Margaret Qualley’s Best Roles

Margaret Qualley has quickly become one of the most interesting actors of her generation. With a background as a trained dancer, she brings a unique physicality and grace to her roles that sets her apart. She first gained attention in television before making a seamless transition to film, working with some of the most acclaimed directors in the industry. Her ability to portray a wide range of complex and often troubled characters has established her as a versatile and captivating talent to watch.

Her performances are known for their emotional depth and raw honesty, whether she’s playing a determined single mother, a devoted cult member, or a curious young woman navigating a strange new world. Qualley consistently chooses projects that are both challenging and thought-provoking, building a filmography filled with memorable and impactful roles. She has a knack for stealing scenes even in supporting parts, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike with her compelling screen presence.

‘Maid’ (2021)

In the limited series ‘Maid’, Margaret Qualley plays Alex Russell, a young mother who escapes an abusive relationship and takes a job as a housecleaner to provide for her daughter. The series is based on Stephanie Land’s memoir ‘Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive’ and follows Alex as she navigates the complexities of poverty and government assistance with resilience and determination. The role required a deeply emotional and physically demanding performance.

The production was a family affair as Qualley acted opposite her real-life mother, Andie MacDowell, who played her character’s mother Paula, a woman struggling with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. This casting added another layer of authenticity to their on-screen relationship, which is central to the show’s narrative. The series received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and for Qualley’s compelling lead performance.

‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)

Qualley had her breakout role as Jill Garvey in the HBO drama series ‘The Leftovers’. The show is set three years after the “Sudden Departure,” a global event where two percent of the world’s population inexplicably vanished. Jill is the high-school-aged daughter of the protagonist, police chief Kevin Garvey, and she struggles to cope with her family’s breakdown in the wake of the event.

Throughout the series, Jill’s character arc sees her evolve from a sullen and detached teenager into a more mature young woman trying to find her place in a profoundly changed world. She gets involved with a nihilistic cult known as the Guilty Remnant, which further complicates her relationship with her father. Her portrayal of adolescent angst and grief in a world grappling with immense loss was a key element of the show’s early seasons.

‘Fosse/Verdon’ (2019)

In the biographical miniseries ‘Fosse/Verdon’, Qualley portrayed Ann Reinking, a renowned dancer and choreographer who was a longtime professional and romantic partner of director-choreographer Bob Fosse. The series explores the turbulent creative and personal relationship between Fosse, played by Sam Rockwell, and dancer Gwen Verdon, played by Michelle Williams. Qualley’s role was significant in depicting a later chapter of Fosse’s life.

As a former dancer herself, Qualley was able to authentically replicate Reinking’s distinctive dancing style, which was essential for the role. She undertook extensive training to master the specific Fosse choreography featured in the show. Her performance captured the spirit and talent of Reinking while also exploring the complexities of being the younger woman in Fosse’s life and career.

‘Poor Things’ (2023)

Margaret Qualley joined the strange and wonderful world of director Yorgos Lanthimos in the film ‘Poor Things’. She plays Felicity, a later creation of the mad scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter, who serves as a sort of prototype for the film’s main character, Bella Baxter. Her character is a key part of the bizarre household and helps illustrate the methods behind Dr. Baxter’s experiments.

Though her screen time is limited, the role is memorable for its quirky and slightly unsettling nature, fitting perfectly within the film’s unique tone. Qualley’s performance adds another layer to the film’s exploration of identity, creation, and control. Her involvement in the project marked her first collaboration with Lanthimos, which would continue with their next film.

‘The Substance’ (2024)

In the body horror film ‘The Substance’, Qualley plays Sue, who is an idealized and younger version of an aging celebrity played by Demi Moore. The film follows a star who uses a mysterious new product that creates a new and improved version of herself. The catch is that the two versions must share time, with one active for a week while the other remains dormant.

The narrative explores themes of beauty standards, aging in Hollywood, and the dark side of seeking perfection. Qualley’s character represents the flawless ideal that society pressures women to become, and her dynamic with her original self becomes increasingly hostile and dangerous. The film’s premise allows for a compelling and physically intertwined performance between Qualley and Moore.

‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019)

Qualley delivered a scene-stealing performance in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ as a Manson Family member nicknamed Pussycat. Her character is a flirtatious and free-spirited hippie who catches the eye of Brad Pitt’s character, stuntman Cliff Booth. She convinces him to give her a ride back to Spahn Ranch, where the rest of the cult resides.

Her scenes with Brad Pitt are among the most memorable in the film, particularly their long conversation in the car and the tense sequence at the ranch. Qualley perfectly embodied the mix of carefree charm and underlying menace that defined the members of the infamous cult. The role significantly raised her profile and demonstrated her ability to stand out in a large ensemble cast.

‘Kinds of Kindness’ (2024)

Reuniting with director Yorgos Lanthimos, Qualley stars in the triptych fable ‘Kinds of Kindness’. The film tells three distinct stories with the same ensemble of actors playing different characters in each segment. Qualley takes on three separate roles, showcasing her versatility as Vivian, Martha, and Ruth.

In each story, she portrays a character caught in bizarre and controlling circumstances, which is a hallmark of the director’s style. Her ability to shift between these different personas within the same film highlights her range as an actor. The project allowed her to explore different facets of human behavior under extreme and surreal pressures.

‘The Nice Guys’ (2016)

In the action-comedy ‘The Nice Guys’, Qualley plays Amelia Kuttner, a young woman who becomes the center of a sprawling conspiracy in 1970s Los Angeles. Her supposed disappearance brings together a clumsy private investigator, played by Ryan Gosling, and a tough-guy enforcer, played by Russell Crowe. Amelia is far from a simple damsel in distress.

Amelia is an environmental activist who fakes her own death to expose corruption involving the auto industry and the adult film world. Qualley’s character is intelligent and resourceful, constantly staying one step ahead of the two men trying to find her. The role was an important early part for her in a major studio film, showing she could hold her own alongside established stars.

‘The Vanishing of Sidney Hall’ (2017)

Qualley plays Melody in the mystery drama ‘The Vanishing of Sidney Hall’. The film follows the life of a controversial writer, Sidney Hall, across three different stages of his life. Melody is his high school sweetheart and later his wife, and her story is central to the tragic events that lead to his eventual disappearance.

The narrative is told in a non-linear fashion, slowly revealing the secrets and heartbreaks that defined Sidney’s life and career. Qualley’s performance as Melody is the emotional core of the film, portraying a character who is both a muse and a victim of her husband’s artistic ambition. Her chemistry with Logan Lerman, who plays Sidney, grounds the film’s complicated timeline.

‘Sanctuary’ (2022)

‘Sanctuary’ is a tense and contained thriller that takes place almost entirely within a single hotel room. Qualley stars as Rebecca, a professional dominatrix, opposite Christopher Abbott, who plays her wealthy client Hal. The film unfolds as a psychological battle of wits after Hal tries to end their professional relationship.

The movie functions like a two-person play, relying heavily on the dynamic performances of its leads. Qualley’s Rebecca is sharp, manipulative, and unpredictable, constantly shifting the balance of power between herself and Hal. The role allowed her to deliver a complex and commanding performance driven by sharp dialogue and intense emotional shifts.

‘Novitiate’ (2017)

In the film ‘Novitiate’, Qualley plays Sister Cathleen, a young woman who enters a convent in the early 1960s. The story is set during the period of major reforms in the Catholic Church known as Vatican II. Cathleen and other young postulants must grapple with their faith and their strict training under a formidable Reverend Mother.

While the main character is another postulant, Cathleen’s journey is a significant part of the story. She struggles with the harsh realities of convent life and begins to question her spiritual calling. The film is a thoughtful exploration of faith, love, and the sacrifices women make for their beliefs, and Qualley’s performance adds a quiet and moving depth to the ensemble.

‘Strange Way of Life’ (2023)

Qualley has a supporting role in ‘Strange Way of Life’, a short Western film directed by Pedro Almodóvar. The story centers on the reunion of two cowboys, played by Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal, who share a complicated history. Qualley plays Pascal’s daughter, who is preparing for her wedding.

Her character adds a layer of domesticity and future-oriented stability to her father’s life, which is disrupted by the arrival of his old flame. Although her role is small, her presence is important in framing the central conflict between past desires and present responsibilities. The film explores themes of love, memory, and masculinity in a stylish and condensed narrative.

‘My Salinger Year’ (2020)

Qualley takes the lead in ‘My Salinger Year’ as Joanna Rakoff, a young aspiring poet who drops out of graduate school and gets a job as an assistant at a prestigious New York literary agency in the 1990s. The agency’s most famous client is the famously reclusive author J.D. Salinger. Joanna’s main task is to answer the vast amount of fan mail he receives.

Instead of sending the agency’s form letter, Joanna begins to write personal responses to Salinger’s fans, finding her own voice in the process. The film is a charming coming-of-age story about finding one’s artistic path while navigating the world of literature. Qualley carries the film with a performance that is both relatable and endearing.

‘Palo Alto’ (2013)

One of Qualley’s first film roles was in ‘Palo Alto’, an ensemble drama directed by Gia Coppola. The film is based on a collection of short stories written by James Franco and follows several interconnected teenagers as they navigate the aimlessness and anxieties of suburban life. Qualley plays a supporting character named Raquel.

She is part of a group of friends dealing with parties, unrequited crushes, and risky behavior. Her role as Raquel is part of the film’s larger tapestry of adolescent experiences. Appearing in the movie provided her with an early opportunity to work alongside other up-and-coming young actors in an independent film setting.

‘Donnybrook’ (2018)

In the gritty drama ‘Donnybrook’, Qualley portrays Delia, the sister of a man who is determined to win a bare-knuckle fighting tournament to provide a better life for his family. Delia is caught in the web of a dangerous drug dealer and is on the run with her brother, trying to escape their bleak circumstances.

The film is a dark and violent look at desperation in rural America. Qualley’s character is a survivor, forced to make difficult choices to protect herself and her loved ones in a harsh world. Her performance captures the character’s vulnerability and underlying toughness in the face of constant threat and exploitation.

Let us know which Margaret Qualley performance is your favorite in the comments below.