Jodie Comeris one of the most intriguing actresses of the 2000s, and for good reason. The talented performer found a loyal fanbase withher outstanding work onKilling Eve. As the lead, Comer won over critics and awards voters by showing an uncompromising range. That praiseworthy project was just the start for Comer, who continued entertaining international audiences.
The best Jodie Comer performances highlight the actress' versatility. From TV series to critically acclaimed stage roles, she’s taken on the role of a female gamer as perfectly as a caretaker of vulnerable patients. She’s also translated those abilities to the stage. Here are Jodie Comer’s 10 best performances, ranked.
10Miramir — Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker
The third entry in the sequel trilogy,Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, sees the First Order well on its way to revving its plans. The Resistance has one more chance to stop them. Rey has problems of her own, realizing that she and Kylo Ren are on a collision course. Thefilm wraps up Kylo’s rolein the Star Wars universe while Rey’s own story continues.
Miramir Makes a Difficult Choice to Save Her Child
This may be the smallest role among the best Jodie Comer performances, but is nevertheless important. Fans finally get to know Rey’s mother via flashbacks, with Comer emphasizing the character’s dedication.Miramir’s resolve to save her child perfectly ties into the overall themes ofThe Rise of Skywalker.After all, this is a film series that speaks to family ties and the impact those connections have on every generation.
Stream onDisney+, Vudu, Apple TV, and Prime Video
9Ivy Bolton — Lady Chatterley’s Lover (2015)
A woman finds that love and desire can come from two very different places in the television filmLady Chatterley’s Lover. This adaptation of the D. H. Lawrence novel remains true to the core elements. A wife loves her disabled husband but also resents being a caretaker.
She finds sexual comfort in the arms of another man and must decide if it’s something more than physical. This acclaimed work is often credited with a risqué reputation, but the overall plot speaks more to relationships over sexuality.
Ivy Bolton Is a Caretaker Conflicted by the Difficult Situation
Jodie Comer shines as the nurseIvy BoltoninLady Chatterley’s Lover. She delicately balances the character’s resolve as a caretaker against the looming class issues. It also gave her a chance to perform with the equally talented James Norton. The pair make their dynamic as intriguing and full of depth as the main conflict.
Stream onPrime Video
8Millie Rusk — Free Guy (2021)
One man learns that life as he knows it is a lie inFree Guy. He’s actually a non-playable character in a video game akin to GTA and other popular open-world games. The intrepid NPC teams up with a mysterious woman to change his fate, but his efforts could destroy the game itself.
Meanwhile, the developers behind his video game are themselves battling a dreadful boss. The duo’s efforts to keep the game as they intended put their careers in jeopardy. It’s certainly not the firstfilm to delve into these topics, but audiences helped it soar at the box office.
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Millie Rusk Knows Gaming but Isn’t as Comfortable With the Real World
Free Guygives Comer a chance to show off her talents in other genres. From romantic lead to comedic talent, she carries it all with grace.Millie Ruskis one of the original creators of the highly popular game, which was stolen from her.
The role ranks as one of the best Jodie Comer performances thanks to her moments outside the game. When interacting with her co-developer and boss, the actress imbues her character with a welcome emotional range.
7Kate Parks — Doctor Foster: A Woman Scorned (2015 - 2017)
The popular drama seriesDoctor Foster: A Woman Scornedcenters around a respected doctor whose life is suddenly upended. What starts as worries about a broken marriage becomes something more sinister thanks to key revelations. Her husband’s secrets threaten to unravel everything she has worked for.
Kate Parks Finds Herself Facing a Man She Can’t Trust
Kate Parksgives Comer a chance to try out a more villainous role. Audiences loved to hate her character, whose affair leads to Gemma Foster’s marriage ending. A return, along with Foster’s former husband, only dredges up more painful moments for Gemma. Comer revels in making Kate someone who isn’t a cartoon villain. Instead, Kate becomes all too human and easy to understand.
Stream onBritBox, Prime Video, Apple TV, The Roku Channel, Vudu
6Sarah — Help (2021)
Sarahfinds purpose as a caretaker for those with various conditions. The work becomes personal when she makes a special connection with an Alzheimer’s patient. The television movieHelplooks atwhat happened when the pandemic hitand experienced healthcare workers faced worst-case scenarios. Seeing patients suffer while facing their own mortality offers a new perspective on the tragedy.
Sarah Feels Helpless as Patients Suffer
Helpallows Comer time to build her role as the lead of the film, adding emotional depth to each scene. It pays off when her character is pushed to the limit. She maintains a quiet resolve while also showing every painful step of the experience.
Stream onAcorn TV
5Mother — The End We Start From (2023)
The End We Start From
The End We Start Fromlooks at environmental issues and their effects on human relationships. It centers the story on a mother, known only as"Mother,“whotries to escape a dire situation. Along with their newborn baby, she attempts to navigate this increasingly dangerous world. The film features a well-known cast, including Benedict Cumberbatch in a small role.
Mother Fights to Save Her Child From a Dangerous World
Another lead role, Mother has Comer exploring many of the same themes as herRise of Skywalkercharacter. She once again explores the intricate feelings that go with saving her child, made all the more intense by the extreme situation. The moments where Comer doesn’t say a word are often the film’s most memorable. That is in large part thanks to the actress’s knack for conveying a myriad of details with one glance or gesture.
Not currently available to stream or rent
4Kathy — The Bikeriders (2023)
The Bikeriders
The life of a motorcycle club is explored in this critically acclaimed drama. It focuses on the ’60s and this group’s rise into a distinctly different organization. Older members see themselves facing an onslaught of new members with questionable intentions. WhileThe Bikeridersis a work of fiction, it takes inspiration from a book about a real motorcycle club of the era.
Kathy Is Witness to a Biker Gang’s Evolution
Comer takes on the role of the narrator,Kathy,for this film based on a true story. Her narration helps guide the viewer, without veering away from the plot. The actress is also well aware that her character offers a subjective perspective based on various personal factors. Appearing on screen as well at times, she shares the stagewith an all-star cast.
3Marguerite de Carrouges — The Last Duel (2021)
The Last Duel
Set in medieval France,The Last Dueldeals with the sexual assault of its central character,Marguerite de Carrouges. She publicly reveals the name of her attacker,Jacques Le Gris. What ensues is a duel between her husband and the man who sexually assaulted her. Ridley Scott directed this true story based on a book by Eric Jager.
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Marguerite de Carrouges Is Unafraid to Speak Against Her Attacker
The story, told from three perspectives, finds its strength in Comer’s performance. She gives Marguerite a voice, especially important considering the difficult topic of sexual assault.Comer’s determination and layered approachalso give the film an added sense of gravitas.
Stream on:Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
2Tessa — National Theater Live: Prima Facie
In this riveting play, criminal defense barristerTessais at the height of her English legal system career. Her work sees the determined woman confront many sexual assault survivors on the witness stand. Everything changes when she becomes one of those rape victims herself. She must then confront what it means to be a sexual assault victim in society and the country’s legal system.
Tessa Undergoes an Emotional Transformation After Tragedy
Prima Facieis one of the best Jodie Comer performances. Comer ensures her character has a fierce resolve that remains, even after enduring a traumatic experience. It’s more of a triumph considering the live theatrical elements, something the actress easily navigates.
1Oksana Astankova — Killing Eve (2018)
Killing Eve
An agent finds herself facing off against a diabolical assassin in the highly praised showKilling Eve. The two women, from very different situations, see themselves involved in an evolving infatuation. Their back-and-forth pursuits gave viewersmore questions than answersover the series' run.
More importantly, everyone was left wondering whether the passionate leads would give in to their desires. They would finally get an answer thanks to the shocking series finale, which is still talked about today.
Oksana AstankovaIs an Emotionally Complicated Assassin
Killing Evewas a breakout project for Jodie Comer, shooting her into the mainstream spotlight opposite talented actress Sandra Oh. The performance brings together a delightful contrast of attitudes and emotions.
Comer handles it all in a way that makes it look easy. Her chemistry with Sandra Oh makes for a memorable pairing that was enticing to watch. Critics took notice of Comer’s work on the series as well, as it garnered several awards and nominations during its run.
Stream onAcorn TV, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video, AMC+, and Google Play
