1. Priscilla (2023) – Priscilla Presley
Why it stands out: Spaeny’s leading role in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla has become her most acclaimed to date. Portraying Priscilla Presley from age 14 to 28, she captured subtle emotional complexity with genuine authenticity. Her performance earned her the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival and a Golden Globe nomination. She was widely praised for infusing strength and slow-burning melancholy into the iconic role.
2. Alien: Romulus (2024) – Rain Carradine
Why it stands out: In this sci-fi horror entry in the Alien franchise, Spaeny plays Rain, an orphaned miner leading a tense, terrifying escape. Critics celebrated the film as a thrilling addition to the series—Spaeny’s portrayal of resilience and grit positioned her as a possible successor to Sigourney Weaver in the franchise.
3. Civil War (2024) – Jessie
Why it stands out: In Alex Garland’s dystopian drama, Spaeny plays Jessie, a war correspondent navigating moral ambiguities amid chaos. The project offered her a deeply immersive and emotionally intense role, showcasing her ability to handle high-stakes, weighty narratives.
4. Mare of Easttown (2021) – Siobhan Sheehan
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Why it stands out: On television, Spaeny made a memorable impact in HBO’s hit series Mare of Easttown, portraying the troubled daughter of Kate Winslet’s character. Her performance added emotional complexity and realism, reinforcing her versatility across mediums.
5. The Craft: Legacy (2020) – Lily Schechner
Why it stands out: In this supernatural horror reboot, Spaeny took on her first lead role, anchoring a story about teenage witches and identity amid social pressures. She was praised for delivering emotional vulnerability and authenticity in a genre not traditionally associated with nuanced performances.
6. Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) – Rose Summerspring
Why it stands out: Early in her career, Spaeny held her own in this ensemble neo-noir thriller, playing a mysterious, kidnapped woman whose presence deepened the film’s psychological tension. Her layered performance showcased maturity beyond her years and won praise despite the film’s underwhelming box office returns.
7. Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018) – Amara Namani
Why it stands out: Spaeny’s breakout role came in this sci-fi action sequel, where she portrayed a mechanically gifted young pilot caught in a kaiju-scale conflict. Although the film received mixed reviews, her emotional depth and compelling presence shone through, launching her Hollywood journey.
Additional Notables
On the Basis of Sex (2018) – Played Jane Ginsburg, offering early glimpses of her emotional authenticity even in a supporting role.
Devs (2020) – Featured in Alex Garland’s acclaimed miniseries, contributing to her growing range across genres.
The First Lady (2022) – Portrayed Anna Eleanor Roosevelt in this ensemble TV anthology, adding historical drama to her repertoire.
| Rank | Role | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Priscilla – Priscilla Presley | Award-winning, deeply nuanced lead role |
| 2 | Alien: Romulus – Rain | Breakthrough in sci-fi action-horror with strong heroine potential |
| 3 | Civil War – Jessie | Immersive, morally complex dramatic performance |
| 4 | Mare of Easttown – Siobhan | Emotional depth in standout TV drama |
| 5 | The Craft: Legacy – Lily | Lead supernatural horror with emotional authenticity |
| 6 | Bad Times at the El Royale | Strong ensemble performance early in career |
| 7 | Pacific Rim: Uprising – Amara | Energetic and emotionally grounded franchise debut |
