It’s often challenging for an actor to catch viewers’ eyes in every movie role in which they appear. However, Margot Robbie is one of the few actors that can captivate the audience in any film in which she performs. This is because she transports viewers into all of her characters’ worlds in such a convincing fashion. She has done this with many hit films such as “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “Suicide Squad” and has rapidly become one of the most popular up-and-coming actors.
As she celebrates her 33rd birthday, and the release of her latest film “Barbie”, here are Margot Robbie’s best movie performances!
1.“Babylon”
Robbie’s rendition in “Babylon” is arguably one of her best performances yet. The movie follows an aspiring actress named Nellie (Margot Robbie), an A-list silent film actor named Jack (Brad Pitt) and a passionate filmmaker named Manny (Diego Calva) during the film industry’s transition from silent pictures to the world of sound films in Hollywood.
Although the movie didn’t receive the critical praise that the creators had hoped for, it is inarguable that Robbie’s portrayal of Nellie was truly magnificent. Robbie immersed viewers into the life of an actress during the 1920s by showcasing the ups and downs of Nellie’s acting career with her trying to balance her inner struggles and meeting everybody’s expectations as a female star. Throughout the film, these challenges overwhelm Nellie, and this results in her developing a drug, alcohol and gambling addiction. Viewers watching her character’s progression will be mesmerized by Robbie’s impeccable performance while also being left heartbroken by the character’s outcome.
“Babylon” is available to watch on Paramount+.
2.“I, Tonya”
Biopics are often difficult for an actor as they have to depict a real-life person instead of a fictional character. They have to balance playing a dramatized version of their role while embodying the essence of that person, including their mannerisms and looks. However, some actors can find the perfect balance for their roles and achieve great success in their renditions. One of those notable actors is Robbie for her enactment as Tonya Harding.
The film follows the life of the talented figure skater Tonya Harding who becomes the first American woman to complete a triple axel during a competition. But, her world comes crashing down when her ex-husband conspires to injure Nancy Kerrigan (Caitlin Carver), a fellow ice skating competitor, in a poorly conceived attack that forces Nancy to withdraw from the national championship. Harding’s life and legacy instantly become tarnished after the incident as she’s forever associated with this infamous sports scandal.
Robbie’s portrayal of Harding was absolutely incredible. She exceeded the audiences’ expectations by playing Harding as an adolescent teen, young adult and adult that immersed viewers into the complete life of Harding. But what was truly remarkable about Robbie’s performance was that in each life stage of Harding’s, Robbie could embody that version. For instance, Robbie changed her voice for each age group she played. For Harding’s teen years, Robbie made her voice a higher pitch and later changed it to a low, raspy voice to capture Harding as an adult. Although this is a small detail, it shows how much effort Robbie put into this movie to ensure her part was accurate and believable for viewers.
“I, Tonya” is available to stream on Max.
3.“Birds of Prey”
You can’t talk about Robbie without talking about her depiction of Harley Quinn. This DC comic character is complicated to enact as she has multiple facets to her personality. However, Robbie made this fictional character come to life by embracing Harley’s energetic and violent personality traits, making this DC villain one of the best antihero characters. You see this charming rendition in “Birds of Prey,” where she finds an unexpected bond with a team of female superheroes after being dumped by the Joker. The girl-boss superheroes team up together to attempt to save a young girl Cassandra (Ella Jay Basco), from a crime lord named Black Mask (Ewan McGregor) after the young girl stole a precious diamond from him.
Throughout this movie, Robbie took this complicated character and balanced her clumsy and maniac persona in a fun and amusing way, even making the audience root for the villainous character. The breakfast sandwich scene is a perfect example of that. She brought relatability to her character by loving delicious breakfast sandwiches while still being her villainous and often violent self that surpassed viewers’ expectations of Robbie’s portrayal.
“Birds of Prey” is available to stream on Max.
4.“Focus”
At the start of Robbie’s acting career, she played most roles as a featured extra or a supporting actor, as is typical in the field. But, with Robbie’s talent, she was often able to take the small role and charm viewers into wanting more of her on screen. Her character in “Focus” is an excellent example of that.
The movie is about a con artist Nicky (Will Smith), who takes a rookie con artist named Jess (Margot Robbie) under his wing. While Nicky teaches Jess the tricks of the trade, the pair become romantically involved. When both Nicky and Jess get uncomfortably close, Nicky ends their relationship. Three years later, Nicky is in Buenos Aires working on a very dangerous scheme when Jess unexpectedly shows up in his life once again. Her appearance throws Nicky for a loop at a time when he cannot afford to be thrown off his game.
Even though Will Smith was the film’s main character, Robbie’s performance stole the show. Every time Robbie appeared on screen, the audience’s eyes were immediately drawn to her character. This left us wanting to know more about Jess throughout the film and, of course, wanting more of Robbie’s presence on screen.
“Focus” is available to watch on Hulu.