A writer, actress, and stage performer,Zawe Ashtonhas always let her creativity and talent flow. She started her career young, initially performaing in several theatrical plays likeRhinoceros, Othello, Gone Too Far!, Jean Genet’s Maid,and many others in her hometown of London, England. Afterward, Ashton officially began her on-screen career withSt. Trinian’s 2: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold, where she played the supporting role of Bianca. Since then, she has continued playing several characters in movies and TV shows while also managing her writing career. Indeed, Ashton has written several plays and, in 2019, also published her first book calledCharacter Breakdown.
Currently, Ashton can be seen in theMCU’s newest film,The Marvels. She portrays the antagonist, Dar Benn, a revolutionary Kree warrior who seeks revenge on Carol Danvers and wants to establish a new Kree Empire. Now thatThe Marvelsis playing in theaters, let’s look back at some of Ashton’s best movies and TV shows.
10Nocturnal Animals (2016)
Nocturnal Animals
Ashton plays a very minor role inNocturnal Animals, as receptionist Alex. The film is about Susan Morrow, an art gallery owner, whose newly married life is spoiled due to her husband’s frequent travels. During his absence, she receives a manuscript written by her ex-husband. The more she gets invested in the novel, the more she begins to have feelings for him again.
What Makes It Great
Nocturnal Animalsis a compelling tale that will have you engrossed throughout as the plot unfolds, and will leave you pondering its ending well after the credits have rolled. The best thing about its dual narrative is that it’s slow-burning and unpredictable; you’re constantly guessing what’s about to come. What’s more, its psychological elements are quite deep and thoughtful. In allNocturnal Animalsalso consists of versatile actors like Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal, who deliver great performances.
Stream on Netflix
9Blitz (2011)
Blitzrevolves around the eponymous serial killer who has made the lives of police officers a living hell in South East London, as he is slowly murdering them one-by-one. Sergeant Porter Nash and a furious detective, Tom Brant, are tasked with conducting an investigation and tracking the killer. Due to a lack of evidence against a prime suspect, they are required to wait for the killer to make the first move. The clock is ticking and police officers' lives are at stake. Will the duo be able to find who the true killer is?
Ashton is renowned for her works in dramedis. However, thisaction-driven drama movieshowcases her in a serious and different role, as police constable Elizabeth Falls. The film also stars Jason Statham as Tom Brant, who is known for his hard-boiled and fierce roles in several action thriller films. In this film, too, Statham displays his signature toughness, hot-headedness, and no-nonsense attitude, and his performance, along with those of Paddy Considine and Aiden Gillen, was well-received.
Stream on Hulu
8Guerrilla (2017)
Guerrillaseries takes place in early-1970s London, when open race discrimination was at its peak. For politically active couple Jas Mitra (Freida Pinto) and Marcus Hill (Babou Ceesay), problems arise when they liberate a political prisoner and start a radically militant resistance movement. In this politically heated environment, their relationship is naturally tested. In this film, Ashton plays a character named Omega.
This TV series has a great cast and an incredible story inspired by the political involvement of British Black Panther members. Indeed,Guerrillawas praised for its themes of social injustice, political activism, racism, and for depicting the struggles of those involved in the historical British Black Power movement. It gives us an in-depth look, not just into the politics of 1970s London, but also into the personal relationships that are affected during such social and political turmoil.
Rent on Apple TV
7Greta (2019)
Gretais an intriguing psychological thriller that begins with waitress Frances McCullen, who is still grieving the loss of her mother. One day, she comes across a discarded handbag on a subway train, inside of which contains the details of the owner. The next day, Frances decides to go to the owner’s home and hand it over (who turns out to be the titular Greta). During this meeting, Frances and Greta become good friends, but it doesn’t take long for their friendship to take a wild turn when the former learns about her new friend’s hidden secrets. Ashton portrays Greta’s deceased daughter’s lover, Alexa Hammond.
For years,movies about stalkershave been quite popular as they offer thrills and suspense while also haunting us with the enigmatic characters' unhealthy obsessions.Gretais no different, and is a psychological movie led by strong women characters. Specifically, Isabelle Huppert’s excellent performance as a terrifying stalker and villain was appreciated by critics and audiences.
Rent on Prime Video
6The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-Present)
The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopian television series based on the 1985 novel by author Margaret Atwood. The series was created by Bruce Miller and stars Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, and Yvonne Strahovski. The show follows the story of a young handmaid as she is forced to deal with a new totalitarian government that subjugates women in this dark societal twist.
The Handmaid’s Talerevolves around the Republic of Gilead, which overthrows the U.S. and rules as a patriarchal society in which women are treated poorly. When protagonist June Osborne tries her best to run away from the State with her husband and children, she gets captured and is forced to become a handmaid (a reproductive slave for officials). Ashton only appears for three episodes in the Hulu series.
Although Ashton plays the minor role of Oona, the girlfriend of Moira Strand, her character left a major impact in Season 4. Overall, the series provides powerful social commentary on the oppression of women, the cruelty of a totalitarian state, and the sinful practices in the name of religion, while also showcasing the horrors of a patriarchal society. AlthoughThe Handmaid’s Taletakes place in a near dystopian future, it still draws inspiration from many real-life events, perScreen Rant,and raises important questions regarding societal structures, fundamental rights, liberation, and the misuse of religion.
5Mr. Malcolm’s List (2022)
Mr. Malcolm’s List
Read our Review
Mr. Malcolm’s Liststars Ashton as Julia, who is offended by the rejection of an eligible bachelor named Mr. Jeremy Malcom, whom she tried her best to impress. Knowing that she got rejected because she didn’t fit Jeremy’s requirements, she decides to seek revenge on him. She trains her friend Selena as the woman of Malcolm’s dreams to fool him.
Diversity remains at the heart of this period-drama piece, which revolves around the themes of love, rejection, regret, and deceit. Overall, the movie maintains an entertaining and lighthearted tone throughout. While the story and characters might feel cliché, it’s Ashton and the cast’s performances that keep the movie afloat. If you are someone who loved Netflix’sBridgerton, then you might consider watching thisRegency Era romance.
Stream on Paramount+
4Not Safe For Work (2015)
Created by D.C. Moore,Not Safe For Workfollows the story of Katherine (Ashton), a civil servant who provides help to immigrants. Following cuts in the public sector, Katherine is now required to move from London to Northhampton’s satellite office. She encounters workplace politics, personal problems, and dysfunctional colleagues as she tries her best to adapt to this new place.
What’s most fascinating about this comedy-drama series is that it highlights real-life problems faced by today’s generation. Indeed, the series deals with nuanced themes such as the challenges faced by Katherine, who tries to adjust to a new work environment while also having to deal with personal and professional problems.Not Safe for Workshowcases how, at times, all these overwhelming changes take a toll on our mental health.
Stream on BritBox
3Fresh Meat (2011-2016)
Fresh Meatran for almost four seasons, each consisting of eight episodes, except for the final season, which had six. The comedy-drama series follows the story of six students: Vod (Ashton), Oregon (Charlotte Ritchie), Howard (Greg McHugh), Josie (Kimberley Nixon), JP (Jack Whitehall), and Kingsley (Joe Thomas). These students commence their exciting lives at Medlock University and live in a shared house off-campus (due to late admissions). As the series progresses, we see each character navigating through their own ups and downs while also striving to become the best version of themselves before they graduate.
Fresh Meatjuggles a lot of intriguing characters, one of them being Ashton’s Vod. Throughout the seasons, the series has been praised for its top-notch plot, diverse cast performances, relatable characters, and perfectly-timed humor. It was also nominated for several BAFTAs, specifically in the following categories: Breakthrough talent (Tom Basden), Best Situation Comedy, and the YouTube Audience Award.
Stream on Prime Video
2Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
Velvet Buzzsaw
When Josephina (Ashton) returns from her trip from Miami to Los Angeles, she comes across a dead body in her apartment building. She learns that it’s of an artist named Vetril Dease. She also discovers his mysterious paintings, which she finds impressive and, as a result, steals them away to present to art critic Morf Vandewalt and her boss Rhodora Haze. Soon, supernatural activities start happening when everyone’s greed to sell the stolen art pieces at profitable prices starts to occur.
Velvet Buzzsawexplores a unique concept set in the art world, depicting how the characters who work in the creative industry neglect the value of someone’s artwork and exploit it for commercialization. The best part about the movie is that it doesn’t have a single character as an antagonist; instead, it shows artwork haunting individuals who demonstrate immense levels of greed. Ashton does a great job portraying the highly-ambitious Josephina, who wants to make it big at work. But her reckless actions to steal someone else’s artwork and her failure to discover the reason behind the burned paintings get everyone in trouble.
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1Case Histories (2011-2013)
Case Historiesis a British crime drama series that revolves around ex-soldier and policeman turned private investigator Jackson Brodie, played by Jason Isaacs. He is tough and helpful, but also very empathetic. Throughout the series, he tries his best to help everyone in trouble and find a solution to their problems. Ashton plays Deborah Arnold, an assistant who is armed with a degree in the history of art and helps Jackson deal with clients.
Case Historiesis a brilliant detective tale that will keep you glued to the screen, from the beginning to end. The series has been praised for its well-developed narrative, strong ensemble performance, fast-moving plot, and surprising twists. Ashton’s character’s flamboyant personality is also one of the highlights of the series. Set in the mesmerizing city of Edinburgh,the wonderful cinematographydoesn’t fail to astound us and complements the suspenseful tone of the series well.
