Vanessa Kirby’s Career: From ‘Love/Loss’ to ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’

Vanessa Kirby has gracefully transitioned from a celebrated stage actress to a commanding presence on the silver screen. Initially gaining recognition for her powerful performances in classic theater productions, she has since built an impressive and varied filmography. Her ability to navigate between emotionally charged dramas and high-octane action blockbusters has set her apart as one of the most versatile actresses of her generation.

Her journey in film is marked by a steady progression from smaller supporting roles to leading performances that have garnered critical acclaim and international recognition. Kirby’s career demonstrates a thoughtful selection of projects, each role contributing to her reputation as a formidable talent who brings depth and intensity to every character she portrays. Now, she stands as a key player in major Hollywood franchises while continuing to pursue challenging independent work.

‘Love/Loss’ (2010)

Vanessa Kirby made her feature film debut as the character Jane in the independent drama ‘Love/Loss’. The film tells the story of a family grappling with grief and secrets during a trip to a beach house.

This first role was a quiet entry into the world of cinema for an actress who was already making a name for herself in theater. It was a crucial first step, providing her with her initial experience on a film set and marking the beginning of her screen career.

‘The Rise’ (2012)

In this British crime thriller, Kirby played the character of Nicola. The film follows a young man, recently released from prison, who seeks revenge on the person responsible for his incarceration.

This role was part of her early work in British independent film. It allowed her to take on a gritty, contemporary character and further build her on-screen resume alongside other emerging UK talent.

‘Nora’ (2012)

Kirby starred as the “Young woman” in the short film ‘Nora’. The film explores a brief, intimate encounter between two people, capturing a fleeting moment in their lives.

Working on short films like this provided her with an opportunity to explore character and emotion in a more condensed format. These projects are often a space for creative experimentation for actors.

‘Charlie Countryman’ (2013)

She played Felicity in this romantic action-comedy. The film stars Shia LaBeouf as a young man who travels to Bucharest and falls for a mysterious woman with a dangerous past.

Although a smaller role, appearing in this film placed her in a quirky, stylized American production. It was another step in gaining experience within the international film community.

‘About Time’ (2013)

Kirby appeared as Joanna, a friend of the film’s female lead, in this beloved romantic comedy. The story is about a young man who discovers he can travel in time and uses his ability to improve his life and find love.

This role placed her in a widely seen and successful film from director Richard Curtis. Her charming performance contributed to the warm and funny atmosphere that made the movie a popular hit.

‘The Exchange’ (2014)

In the short film ‘The Exchange’, Kirby played the character of “Woman”. The film is a brief, contained story that showcases a dramatic interaction between its characters.

This project was another example of her work in the short film medium. It allowed her to flex her dramatic muscles in a focused narrative, honing the skills she was becoming known for on stage.

‘Insomniacs’ (2014)

Kirby took on the role of Jade in another short film, ‘Insomniacs’. The film delves into the lives of characters who are awake in the dead of night, exploring themes of connection and isolation.

This performance was part of a series of short film roles she took on between larger projects. These smaller-scale productions offered her a platform to work with different creative teams and explore varied characters.

‘Queen & Country’ (2014)

She portrayed Dawn Rohan in this drama, which serves as a sequel to the 1987 film ‘Hope and Glory’. The film follows the main character as he serves in the British Army during the Korean War.

This role in a historical drama directed by the acclaimed John Boorman was a notable part of her early filmography. It allowed her to play a more traditional, period character, showcasing her versatility.

‘National Theatre Live: A Streetcar Named Desire’ (2014)

Kirby played Stella Kowalski in this filmed stage production of the classic play. The performance was broadcast live to cinemas, bringing a theatrical experience to a wider audience.

While technically a stage performance, this broadcast was a pivotal moment in her career. Her powerful portrayal of Stella opposite Gillian Anderson earned her rave reviews and introduced her exceptional stage talent to a global film-going audience.

‘Jupiter Ascending’ (2015)

She appeared as Katharine Dunlevy in the science-fiction epic from the Wachowskis. The film is a visually ambitious space opera about a young woman who discovers she is the heir to an intergalactic dynasty.

This marked her first role in a massive, big-budget Hollywood blockbuster. Though her part was small, it was her entry into the world of large-scale, special effects-driven filmmaking.

‘Bone in the Throat’ (2015)

Kirby played Sophie in this independent crime thriller. The film, based on a novel by Anthony Bourdain, is about a young chef who gets entangled with the London mob.

This role took her back to the world of gritty British independent cinema. It was another chance to play a contemporary character caught up in a dangerous world.

‘Everest’ (2015)

She portrayed the real-life socialite and mountaineer Sandy Hill in this survival drama. The film recounts the true story of a disastrous 1996 climbing expedition on Mount Everest.

Appearing in this star-studded ensemble film was another significant credit. Her role as the determined and well-equipped climber was a memorable part of the gripping story.

‘Genius’ (2016)

Kirby played Zelda Fitzgerald, the famous novelist and wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. The film explores the relationship between author Thomas Wolfe and his editor, Maxwell Perkins.

Portraying a well-known historical figure like Zelda Fitzgerald was a major opportunity. The role allowed her to embody the vibrant and tumultuous spirit of the Jazz Age icon.

‘Kill Command’ (2016)

She starred as Katherine Mills in this British science-fiction action film. Her character is a technologically augmented human who accompanies a team of soldiers on a training exercise that goes horribly wrong.

This was a leading role that put her at the center of the action. It was a precursor to the action-heavy parts she would become famous for later in her career.

‘Me Before You’ (2016)

Kirby played Alicia Dewares in the popular romantic drama. Her character is the ex-girlfriend of the film’s male lead, whose life changes after a tragic accident.

This supporting role was in a commercially successful and widely seen film. It further raised her profile and demonstrated her ability to make an impact even in a smaller part.

‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ (2018)

She joined the iconic action franchise as Alanna Mitsopolis, also known as the White Widow. She is a charismatic and ambiguous arms dealer who serves as both an obstacle and an ally to Ethan Hunt.

This role was a major international breakout for Kirby. Her cool and commanding performance made the White Widow an instant fan favorite and established her as a bona fide action star.

‘Mr. Jones’ (2019)

Kirby played Ada Brooks in this historical thriller. The film tells the true story of Gareth Jones, a Welsh journalist who uncovered the truth about a devastating famine in the Soviet Union.

This part saw her return to serious, fact-based drama. Her portrayal of a key reporter in Moscow showcased her ability to handle complex historical and political narratives.

‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ (2019)

She starred as Hattie Shaw, a rogue MI6 agent and the sister of Deckard and Owen Shaw, in this ‘Fast & Furious’ spin-off. Her character is a highly skilled operative who must team up with her estranged family’s rivals.

This leading role in a massive global blockbuster solidified her status as an action hero. She performed many of her own stunts and proved she could co-lead a major franchise film.

‘Pieces of a Woman’ (2020)

Kirby delivered a powerful and acclaimed performance as Martha Weiss. The film is an intimate and devastating portrait of a woman grappling with grief in the aftermath of a home birth that ends in tragedy.

This role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her raw and unflinching portrayal was universally praised and marked a new high point in her career as a dramatic lead.

‘The World to Come’ (2020)

She starred as Tallie in this period drama. The film is a quiet and moving story about two women who find love and intellectual connection in the isolating American frontier of the 19th century.

This performance further highlighted her strength in character-driven, intimate films. Her portrayal of a woman yearning for connection was subtle and deeply affecting.

‘Italian Studies’ (2021)

Kirby played Alina Reynolds in this experimental drama, which she also executive produced. The film follows a writer who loses her memory and wanders the streets of New York City, connecting with a group of teenagers.

This project demonstrated her desire to be involved in filmmaking beyond acting. It was an artistic and unconventional film that allowed for a great deal of improvisation and creative freedom.

‘The Son’ (2022)

She played Beth, the new partner of a man whose life is thrown into chaos when his ex-wife and troubled teenage son re-enter his life. The film is a powerful drama about mental health and family.

In this supporting but crucial role, she delivered another strong dramatic performance. She portrayed the complexities of a woman trying to navigate a difficult and emotionally fraught family situation.

‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ (2023)

Kirby reprised her role as the cunning and stylish Alanna Mitsopolis, the White Widow. She returns as a key player in the world of global espionage, her allegiances as ambiguous as ever.

Her return to the franchise was highly anticipated. She effortlessly slipped back into the character, reminding audiences why the White Widow became such a memorable part of the series.

‘Napoleon’ (2023)

She starred as Empress Joséphine opposite Joaquin Phoenix in Ridley Scott’s historical epic. The film charts the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte through the lens of his volatile and passionate relationship with his wife.

Taking on the role of the iconic Empress Joséphine in a major historical film was another landmark in her career. Her performance captured the empress’s charm, intelligence, and resilience, earning her significant acclaim.

‘Eden’ (2024)

Kirby plays Dora Strauch in this survival thriller from director Ron Howard. The film is based on a true story about a group of people who abandon society to start a new life on a remote island in the Galápagos.

This role places her in another intense, character-driven story based on real events. It continues her trend of working with acclaimed directors on compelling human dramas.

‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ (2025)

She is credited as appearing as Alanna Mitsopolis in the next installment of the franchise, though her appearance is noted as archival footage only. The film will conclude the epic story that began in the previous entry.

Even through archival footage, her character’s presence continues to be felt in the series. It speaks to the impact the White Widow has had on the overarching narrative of the recent films.

‘The Fantastic 4: First Steps’ (2025)

Kirby takes on the iconic role of Susan Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman, in the highly anticipated Marvel Studios film. She will portray the powerful and intelligent member of Marvel’s First Family.

This casting marks her entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, one of the biggest media franchises in the world. As a lead in this beloved superhero team, this role represents another major milestone, cementing her status as a top-tier Hollywood star.

Which of Vanessa Kirby’s many film roles has been the most memorable for you? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.