Sally Hawkins might not be the biggest star in the world, but she has been one of the best character actors in the movie business for some time now. Hawkins has had a long and versatile career thus far and has already amassed many wonderful performances in exceptional films.
Her charming persona and realism have allowed her to be a part of a variety of projects. Though she often sticks to smaller films, some of them have been able to reach wider audiences and continue to garner her attention as a compelling and reliable actor. If you’re looking to explore her work, here are Sally Hawkins’ best films according to Rotten Tomatoes.
10 A Brilliant Young Mind (87%)
Hawkins has shown she can add a tremendous warmth to a film, as with her performance in A Brilliant Mind. The drama centers around a young awkward boy whose advanced intelligence puts him on a national mathematics team which forces him out of his comfort zone. Hawkins plays the boy's caring single mother.
Critics acknowledged that this type of story had been told many times in many movies, but they found something special and fresh in the film. Filled with a life-affirming spirit and genuine tenderness, they praised the movie for being smart enough to present something new.
9 Submarine (88%)
It seems like Hawkins excels at playing the mother to awkward young boys. Submarine is a comedy about Oliver, a social outcast who seeks to lose his virginity while also attempting to rekindle the love in his parents' marriage.
Critics were won over by the film's quirky and often hilarious comedy. Richard Ayoade also impressed with his directorial debut with many critics pointing to the unique style of the film as one of its strong points. It all made for an unusual but honest comedy with some fine performances.
8 Maudie (89%)
It can be a daunting task for an actor to bring a beloved real-life person to life on the big screen, but Hawkins is the kind of actor who is up for such challenges. In Maudie, she plays the titular role of Maude Lewis, the famed Canadian artist from the 1930s. The story explores Lewis’ sudden fame as an artist while struggling with arthritis.
Critics pointed out that the film did not explore Maude Lewis’ life all that deeply, but they were won over by its charm. Most of the praise went to Hawkins for her winning performance and her chemistry with costar Ethan Hawke.
7 Blue Jasmine (91%)
Hawkins had been an established actor in England by the time Blue Jasmine came along, but this was the film that was largely responsible for introducing her to American audiences. The film stars Cate Blanchett as an unstable woman whose life of luxury falls apart and she is forced to move in with her working-class sister (Hawkins).
The film was highlighted as one of the best from the later work of Woody Allen with sharp and humorous writing. Critics also noted the amazing cast, led by Blanchett in a remarkable performance.
6 Vera Drake (92%)
Hawkins has been a frequent collaborator with filmmaker Mike Leigh, as we'll see more of in this list. The two reteamed for this intense period drama inspired by true events. Set in London in the 1950s, the movie focuses on a working-class woman who performs illegal abortions for young and desperate women in her community.
Much of the praise of the film went to its leading actor Imelda Staunton in the title role in which she combined sweetness and heartbreak. Though the film deals with a subject that is still controversial to this day, the movie was given acclaim for bringing humanity to the issue.
5 The Shape Of Water (92%)
The Shape of Water is one of the most unique Best Picture winners in recent memory and marks Hawkins' biggest role to date. Set in the 1950s, Hawkins stars as a mute janitor working in a government facility. One night she discovers an aquatic creature that is being kept prisoner in the facility and forms a bond with it.
The movie was praised for its spellbinding visual style which represented director Guillermo del Toro at the top of his game. Many also pointed out that much of the movie rests on Hawkins' excellent performance, which takes us through the beautiful story.
4 Happy-Go-Lucky (92%)
Hawkins has had a very significant working relationship with British filmmaker Mike Leigh. She had her feature film debut in Leigh's All or Nothing and he gave Hawkins her first starring role in Happy-Go-Lucky. Hawkins stars as a constantly optimistic woman who tries to share her positivity with the world, only to annoy most of the people around her.
Critics fell for the charming and warm-hearted comedy. But what everyone took special notice of was the star-making performance from Hawkins that absolutely carried the film.
3 An Education (94%)
Hawkins has proven that she can make quite an impact in a movie no matter how small her role. An Education stars Carey Mulligan as a young student who is deciding what path to take in life when she begins a romantic relationship with an older man. Hawkins has a very brief but powerful role near the film's end.
The period drama was hailed as a smart and thoughtful coming-of-age story that is not often told. The style of the film was highlighted as engrossing as well as the performances from a stellar cast. Mulligan was also highlighted for her star-making leading role.
2 Paddington (97%)
We've seen many films that attempt to bring beloved children's characters to the big screen with mixed results. However, it's unlikely anyone expected Paddington to be received as well as it was. The story follows the young marmalade-loving bear who travels to the big city and moves in with a small family, upending their lives. Hawkins plays the sweet matriarch of the family.
The movie received rave reviews for being the kind of sweet and heartwarming film that was really needed. Paddington's humor was appreciated as a perfect blend that will entertain both kids and adults.
1 Paddington 2 (100%)
As surprising as the critical love for Paddington was, the sequel was an even bigger shock. It finds Paddington enjoying his new life with the Brown family as well as becoming a popular figure in the community. However, his attempt to save up some money to buy a gift for his aunt sends him on an unexpected adventure.
The movie became one of the best-reviewed films of all time. Critics loved returning to the sweet adventures with the titular bear. Everything that was working with the first film is back on track, with a lot of fun sequences and sweet moments, as well as a great supporting performance from Hugh Grant as the villain.
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