Jennifer Connelly’s Career: From ‘Once Upon a Time in America’ to ‘Bad Behaviour’

Jennifer Connelly began her career as a child model before making her acting debut in the early 1980s. Her first roles quickly established her as a rising talent in Hollywood. Working with acclaimed directors from the start, she gained experience in a variety of genres, from epic crime dramas to fantasy films. This early period showcased her screen presence and set the stage for a long and varied career.

As she transitioned from teenage roles to more mature characters, Connelly took on increasingly complex and challenging parts. Her performances in the late 1990s and early 2000s earned her critical acclaim, culminating in an Academy Award. She has continued to work in both big-budget blockbusters and smaller independent films, demonstrating her versatility. From her early beginnings to her most recent work, Connelly has built a resume that reflects a commitment to diverse and compelling roles.

‘Once Upon a Time in America’ (1984)

Jennifer Connelly made her feature film debut in this epic crime drama directed by Sergio Leone. She played the younger version of the character Deborah Gelly, who is the lifelong unrequited love of the protagonist, Noodles. Though her screen time is limited, her role is crucial to the film’s extensive flashbacks, establishing a key part of the story’s emotional core.

The film follows the lives of Jewish gangsters in New York City over several decades. Connelly’s performance as the graceful young dancer left a lasting impression on audiences and critics. Her appearance in such a significant and ambitious film marked a powerful start to her acting career, placing her in a prestigious project from her very first role.

‘Phenomena’ (1985)

In this Italian horror film directed by Dario Argento, Connelly took on her first leading role. She played Jennifer Corvino, an American student at a Swiss boarding school who discovers she has the psychic ability to communicate with insects. She uses this unique power to help a forensic entomologist track down a serial killer who is murdering students at the school.

The film is a mix of horror, mystery, and supernatural elements. Connelly’s character is central to the strange and often graphic events that unfold. Her performance required her to navigate a complex plot filled with suspense and bizarre occurrences, making it a memorable early entry in her filmography and a cult classic among horror fans.

‘Seven Minutes in Heaven’ (1985)

This teen comedy-drama stars Connelly as Natalie Becker, one of three Ohio teenagers navigating the challenges of growing up. The story explores themes of friendship, family, and adolescent relationships in a grounded and realistic way. Natalie and her two best friends face personal struggles and learn to rely on each other for support.

Unlike the fantasy and horror films she had recently appeared in, this movie offered Connelly a more down-to-earth role. She portrayed a thoughtful and relatable teenager dealing with everyday problems. The film was praised for its honest depiction of teenage life and its focus on character development over broad comedy.

‘Labyrinth’ (1986)

In this fantasy film directed by Jim Henson, Connelly plays Sarah Williams, a teenager who wishes her baby brother away to the Goblin King. When her wish is granted, she must venture into a vast and magical maze to rescue him. The film has become a beloved cult classic, known for its imaginative puppetry and creative world-building.

Connelly’s character, Sarah, is the audience’s guide through the strange and wondrous world of the labyrinth. She interacts with a host of memorable creatures on her quest to confront the charismatic Goblin King, played by David Bowie. Her journey from a frustrated teenager to a brave hero is the heart of the film’s story.

‘Some Girls’ (1988)

This comedy-drama features Connelly as Gabriella d’Arc, one of three eccentric sisters in a wealthy Quebec family. The story is told from the perspective of a college student who comes to visit Gabriella for Christmas, only to find that she no longer has feelings for him. He ends up spending the holiday entangled in the family’s strange and comical dynamics.

Connelly’s character is alluring and mysterious, creating confusion and fascination for the film’s protagonist. The movie explores themes of love, desire, and the unpredictable nature of family relationships. It was a departure from her previous roles, allowing her to play a more enigmatic and mature character within a quirky ensemble cast.

‘Etoile’ (1989)

In this ballet-themed fantasy thriller, Connelly plays a dual role as Claire Hamilton and Natalie Horvath. An American ballerina named Claire travels to Hungary to join a prestigious ballet school. She soon discovers that the school is haunted by the spirit of a famous ballerina, Natalie, who attempts to possess her to complete a performance of ‘Swan Lake’.

The film combines elements of horror, mystery, and romance, with the world of professional ballet as its backdrop. Connelly’s performance required her to portray both the innocent newcomer and the ghostly presence that takes control of her. The role showcased her ability to handle complex, psychologically-driven characters.

‘The Hot Spot’ (1990)

Directed by Dennis Hopper, this neo-noir thriller stars Connelly as Gloria Harper, a woman who becomes involved with a drifter in a small Texas town. The drifter gets a job as a car salesman and quickly finds himself caught between two women: the boss’s manipulative wife and the seemingly innocent Gloria.

Connelly’s character appears to be a wholesome and trustworthy person, but like everyone in the film, she has her own secrets. The movie is filled with passion, blackmail, and crime, typical of the neo-noir genre. Her role as the deceptive Gloria was a significant step toward more adult and complex characters.

‘Career Opportunities’ (1991)

This romantic comedy features Connelly as Josie McClellan, the beautiful and wealthy daughter of a prominent town citizen. She falls asleep in a Target store and wakes up to find herself locked in overnight with the store’s new, daydreaming night janitor. The two get to know each other and must also deal with a pair of incompetent burglars.

The film, written by John Hughes, plays on the classic trope of two people from different social circles finding common ground. Connelly’s character is portrayed as more than just a rich girl; she reveals her own vulnerabilities and unhappiness. The movie became a popular title from the era, known for its simple charm and the chemistry between its leads.

‘The Rocketeer’ (1991)

In this period adventure film, Connelly plays Jenny Blake, the aspiring actress girlfriend of a stunt pilot who discovers a prototype jetpack. The story is set in 1938 Hollywood, and her character becomes entangled in the hero’s efforts to keep the powerful device out of the hands of Howard Hughes, the FBI, and Nazi agents.

Jenny is a classic damsel in distress, but she also has her own ambitions and moments of courage. The film is a tribute to the adventure serials of the 1930s and 40s, with a mix of action, romance, and history. Connelly’s performance captured the glamour and style of Old Hollywood, making her a perfect fit for the movie’s nostalgic tone.

‘Of Love and Shadows’ (1994)

Based on a novel by Isabel Allende, this drama is set in Chile during the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Connelly plays Irene, a magazine editor from a wealthy background who is initially oblivious to the political turmoil around her. She works with a psychologist and photographer who helps open her eyes to the regime’s brutal realities.

As Irene learns more about the government’s atrocities, she becomes involved in the resistance movement, putting her own life at risk. The role required Connelly to portray a significant character transformation, from a sheltered journalist to a committed activist. The film is a dramatic story of love and political awakening in a time of intense conflict.

‘Higher Learning’ (1995)

Directed by John Singleton, this film explores the social and political tensions at a fictional university. The story follows the intersecting lives of three freshmen from different backgrounds: a track athlete, a shy young woman, and a white supremacist. Connelly plays Taryn, a teaching assistant and lesbian activist who befriends one of the main characters.

Taryn is an intelligent and politically engaged student who challenges others to think critically about issues of identity and prejudice. Connelly’s supporting role is important to the film’s exploration of campus culture wars and personal growth. The movie was a serious look at the pressures and conflicts faced by young people in a diverse academic environment.

‘Mulholland Falls’ (1996)

This neo-noir crime thriller is set in 1950s Los Angeles and follows a group of elite, rule-bending detectives. The plot thickens when the detectives investigate the death of a woman named Allison Pond, played by Connelly. Her character is seen only in film reels found after her death, making her a mysterious figure at the center of the investigation.

Through the discovered footage, the detectives learn that Allison was involved with a powerful general who is in charge of the Atomic Energy Commission. Connelly’s role is pivotal to the plot, as her character’s secret life is what drives the entire story. Her performance on film-within-a-film creates an enigmatic presence that haunts the investigators.

‘Far Harbor’ (1996)

In this independent drama, Connelly plays Ellie, one of seven characters who spend a weekend at a house in the Hamptons. The film focuses on the conversations and interactions between the group of friends and acquaintances, exploring themes of love, jealousy, and social dynamics.

The movie has a talk-heavy, character-driven structure, relying on the performances of its ensemble cast. Connelly’s role as Ellie contributes to the weekend’s complex web of relationships and underlying tensions. It was a smaller-scale project that allowed her to work within a more intimate, dialogue-focused style of filmmaking.

‘Inventing the Abbotts’ (1997)

Set in a small Illinois town in the 1950s, this drama tells the story of two working-class brothers who become involved with the three wealthy and beautiful Abbott sisters. Connelly plays Eleanor, the “wild” middle sister who engages in a secret relationship with one of the brothers. The film explores themes of class, love, and family secrets.

Eleanor is a rebellious and complex character who defies the expectations of her conservative family and town. Connelly’s performance captured the character’s mix of vulnerability and defiance. The film is a coming-of-age story that examines the powerful myths and rumors that can shape people’s lives in a small community.

‘Dark City’ (1998)

This science fiction neo-noir film, directed by Alex Proyas, features Connelly as Emma, the estranged wife of a man who awakens with amnesia. Her character is a torch singer in a perpetually dark city where mysterious beings known as the Strangers alter reality and memories every night. She struggles with her own implanted memories and her feelings for her husband.

‘Dark City’ is celebrated for its unique visual style and complex, thought-provoking story. Connelly’s character is central to the mystery, as her husband tries to piece together his identity and uncover the truth about their world. Her performance adds an emotional, human element to the film’s dark and surreal landscape.

‘Waking the Dead’ (2000)

In this romantic mystery, Connelly plays Sarah Williams, a passionate political activist who is seemingly killed in a car bombing. Years later, her former boyfriend, who is now a rising politician, begins to have visions of her, making him question whether she is truly gone. The film moves between the past, showing their intense relationship, and the present, as he grapples with his sanity and career.

The story is a complex exploration of love, grief, and idealism. Connelly’s character is a powerful force in the protagonist’s life, both in memory and as a possible ghost. Her performance drives the film’s central mystery and emotional conflict, leaving the audience to wonder about Sarah’s true fate.

‘Requiem for a Dream’ (2000)

Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this psychological drama depicts the devastating effects of drug addiction on four characters. Connelly plays Marion Silver, a young woman whose dream of opening a fashion boutique is destroyed as she and her boyfriend descend into heroin addiction. Her performance is a raw and unflinching look at the degradation caused by substance abuse.

The film is known for its intense, stylized visuals and its difficult subject matter. Connelly’s portrayal of Marion’s harrowing journey earned her widespread critical acclaim. The role was a turning point in her career, solidifying her reputation as a dramatic actress capable of handling incredibly challenging and emotionally demanding material.

‘Pollock’ (2000)

This biographical film, directed by and starring Ed Harris, tells the story of the abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock. Connelly plays Ruth Kligman, Pollock’s mistress in the final years of his life. Kligman was an artist herself and was with Pollock during the car crash that ended his life.

Connelly’s supporting role is crucial to depicting the turbulent and self-destructive period before the painter’s death. She portrays Kligman as a young and ambitious woman drawn to Pollock’s fame and talent. The film offers a look into the art world of the 1940s and 50s and the complicated personal life of a celebrated artist.

‘A Beautiful Mind’ (2001)

In this biographical drama, Connelly stars as Alicia Nash, the wife of the brilliant but troubled mathematician John Nash. The film chronicles John’s life, his groundbreaking work, and his long struggle with schizophrenia. Connelly’s performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Alicia is portrayed as a source of unwavering love and support for her husband, standing by him through his most difficult moments. Connelly’s portrayal was praised for its emotional depth and strength, capturing the resilience of a woman dealing with her husband’s severe mental illness. The role remains one of the most celebrated performances of her career.

‘Hulk’ (2003)

Directed by Ang Lee, this film adapts the story of the Marvel Comics character. Connelly plays Betty Ross, a scientist and former girlfriend of Bruce Banner. She is the only person who can soothe the giant green monster that Banner becomes when he is angry. The film delves into the psychological origins of Banner’s transformation.

Connelly’s character serves as the emotional anchor of the story. Her complex relationship with Bruce and her strained connection with her father, a general who hunts the Hulk, create a central conflict. She portrays Betty with intelligence and compassion, making her a key figure in the human drama behind the superhero action.

‘House of Sand and Fog’ (2003)

This drama tells the story of a dispute over a small house in Northern California. Connelly plays Kathy Nicolo, a recovering addict who is wrongly evicted from her home due to a bureaucratic error. The house is then purchased at auction by an Iranian immigrant family, leading to a tragic conflict between the two parties.

Connelly’s performance as the emotionally unstable and desperate Kathy was highly praised by critics. She powerfully conveyed her character’s sense of loss and her increasingly frantic attempts to reclaim her property and her life. The film is an intense and heartbreaking story about the clash of cultures and the different meanings of home.

‘Dark Water’ (2005)

In this supernatural horror film, Connelly plays Dahlia, a recently separated mother who moves into a rundown apartment building with her young daughter. They soon experience strange occurrences, including mysterious leaks of dark water from the ceiling of their apartment. As Dahlia investigates, she uncovers a dark secret about the building’s past.

The film focuses more on psychological tension and atmosphere than on jump scares. Connelly’s performance is central to the movie’s effectiveness, as she portrays a mother struggling with anxiety and a difficult custody battle while trying to protect her child from a possible haunting. Her emotional state makes both her and the audience question what is real.

‘Little Children’ (2006)

This drama explores the frustrated lives of a group of suburban parents. Connelly plays Kathy Adamson, a documentary filmmaker who feels disconnected from her husband and her role as a mother. The story examines her inner turmoil as she navigates the social landscape of the local playground and community pool.

The film intertwines several storylines, including a stay-at-home father who begins an affair and a registered sex offender who moves back into the neighborhood. Connelly’s character provides a thoughtful, observant perspective on the dissatisfactions lurking beneath the surface of suburban life. The role allowed her to explore subtle and complex emotional themes.

‘Blood Diamond’ (2006)

Set during the Sierra Leone Civil War, this action thriller stars Connelly as Maddy Bowen, an American journalist investigating the illegal diamond trade. She forms an uneasy alliance with a diamond smuggler to expose how the gems are used to fund conflicts. Her goal is to write a story that will reveal the truth to the world.

Connelly’s character is portrayed as a determined and idealistic reporter who is willing to risk her safety to uncover a major story. She represents the film’s moral conscience, pushing the other characters to consider the ethical implications of their actions. The role added a layer of social commentary to the action-packed film.

‘Reservation Road’ (2007)

This drama deals with the aftermath of a tragic hit-and-run accident. Connelly plays Grace Learner, a mother whose young son is killed in the incident. The story follows her family’s struggle with grief and her husband’s growing obsession with finding the man responsible, who happens to be a lawyer living in the same town.

Connelly’s performance captures the profound sadness and emotional devastation of a mother who has lost a child. She portrays Grace’s attempts to hold her family together while dealing with her own overwhelming sorrow. The film is a somber and intense exploration of grief, revenge, and forgiveness.

‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’ (2008)

In this remake of the 1951 science fiction classic, Connelly plays Helen Benson, an astrobiologist who is recruited by the government when an alien spacecraft lands in New York City. She becomes the primary human contact for the alien visitor, Klaatu, who has come to Earth with a grave warning about the future of the planet.

Helen serves as a bridge between humanity and the powerful alien messenger. Her character is a compassionate scientist who tries to understand Klaatu’s mission and convince him that humanity is worth saving. Connelly’s role is central to the film’s plot, as she races against time to prevent a global catastrophe.

‘He’s Just Not That Into You’ (2009)

This romantic comedy follows the interconnected stories of a group of people in Baltimore as they navigate the complexities of modern relationships. Connelly plays Janine, a woman who is married to her college sweetheart but begins to suspect that he is cheating on her. Her storyline explores issues of trust and disillusionment within a long-term marriage.

Connelly’s character is part of a large ensemble cast that includes several prominent actors. Her plotline provides a more dramatic and serious counterpoint to some of the film’s more comedic stories. She portrays a woman forced to confront the painful reality that her marriage is not what she believed it to be.

‘9’ (2009)

In this animated science fiction film, Connelly voices the character named 7. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where small stitched creatures, known as “stitchpunks,” are the only signs of life. 7 is a resourceful and agile warrior, the only female in the group, who helps the protagonist, 9, battle hostile machines to uncover the secret of their existence.

As a voice actress, Connelly brought strength and determination to the character of 7. She is portrayed as a brave and independent survivor who is initially wary of the other stitchpunks but eventually becomes a crucial part of their group. Her character is essential to the action and survival elements of the dark, visually inventive film.

‘Creation’ (2009)

This British biographical drama tells the story of Charles Darwin and the period in his life when he was writing ‘On the Origin of Species’. Connelly plays Emma Darwin, Charles’s deeply religious wife. The film explores the conflict between Darwin’s groundbreaking scientific theories and his wife’s faith, as well as the personal tragedy of losing their daughter.

Connelly’s portrayal of Emma is that of a loving and intelligent woman who is torn between her devotion to her husband and her religious convictions. The film focuses heavily on their relationship and how it was tested by his work. Her performance highlights the profound personal and emotional struggles that accompanied a major moment in scientific history.

‘Virginia’ (2010)

In this film written and directed by Dustin Lance Black, Connelly plays the title role of Virginia, a mentally unstable single mother in a small Southern town. She is having a long-term secret affair with the local sheriff, who is running for public office and may be the father of her son. Her behavior becomes increasingly erratic as she deals with her psychological issues and the town’s secrets.

This role allowed Connelly to portray a complex and unpredictable character. Virginia is both charming and deeply troubled, and her story is a mix of dark comedy and drama. The performance is a central focus of the film, which explores themes of mental illness and hidden truths in a seemingly perfect community.

‘The Dilemma’ (2011)

This comedy-drama directed by Ron Howard centers on two best friends and business partners. The conflict begins when one of them sees the other’s wife, Beth, with another man. Connelly plays Beth, the wife who is caught in the middle of the ensuing chaos and deception.

Connelly’s role is pivotal to the film’s central “dilemma,” as her husband’s best friend struggles with whether to tell him about the suspected affair. The movie attempts to balance comedic situations with the serious emotional consequences of infidelity and broken trust. Her character is at the heart of the dramatic side of the story.

‘Salvation Boulevard’ (2011)

This satirical comedy features Connelly as Gwen Vanderveer, the wife of a charismatic evangelical preacher. The story follows a former Deadhead who has become a born-again Christian, only to find himself on the run after witnessing his pastor accidentally shoot an atheist professor. Gwen becomes part of the effort to control the narrative and protect her husband’s reputation.

The film lampoons religious fundamentalism and hypocrisy. Connelly’s character is a devoted and calculating member of the church leadership, willing to do what it takes to maintain their community’s image. The role was a comedic turn for the actress, placing her within a quirky ensemble cast in a dark, satirical setting.

‘Stuck in Love’ (2012)

In this romantic comedy-drama, Connelly plays Erica, the ex-wife of a successful novelist who is still obsessed with her. She has remarried but finds her way back into the lives of her ex-husband and their two teenage children over the course of a year. The film explores the messy and complicated nature of love and family relationships.

Erica’s character is the catalyst for much of the emotional drama in the film. Her decisions have a profound impact on her former family, forcing them to confront their feelings about love, forgiveness, and moving on. Connelly’s performance brings a layer of complexity to a character who is trying to reconcile her past with her present.

‘Winter’s Tale’ (2014)

This fantasy romance is set in both a mythical, turn-of-the-20th-century New York City and the present day. Connelly plays Virginia Gamely, a journalist in modern-day New York who helps the film’s protagonist, an immortal man who has been searching for his long-lost love for over a century. Her character helps him piece together his past.

Connelly’s role is a supporting one that is important to connecting the two different time periods of the film’s narrative. She provides key information and emotional support to the main character on his magical quest. The film is an ambitious story that blends elements of fantasy, history, and romance.

‘Aloft’ (2014)

In this drama, Connelly plays Nana Kunning, a mother and artist who becomes a famous faith healer. The story is told in two timelines. In the past, she struggles to care for her two sons, one of whom is terminally ill. In the present, her estranged adult son seeks her out with the help of a journalist, leading to an emotional reunion.

Connelly’s performance is central to this slow-paced, atmospheric film. She portrays a complex woman who is both a caring mother and a remote, almost mystical public figure. The movie explores themes of faith, loss, and the fractured relationship between a mother and her child, with her character at the core of the emotional mystery.

‘Noah’ (2014)

Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this film is an epic retelling of the biblical story of Noah’s Ark. Connelly portrays Naameh, the wife of Noah. As Noah receives a divine mission to build an ark to save his family and the world’s animals from a catastrophic flood, Naameh stands by his side, offering support while also questioning his increasingly extreme actions.

Connelly’s role provides a strong female presence in the large-scale biblical drama. She is the matriarch of the family, trying to hold them together as they face both the end of the world and her husband’s intense faith. Her performance brought a grounded, human perspective to the epic and fantastical story.

‘Shelter’ (2014)

This film, written and directed by Connelly’s husband Paul Bettany, features her in the lead role of Hannah. She plays a homeless woman living on the streets of New York City who falls in love with another homeless person. The movie is a gritty and compassionate look at their lives as they struggle to survive and find hope together.

The role was a significant departure for Connelly, requiring a raw and transformative performance. The film does not shy away from the harsh realities of life without a home, and her portrayal of Hannah is both heartbreaking and powerful. It is a character-driven story that shines a light on a community that is often invisible.

‘American Pastoral’ (2016)

Based on the Philip Roth novel, this film tells the story of a successful man whose seemingly perfect life falls apart when his teenage daughter becomes a radical political activist in the 1960s. Connelly plays Dawn Dwyer, the man’s wife and a former beauty queen. She struggles to cope with the disappearance of her daughter and the collapse of her family.

Connelly’s character undergoes a significant emotional and psychological breakdown over the course of the film. She portrays the unraveling of a woman who has built her life around an ideal of American perfection, only to see it shattered by the changing times and her daughter’s actions. The role required a deep dive into grief and mental anguish.

‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)

In this installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Connelly provides the voice for Karen, the artificial intelligence in Peter Parker’s advanced Spider-Man suit. Built by Tony Stark, Karen serves as a guide and confidante for the young hero as he learns to use all the new features of his suit.

As the voice in the suit, Connelly’s character adds a layer of humor and support to Peter’s journey. She interacts with him during his patrols and missions, offering advice and sometimes acting like a concerned mentor. Interestingly, her husband, Paul Bettany, voiced J.A.R.V.I.S., another AI in the same cinematic universe.

‘Only the Brave’ (2017)

This biographical drama is based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite crew of firefighters from Arizona. The film follows the crew as they battle dangerous wildfires and chronicles the personal lives of the men. Connelly plays Amanda Marsh, the wife of the crew’s superintendent, Eric Marsh.

Amanda’s character provides a look at the home life of the firefighters and the emotional toll their dangerous job takes on their families. She has a strong and complex relationship with her husband, and their story is a central part of the film’s emotional core. Connelly’s performance brings depth and resilience to a character dealing with the constant fear of loss.

‘Alita: Battle Angel’ (2019)

In this cyberpunk action film, Connelly plays Dr. Chiren, a complex and morally conflicted scientist in the futuristic Iron City. Chiren is an expert in cybernetics who once lived in the wealthy sky-city of Zalem but was exiled. She works for the city’s ruler and becomes entangled in the story of Alita, a powerful cyborg who is discovered and rebuilt.

Chiren has a tragic backstory connected to both the film’s main villain and another key character. Connelly portrays her as a woman torn between her ambition to return to Zalem and her conscience. Her character arc is one of redemption, as she ultimately makes a choice that impacts Alita’s journey.

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)

In this highly successful sequel, Connelly plays Penelope “Penny” Benjamin, a single mother and bar owner who becomes the new love interest for Tom Cruise’s character, Maverick. Penny is a figure from Maverick’s past who was mentioned but never seen in the original film. She is a strong, independent woman who reconnects with the daring pilot.

Connelly’s character brings a new emotional dimension to Maverick’s life, grounding the high-flying action with a mature and meaningful romance. She is portrayed as his equal, someone who understands his world but is not defined by it. Her presence adds emotional weight to the story and provides a new reason for Maverick to consider his future.

‘Bad Behaviour’ (2023)

This dark comedy marks the directorial debut of Alice Englert. Connelly stars as Lucy, a former child actress who seeks spiritual enlightenment at a silent retreat led by a charismatic guru. While at the retreat, she confronts her difficult relationship with her stunt-performer daughter, Dylan.

The film explores themes of toxic parent-child relationships and the often-comical world of wellness culture. Connelly’s character is complex and often unlikable, a woman searching for peace while still locked in patterns of narcissistic behavior. The role allowed her to dive into a character-driven story with a sharp, satirical edge.

Which of Jennifer Connelly’s many roles has been your absolute favorite over the years?