Florence Pugh’s Career: From ‘The Falling’ to ‘Thunderbolts*’

Florence Pugh quickly became one of Hollywood’s most exciting actors. She first appeared on screen in 2014 and has shown great range ever since. Pugh has worked with famous directors and starred in big blockbusters and smaller independent films. Her talent for playing complex characters has earned her critical acclaim and many awards.

From period dramas to superhero movies, her filmography is diverse. Pugh is known for her powerful and emotional performances. She brings depth to every character she plays, making each one memorable. This list follows her journey from her first film to her upcoming projects, showing her incredible rise in the film industry.

‘The Falling’ (2014)

Florence Pugh made her film debut in this mystery drama. She played Abbie Mortimer, a charismatic and popular student at a strict English girls’ school in 1969. The story begins after a tragedy occurs, and a strange fainting epidemic starts to spread among the students. Pugh’s performance was noted for its confidence and charm.

The film explores themes of teenage friendship, sexuality, and mass hysteria. As Abbie, Pugh set the stage for the movie’s mysterious tone. Her role was crucial to the plot, and her chemistry with co-star Maisie Williams was a highlight. Even in her first role, Pugh demonstrated the screen presence that would define her career.

‘Lady Macbeth’ (2016)

This film was a breakout role for Florence Pugh. She starred as Katherine Lester, a young woman sold into a loveless marriage to an older man. Set in 19th-century rural England, the story follows Katherine as she refuses to accept her restrictive life. She begins a passionate affair and takes brutal steps to protect her freedom.

Pugh’s performance was widely praised by critics. She portrayed Katherine’s transformation from a repressed bride to a ruthless anti-heroine with chilling intensity. The role was complex, demanding both vulnerability and cold determination. ‘Lady Macbeth’ proved Pugh could carry a film and handle challenging material, establishing her as a major talent.

‘The Commuter’ (2018)

In this action thriller, Florence Pugh took on a smaller supporting role. The film stars Liam Neeson as an insurance salesman who gets caught up in a criminal conspiracy during his daily train ride home. Pugh plays Gwen, a young commuter who is one of several passengers involved in the central mystery.

Although her screen time was limited, Pugh made an impact. Her character is part of the puzzle that Neeson’s character must solve. She delivered a convincing performance as a troubled young woman with a secret. The role showed her ability to work within a big-budget action film alongside an established star.

‘Outlaw King’ (2018)

Florence Pugh appeared in this historical action drama about Robert the Bruce, the 14th-century Scottish king. She played Elizabeth de Burgh, the English goddaughter and wife of Robert the Bruce, portrayed by Chris Pine. The film follows his fight to reclaim the Scottish throne from English rule.

Pugh portrayed Elizabeth as a strong and resilient woman who supports her husband despite the great danger. Her character faces capture and imprisonment but remains steadfast. She brought warmth and strength to the role, creating a compelling historical figure. The film showcased her ability to excel in period pieces.

‘Malevolent’ (2018)

This supernatural horror film featured Florence Pugh in the lead role. She played Angela Sayers, a young American woman living in Scotland who fakes paranormal encounters for money with her brother. Their scam takes a dark turn when they take a case in a country house with a truly haunted past.

Pugh’s character starts as a cynical non-believer but is forced to confront real terror. She effectively conveyed Angela’s growing fear and desperation as the situation spirals out of control. The role required her to carry the film’s suspense, and her performance was a key part of its frightening atmosphere.

‘Fighting with My Family’ (2019)

In this biographical comedy-drama, Florence Pugh played real-life professional wrestler Saraya “Paige” Knight. The film tells the true story of Paige’s journey from wrestling in her family’s small-time league in Norwich, England, to becoming a WWE superstar. Pugh trained extensively to perform the wrestling moves herself.

Pugh captured Paige’s tough exterior and her vulnerability as she navigated a competitive new world. She showed the physical and emotional challenges of becoming a professional wrestler. Her performance was praised for its energy, humor, and heart, proving her versatility as an actor in a lighthearted, feel-good movie.

‘Midsommar’ (2019)

Florence Pugh starred as Dani Ardor in this acclaimed folk horror film. Her character is a grieving college student who travels to a remote Swedish commune for a midsummer festival with her boyfriend and his friends. The idyllic retreat slowly reveals itself to be a violent and disturbing pagan cult.

Pugh’s performance was a tour de force of emotion. She portrayed Dani’s journey through grief, anxiety, and eventual, shocking transformation with raw intensity. The role was physically and emotionally demanding, and her acting was central to the film’s unsettling power. ‘Midsommar’ solidified her status as one of the best actors of her generation.

‘Little Women’ (2019)

Pugh took on the role of Amy March in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of the classic novel. Her portrayal reimagined the traditionally disliked character, showing Amy as ambitious, pragmatic, and complex. Pugh’s Amy is a talented artist who understands the economic realities for women in her time.

For her work, Florence Pugh received nominations for both the Academy Award and the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress. She brought humor, intelligence, and depth to the character, earning sympathy and understanding for Amy’s choices. Her performance was a standout in a film full of talented actors.

‘Black Widow’ (2021)

Florence Pugh joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Yelena Belova. She is a fellow Black Widow assassin who was raised as Natasha Romanoff’s younger sister. The film explores their shared past and reunites them for a mission to take down the program that trained them.

Pugh quickly became a fan favorite. Her portrayal of Yelena was praised for its sharp wit, emotional depth, and impressive action skills. Her on-screen chemistry with Scarlett Johansson was a highlight of the movie. The role established her as a major star in the world’s biggest movie franchise.

‘Don’t Worry Darling’ (2022)

In this psychological thriller, Florence Pugh played Alice Chambers. She is a 1950s housewife living in a seemingly perfect experimental community in the California desert. As she begins to notice strange occurrences, she starts to question the true nature of her idyllic life and the company her husband works for.

Despite behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the film, Pugh’s performance received widespread acclaim. She expertly portrayed Alice’s descent from blissful contentment to paranoia and terror. Her ability to anchor the film’s mystery and suspense was a critical highlight, with many critics calling her the best part of the movie.

‘The Wonder’ (2022)

This historical drama features Florence Pugh as Lib Wright, an English nurse in 1862. She is sent to a rural Irish village to observe a young girl who has allegedly survived for months without food. Lib is a rational, scientific woman who must determine if the case is a miracle or a hoax.

Pugh delivered a powerful and subtle performance as a woman haunted by her own past. She portrayed Lib’s professionalism and her growing emotional connection to the girl she is observing. The film is a quiet, character-driven story that relies heavily on Pugh’s ability to convey complex emotions with nuance.

‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)

Florence Pugh lent her voice to the character of Goldilocks in this animated adventure. In this version of the fairy tale, Goldilocks is the human leader of the Three Bears Crime Family. Together, they are on a quest to find the mythical Last Wish to get a “proper” family.

Pugh’s voice work brought humor and heart to the character. She played Goldilocks as a tough and determined leader who also deeply loves her adoptive bear family. Her performance added a layer of emotional complexity to the film’s antagonist, making her both funny and sympathetic.

‘A Good Person’ (2023)

In this drama, Florence Pugh played Allison, a woman whose life is shattered after she is involved in a fatal car accident. The film follows her journey through grief, addiction, and an unlikely friendship with the father of the person who died. Pugh also served as a producer on the film.

This was a deeply emotional role that showcased Pugh’s dramatic talents. She gave a raw and honest portrayal of a person dealing with immense guilt and pain. The film, written and directed by her then-partner Zach Braff, was a vehicle for her powerful acting abilities.

‘Oppenheimer’ (2023)

Pugh played the supporting role of Jean Tatlock in Christopher Nolan’s epic biographical film about J. Robert Oppenheimer. Tatlock was a psychiatrist, a member of the Communist Party, and an important and tumultuous romantic figure in Oppenheimer’s life before and during the Manhattan Project.

Though her screen time was not extensive, Pugh made a memorable impact. She portrayed Tatlock as an intelligent, passionate, and troubled woman. Her intense scenes with star Cillian Murphy were crucial in showing the personal and psychological complexities of Oppenheimer’s character.

‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)

Florence Pugh provided her voice for the English-language dub of this animated masterpiece from director Hayao Miyazaki. She voiced the character of Kiriko, a tough, seafaring woman who becomes an ally to the young protagonist, Mahito, in a mysterious fantasy world.

As Kiriko, Pugh used her voice to create a character who is both capable and caring. She brought a sense of strength and wisdom to the role, fitting perfectly into the magical world of the film. Her involvement showed her interest in being part of unique and artistic projects across different genres.

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

Pugh joined the cast of the acclaimed science fiction saga as Princess Irulan Corrino. She is the daughter of the Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV. As a politically savvy member of the imperial court, Irulan documents the events of the story, with her writings serving as introductions to the film’s world.

Playing a character known for her intelligence and political maneuvering, Pugh brought a regal and calculated presence to the role. Though her part is foundational for future stories, she established Irulan as a key player in the galactic power struggle. Her casting was seen as a perfect fit for the prestigious franchise.

‘We Live in Time’ (2024)

In this romantic drama, Florence Pugh starred alongside Andrew Garfield. She played Luna, a sharp-witted chef who falls in love with Tobias, a thoughtful psychologist. The film is a poignant and immersive love story that follows their relationship through its ups and downs over time.

The on-screen chemistry between Pugh and Garfield was a central focus of the film and received widespread praise from critics. Pugh’s performance was noted for its emotional depth and vulnerability. She brought a grounded and realistic quality to her character, making the relationship’s journey feel authentic and moving.

‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025)

Florence Pugh reprised her popular role as Yelena Belova in this MCU film. She leads a team of anti-heroes and reformed villains from across the Marvel universe. The story follows the characters as they are recruited by the government for a high-stakes mission. The asterisk is an official part of the film’s title.

This role marked Pugh’s transition to a leadership position within the MCU. Audiences saw more of Yelena’s story and her unique brand of action and humor. The film further established her as a central figure in the franchise, cementing her status as a global action star.

Which Florence Pugh performance has been your favorite so far?