Our Favorite Sci-Fi Movie Performances of 2024

Summary

  • David Jonsson portrayed a captivating android character in Alien: Romulus with a mix of sadness and calculated motives.
  • Lupita Nyong’o delivered an exceptional performance in A Quiet Place Day One as a cancer patient surviving an alien invasion.
  • Anya Taylor-Joy shines in Furiosa, making the role her own in the Mad Max universe prequel, alongside Chris Hemsworth’s compelling villain.

As a film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I have seen countless performances that have left me in awe, and 2024 was no exception. Among the many outstanding actors who graced our screens last year, three performances truly stood out for their sheer brilliance: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, and Kevin Durand.

2024 seemed to be a standout year for science fiction on television rather than in movies, although exceptional sci-fi films were still produced. However, when considering the top acting performances, it appears that the selection is more limited compared to previous years. Despite this smaller pool, science fiction films could potentially feature three or four remarkable actors from each movie on a list like this. Therefore, while Ella Purnell and Rebecca Ferguson are not included in this specific film-focused list, there are still many other notable performances worth recognizing.

There is also a little bit of crossover with some of these lists with candidates competing for a top of the year type situation in several different genres. That does make things a little bit more complicated. It’s also important to remember that “favorite” isn’t always synonymous with “best.” Some characters might have smaller roles than others and still make the list. Or movies that might be considered the best of a genre, like The Wild Robot might not get someone on the “favorite performance” list. Without further ado, out favorite Sci-Fi movie performances of 2024.

David Jonsson In Alien: Romulus

Director Fede Álvarez
Screenplay
  • Fede Álvarez
  • Rodo Sayagues
Starring
  • Cailee Spaeny
  • David Jonsson
  • Archie Renaux
  • Isabela Merced
  • Spike Fearn
  • Aileen Wu
Release Date August 16, 2024

Cailee Spaeny deserves recognition on this list for delivering a remarkable performance in the film “Alien: Romulus.” Nonetheless, it’s David Jonsson’s portrayal of the android character, Andy, that truly stands out as one of the most impressive performances in the Sci-Fi genre this year within this movie.

His melancholic visage holds an undeniable allure, despite being informed that he’s not genuinely experiencing sadness or depression. He swiftly transitioned into a state where his primary concern was safeguarding the company’s welfare. The Alien franchise continues to excel at casting suitable actors for their androids, and David Jonsson has maintained this standard.

Lupita Nyong’o In A Quiet Place Day One

Director Michael Sarnoski
Screenplay Michael Sarnoski
Starring
  • Lupita Nyong’o
  • Joseph Quinn
  • Djimon Hounsou
Release Date June 28, 2024

In my opinion, I’m proud to say that Lupita Nyong’o is one of Hollywood’s finest actresses today. She possesses an extraordinary talent for transforming herself into any character she plays, much like a chameleon changes its skin color. Whether it’s portraying a courageous cancer patient battling aliens, standing strong in Marvel’s blockbuster films, or captivating audiences as a mentally disturbed individual living in an unusual subterranean world, Lupita consistently delivers performances that are nothing short of remarkable.

In the continuation of the “A Quiet Place” franchise, I found one of the most outstanding performances this year in the movie “Day One”. The actress portrayed a cancer patient who bravely navigated through the town with her beloved cat, only to be caught up in an alien invasion. Facing the imminent danger, she had to find a way to survive despite knowing her days were numbered. Her performance was truly remarkable, all the more impressive considering it was for the third film in a series that’s steadily expanding.

Anya Taylor-Joy In Furiosa

Director George Miller
Screenplay
  • George Miller
  • Nico Lathouris
Starring
  • Anya Taylor-Joy
  • Chris Hemsworth
  • Tom Burke
  • Alyla Browne
Release Date May 24, 2024

In this “Mad Max” spin-off movie, it’s clear that there are numerous captivating characters beyond Max who can leave a lasting impression on audiences. The story here primarily revolves around Furiosa, a character who first appeared in the reboot of “Mad Max,” portrayed by Charlize Theron. Yet, Anya Taylor-Joy brings an entirely fresh and unique take to this character in this prequel narrative.

A significant disappointment with this film is that it didn’t attract a large audience. People who didn’t go missed out on an exceptional performance from Taylor-Joy as Furiosa, a role that stands among the finest anti-heroine performances in recent years and perhaps even beyond 2024. Furiosa is not just a young woman fighting against the odds; she’s a formidable figure who even confronts a captivating antagonist head-on.

Chris Hemsworth In Furiosa

Director George Miller
Screenplay
  • George Miller
  • Nico Lathouris
Starring
  • Anya Taylor-Joy
  • Chris Hemsworth
  • Tom Burke
  • Alyla Browne
Release Date May 24, 2024

Discussing the captivating antagonist, Chris Hemsworth breathes such vitality into Dementus that he becomes an intriguing figure, while still fitting seamlessly within the wildly absurd backdrop of this post-apocalyptic universe.

Chris Hemsworth breathes life into the character Dementus, giving him an intriguing personality while ensuring he harmonizes perfectly with the absurdly chaotic backdrop of this unique post-apocalyptic universe.

Indeed, it might seem slightly unbalanced to have two actors from the same film on this list, but let’s face it, Max Max: Fury Road hasn’t been getting its due recognition, possibly due to its release timing and limited theater attendance. This movie is a must-watch for all, not just for Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, although they certainly add an extra layer of appeal.

Kevin Durand In Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes

Director Wes Ball
Screenplay Josh Friedman
Starring
  • Owen Teague
  • Freya Allan
  • Kevin Durand
  • Peter Macon
  • William H. Macy
Release Date May 10, 2024

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that Kevin Durand truly shined in 2024, showcasing an impressive range as a character actor. Following his endearing portrayal of a bumbling crook in Abigail, he took a stark turn to play the unlovable, flamboyant villain in Proximus Caesar. Remarkably, this character was entirely CGI on screen, yet he exuded an undeniable charm and personality that left a lasting impression.

Durand’s character Proximus in the movie portrays an advanced simian who is dominating the planet through deceit about his involvement in events and the desires of earlier simians for this new world. The trailers show him exclaiming “what a wonderful day,” which fittingly represents a leader who appears cheerful and compassionate, but in truth is ruthless and power-hungry. Durand delivers this villain with an exceptional level of effectiveness that not everyone could achieve.

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2024-12-26 02:04