Julie Garner’s Career: From ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’ to ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’

Julia Garner is an actress who has quickly established herself as one of the most compelling performers of her generation. Known for her distinctive curly blonde hair and a unique, tremulous voice, she brings a captivating intensity to every role she inhabits. Her career began with notable appearances in independent films, where she immediately stood out for her ability to portray complex and often troubled young women with profound depth.

From these early indie roles, Garner transitioned to mainstream success, most notably with her Emmy-winning performance in the television series ‘Ozark’. Her work is characterized by a fearless approach to her characters, often exploring the darker aspects of human nature. Now, she is taking on major roles in blockbuster franchises, marking a new and exciting chapter in a career already filled with powerful and unforgettable performances.

Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)

Julia Garner made her feature film debut in the critically acclaimed psychological thriller ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’. She played the role of Sarah, a young member of a manipulative and abusive cult in the Catskill Mountains. Although a supporting role, her performance was part of a powerful ensemble that created a deeply unsettling and atmospheric film.

Her appearance in this movie set the tone for the types of complex and intense projects she would become known for. It was a strong start that immediately placed her in the world of serious, character-driven independent cinema and showcased her ability to hold her own in a highly praised film.

Electrick Children (2012)

In one of her first leading roles, Julia Garner starred as Rachel McKnight in the independent film ‘Electrick Children’. Her character is a teenage girl from a fundamentalist Mormon community who believes she has become pregnant through immaculate conception after secretly listening to a rock song on a cassette tape. She then runs away to Las Vegas to find the singer she believes is the father.

Garner’s portrayal of Rachel’s innocence and unwavering faith was central to the film’s quirky and heartfelt story. The role demonstrated her ability to carry a film with a performance that was both charming and deeply felt, earning her positive reviews and establishing her as a promising young talent.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Julia Garner had a small role as Susan in the popular coming-of-age film ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’. Susan is a friend of the main characters’ older sister and is seen in various party and school scenes. While not a central character, her appearance placed her in a widely seen and beloved film.

Being part of a successful and culturally significant movie like this was another important step in her early career. It exposed her to a broader audience and added a well-known project to her growing list of credits.

We Are What We Are (2013)

Garner returned to the horror genre with a leading role in ‘We Are What We Are’. She played Rose Parker, one of the children in a reclusive family that secretly practices cannibalism as part of a long-standing religious tradition. As the story unfolds, her character begins to question her family’s dark customs.

Her performance was praised for its depth and emotional weight, capturing Rose’s internal conflict and growing dread. The role solidified her reputation as a formidable actress in the horror and thriller genres, showcasing her ability to portray characters in extreme and terrifying situations.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014)

In the stylized neo-noir sequel ‘Sin City: A Dame to Kill For’, Julia Garner played Marcie, a young stripper who crosses paths with a cocky gambler played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Her role is brief but memorable, ending in a violent confrontation that is typical of the film’s brutal world.

This role demonstrated Garner’s ability to fit into a highly stylized and visually distinct universe. Working with director Robert Rodriguez, she became part of the unique and graphic aesthetic of the ‘Sin City’ franchise.

Grandma (2015)

Garner took on a key supporting role as Sage in the comedy-drama ‘Grandma’, starring Lily Tomlin. She played a pregnant teenager who seeks help from her sharp-tongued, unconventional grandmother to get money for an abortion. The film follows the two as they go on a day-long journey to visit old friends and flames.

Her performance was praised for being both vulnerable and comedic, providing a perfect counterpart to Tomlin’s fiery character. The role allowed Garner to showcase her range in a more lighthearted and dramatic context, earning her further acclaim within the independent film community.

The Assistant (2019)

In a quiet yet powerful leading role, Julia Garner starred as Jane in ‘The Assistant’. The film follows a single day in the life of a junior assistant to a powerful and abusive entertainment mogul. Her character endures a toxic work environment of endless mundane tasks and subtle emotional abuse, gradually becoming aware of the sinister behavior of her unseen boss.

Garner’s performance was a masterclass in subtlety and restraint, conveying her character’s growing disillusionment and inner turmoil through small gestures and expressions. The film was critically acclaimed as a poignant and timely look at workplace harassment, with Garner’s portrayal being hailed as a career-best.

The Royal Hotel (2023)

Garner starred as Hanna in the thriller ‘The Royal Hotel’. The film follows two American backpackers who take a temporary job at a remote pub in the Australian Outback. They soon find themselves in a tense and threatening situation as they deal with the rowdy and unnerving behavior of the local patrons.

Her performance captured the character’s increasing fear and resilience in the face of a hostile environment. The film reunited her with director Kitty Green, who also directed ‘The Assistant’, and once again showcased their effective collaboration in creating suspenseful, character-driven stories.

Apartment 7A (2024)

In the horror film ‘Apartment 7A’, Julia Garner played Terry Gionoffrio. The movie serves as a prequel to the classic 1968 horror film ‘Rosemary’s Baby’, exploring the events that took place in the infamous apartment building before Rosemary Woodhouse moved in.

This role continued Garner’s strong connection to the horror genre, placing her within the mythology of one of its most iconic stories. Her performance as a young dancer who uncovers a dark conspiracy was a central part of this suspenseful and unsettling prequel.

Wolf Man (2025)

Julia Garner stars as Charlotte Lovell in the monster movie ‘Wolf Man’. The film centers on a family that is terrorized by a lethal predator. Her character is a mother who must protect her family from the beast.

This role places her at the forefront of a major studio horror film, continuing her journey into larger-scale productions. Her involvement in a classic monster story highlights her status as a leading actress capable of anchoring a high-concept genre picture.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

In a major career milestone, Julia Garner joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’. She portrays Shalla-Bal, a version of the Silver Surfer, a cosmic being imbued with the Power Cosmic who serves as a herald for the planet-devouring entity, Galactus.

The role marks her entry into one of the world’s biggest film franchises, taking on a unique and powerful character. Her performance brings a complex and compelling presence to the cosmic side of the MCU, creating a memorable version of the iconic Silver Surfer for a new generation of fans.

From her intense indie film beginnings to her cosmic journey in the MCU, which Julia Garner performance has impressed you the most?