The Must-Watch Movies of Joel Edgerton

      Joel Edgerton may be the most underrated actor in Hollywood. Here are his key films...

      Joel Edgerton’s remarkable career has been anything but straightforward. The Australian character actor has a unique talent for portraying a diverse array of roles.

      In Hollywood’s trend of favoring attractive actors who prioritize looks over depth, Edgerton stands out as ruggedly handsome, which suits him well for roles as anti-heroes, villains, or intricately developed protagonists. If the trendy, youthful stars wouldn’t convincingly portray a hard-working logger from the early 20th century, Edgerton offers a more believable option, as his features suggest a story.

      However, such roles are scarce in an industry focused on recognizable intellectual properties filled with vibrant, albeit shallow, characters. Perhaps Edgerton has intentionally bypassed opportunities to join the ranks of Marvel or DC's leading actors in favor of smaller, character-centric projects, or maybe he’s simply not seen as the ideal fit for those films, where character actors are frequently overlooked.

      Consequently, Edgerton has never been in the spotlight like some current stars, such as Glen Powell. While this has kept him from overexposure and subsequent audience fatigue, it undeniably makes him underrated. Many of his best performances often go unnoticed by mainstream audiences, yet they possess a cult following and significant impact. He rarely engages with mainstream content, favoring intriguing cinema that may gain recognition over the coming decades. Here are the key Joel Edgerton films…

      **Train Dreams**

      Given that Edgerton often appears in films that aren’t box office hits or Oscar contenders, he tends to be overlooked during awards season. This is quite unfair, considering his consistent ability to deliver powerful and riveting performances.

      That could change with *Train Dreams*, Clint Bentley’s deeply philosophical and beautifully crafted film (adapted from a short story). The script’s subtlety calls for a lead who can express profound emotions without dialogue. Edgerton’s introspective performance might be his finest yet, supported by talented co-stars like Kerry Condon, Felicity Jones, and William H. Macy.

      The film’s stunning cinematography and Malick-inspired tone create a dreamlike and thought-provoking experience. It ranks among the best films of the year and perfectly showcases Edgerton’s talents as one of the most intriguing actors of his time.

      **The Gift**

      For many viewers, *The Gift* marked a turning point in recognizing Edgerton, not only as an actor but also as a writer and director. This dark and unexpected film features Edgerton as a multifaceted antagonist opposite a morally ambiguous protagonist (Jason Bateman).

      Emerging from nowhere, the film quickly gained traction among film enthusiasts. However, it still lacks the widespread recognition it deserves, despite a slowly growing cult following. As one of the standout early Blumhouse films, it delves deeper than expected, with Edgerton creating a tense and enigmatic dynamic with Bateman.

      **It Comes At Night**

      *It Comes At Night*, another film that quietly garnered critical praise and attracted an arthouse audience, presents an ambiguous, low-budget post-apocalyptic narrative that may come off as too slow and elusive for some.

      Trey Edward Shults opts for mood and atmosphere over violent genre conventions, with Edgerton portraying the head of a family striving to remain secure and isolated from the chaotic world outside until another family seeking shelter disrupts their peace. This film features yet another carefully understated and skillful performance from Edgerton, making it a perfect pairing with the similarly underrated *The Survivalist*.

      **The Green Knight**

      While Robert Eggers’ *The Northman* struggled to find a broad audience, David Lowery faced even greater challenges in capturing a large audience with *The Green Knight* (inspired by the Arthurian legend).

      This A24 production bears all the trademarks of an indie studio, prioritizing cerebral themes over grand spectacle, though it still features some stunning visuals. Dev Patel leads an impressive cast, including memorable performances from Ralph Ineson and Barry Keoghan. Edgerton also plays an engaging role with opportunities for scene-stealing. Although the film may have stirred mixed reactions, those interested in Arthurian tales and philosophical fantasy will find much to appreciate here.

      **The Stranger**

      Edgerton returned to Australia for the intense thriller *The Stranger*, directed and written by Thomas M. Wright and loosely based on a true story. Similar to *Train Dreams*, this film represents a standout achievement for a Netflix release amid a plethora of forgettable content.

      Like Edgerton, Sean Harris also captivates audiences with his ability to convey complex emotions without words. The film thrives on the intricate dynamics between its characters, unveiling hidden facets and psychological struggles. While it’s not light viewing, it’s a meticulously crafted thriller highlighting the talents of both actors at their best.

      **Warrior**