $26 million against a substantial budget estimated at around $100 million (source: Box Office Mojo). However, the film holds merit largely due to Daisy Ridley’s compelling portrayal of Viola, a multi-dimensional character and the sole female survivor of a perilous expedition on a male-dominated planet. Ridley’s performance brought depth and nuance to Viola, earning her praise from both audiences and critics.

Her on-screen chemistry with co-star Tom Holland is palpable, and the duo manage to navigate several challenging scenes with astute grace. Ridley’s experience as Rey evidently lends her skills to the action sequences in Chaos Walking, allowing her performance to elevate the film beyond mediocrity. While Chaos Walking may not stand out as a cinematic cornerstone of 2021, Ridley’s contribution certainly made it a more enjoyable experience.

9 Peter Rabbit – Cotton-Tail

Ridley’s Vocal Work as Cotton-Tail: A Delightful and Playful Performance

Though predominantly known for her live-action roles, Daisy Ridley also boasts an extensive oeuvre as a voice actress. Her role as Cotton-Tail in Peter Rabbit is one of her most entertaining and memorable performances. Ridley characterized Cotton-Tail as a free-spirited, somewhat chaotic character, infusing the film with humor and zest.

The film thrives on its lively antics, largely due to Ridley’s vibrant vocal delivery, which manifests a delightful charm that resonates with audiences of all ages. Her innate comedic timing established Cotton-Tail as a standout character, suggesting that Ridley possesses a remarkable range that extends well into the realms of comedy. It’s unfortunate that her commitments to The Rise of Skywalker conflicted with the production of its sequel, Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway.

8 The Marsh King’s Daughter – Helena

Helena’s Character Journey in The Marsh King’s Daughter Elevates the Film

Despite receiving mixed reviews, evidenced by a 40% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Ridley’s portrayal of Helena in The Marsh King’s Daughter emerged as one of the film’s highlights. Critics lauded her performance, asserting that she managed to encapsulate the emotional turmoil experienced by her character with exquisite finesse. Her ability to convey tension and uncertainty propelled the film’s narrative, making her portrayal a vital component of the experience.

Further enhancing Helena’s story was Ridley’s dynamic rapport with Ben Mendelsohn, who played her father. Their interplay provided much-needed depth and emotional richness, highlighting Ridley’s skills in navigating diverse emotional landscapes. Her portrayal skillfully oscillated between vulnerability and resilience, ensuring that Helena was a character audiences could root for.

7 Murder On The Orient Express – Miss Mary Debenham

Standing Out Among an Ensemble Cast in Murder On The Orient Express

Daisy Ridley’s breakout opportunity between her Star Wars films arrived in the acclaimed Murder On The Orient Express, where she played the role of Miss Mary Debenham. This cinematic adaptation of Agatha Christie’s renowned novel is celebrated as one of the best murder mystery films of all time, bolstered by a robust ensemble cast that included heavyweights like Johnny Depp and Dame Judi Dench. Amidst such formidable competition, Ridley’s performance distinguished her character, making a significant impact on the film’s overall success.

What’s particularly impressive is how well Ridley held her own against an ensemble of seasoned actors. Despite being at a more nascent stage in her career, she illuminated the screen and contributed to the film’s multifaceted storytelling. Her ability to convey complex emotions and character motivations effectively placed her performance as a memorable highlight of her filmography.

6 The Inventor – Marguerite

Showcasing Her Vocal Talent in The Inventor

In the 2023 animated feature The Inventor, Ridley lent her voice to Princess Marguerite, demonstrating her range as a performer and showcasing her musical abilities. Although the film did not generate significant buzz upon release, it remains a delightful exploration of Leonardo da Vinci’s story through its unique animation style. Ridley’s singing in the film reveals an impressive vocal talent that enriches Marguerite’s character and adds depth to the overall narrative.

What sets Marguerite apart is not only her connection to the renowned da Vinci, but also how Ridley imbued the character with a distinctive personality despite Marguerite’s historical background being less well-known. Through her voice work, Ridley transformed Marguerite into a compelling figure, showcasing her adaptability and artistry.

5 Magpie – Annette

Driving the Psychological Thriller Magpie with Remarkable Depth

The psychological thriller Magpie features Ridley as Annette, a character grappling with suspicions of her husband’s fidelity. The film’s intense emotional landscape relies heavily on Ridley’s performance, which is nothing short of captivating. Ridley’s portrayal of Annette embodies a wide emotional spectrum, allowing her to lead the viewer through a gripping narrative filled with twists and revelations.

As Annette, Ridley exhibits incredible range, shifting seamlessly between moments of tenderness and fury. Her ability to convey anxiety and pent-up emotions makes her performance resonate powerfully. Ridley’s skillful navigation of these emotional depths transforms what might be a standard thriller into a nail-biting experience.

4 Ophelia – Ophelia

Reviving Shakespeare’s Ophelia with Distinction

Ridley took on one of the most challenging roles of her career in Ophelia, a reimagining of Shakespeare’s renowned *Hamlet*. This adaptation allowed her to depict Ophelia from a fresh perspective, exploring the character’s complex emotions in greater depth. Ridley’s portrayal adds layers to Ophelia’s tragic narrative, making her struggle both poignant and relatable.

While the film faced its share of critiques, particularly in comparing it to the original source material, Ridley’s performance remains commendable. By exploring themes of love, madness, and loss, Ridley demonstrated her capacities as a serious actress, cementing her place in more dramatic storytelling.

3 Only Yesterday – Taeko

A Standout Performance in Studio Ghibli’s Only Yesterday

Daisy Ridley’s most significant voice acting achievement arrived with the English dub of Studio Ghibli’s beloved film, Only Yesterday. In this poignant narrative, she voices Taeko, a woman reflecting on her childhood while contemplating her adult life. The performance is particularly striking due to Ridley’s ability to capture Taeko’s nostalgia and introspection, infusing the character with depth and sincerity.

The challenge of dubbing such a beloved film is substantial; however, Ridley truly melds her voice with the animation, creating a seamless experience for audiences. Her capacity to convey raw emotional undertones in this nuanced setting confirms Ridley’s exceptional ability as a voice actress.

2 Sometimes I Think About Dying – Fran

A Profoundly Nuanced Performance in Sometimes I Think About Dying

In Sometimes I Think About Dying, Ridley steps into an unconventional narrative featuring Fran, a woman ensnared in fantasies of her own mortality while exploring a burgeoning connection with Robert (Dave Merheje). The film blends dark humor with deep introspection, presenting a unique viewing experience. Ridley’s portrayal is both somber and surprisingly hopeful, as she navigates Fran’s complex psyche to create an endearing character.

Her ability to balance the film’s melancholic humor with genuine emotion is remarkable. Ridley walks a tightrope between solemnity and levity with unparalleled finesse, which positions Fran as a highly relatable and sympathetic character.

1 Young Woman and the Sea – Trudy Ederle

Inspiring Portrayal of Trudy Ederle: A Triumph on Screen

In her compelling role as Trudy Ederle, Daisy Ridley takes center stage in Young Woman and the Sea, where she embodies the historical figure as the first woman to successfully swim across the English Channel. Through this portrayal, Ridley illustrates Ederle’s perseverance and strength, encapsulating the spirit of a trailblazer in women’s sports. Her ability to exhibit both the emotional weight of Ederle’s journey and the physical demands of the role underscores Ridley’s impressive acting capabilities.

Ridley’s performance is noteworthy for its emotional range, with scenes that require quiet reflection as well as energetic displays of determination. Her ability to connect with audiences reaches new heights through powerful portrayals of both triumph and struggle in her character’s journey. While Star Wars will forever hold a special place in cinematic history, Young Woman and the Sea solidifies Ridley as a versatile actress poised for a bright future.

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