2020 was a challenging year for the film industry, and Julia Garner’s Emmy win for her performance in Ozark was one of the most memorable moments for the industry in both 2020 and 2021. Garner has been celebrated as one of the most promising actors in the US for decades, and Ozark has catapulted her into the spotlight. Garner has been a fixture in the industry for many years, and her passion is palpable on set, even in some of the lower-grossing films in which she has appeared. Her unmistakable no-nonsense expression is a significant draw for fans, which is why Ozark enthusiasts will be eager to see more of her in these ten recent films and TV shows.
Inventing Anna: 2022
Anna Sorokin has been marked as one of the most cunning fraudsters in New York history, despite her four-year prison term and subsequent deportation from the US to Germany in 2021. Her saga is reminiscent of Charles Ponzi’s, albeit on a smaller scale, as she did not amass billions. Netflix’s adaptation of her life is anticipated to be one of its most compelling true-life dramas in 2022, with Julia Garner portraying Anna Sorokin.
Modern Love: 2019
Although Ruth Langmore’s romantic endeavours in Ozark ended poorly, Julia Garner explores a different facet of romance in this comedy. Modern Love showcases many love stories unfolding daily in New York City, ranging from familial to romantic and self-love, through some of the finest actors. Garner plays Maddy, a young woman who initially sees her father in Peter, an AI engineer, but is later disillusioned when he attempts to turn their relationship romantic.
The Assistant: 2019
This film offers a glimpse into life in New York through the eyes of a junior assistant in a film production company. The company’s culture tolerates the sexual harassment of junior female employees by their boss. When Jane (Julia Garner) decides to file a complaint following the hiring of another junior assistant targeted by their boss, she is vilified by HR, worsening her already difficult day.
Dirty John: 2018
This true-crime drama resonated with audiences in 2019 and 2020, earning Julia Garner an award nomination for her portrayal of Terra Newell. The first season follows Debra Newell’s life after she meets the charming yet deceptive John Meehan on a dating site, who is revealed to be a con artist targeting wealthy single women.
Maniac: 2018
Owen Milgrim, a schizophrenia patient, sees his life upended when he refuses to provide a false alibi for his brother in a sexual assault case. Losing his job and family support, he joins a trial by Neberdine Pharmaceutical Biotech, which promises to cure various disorders. In the trial, Owen connects with Anne Landsberg, and each episode delves into shared dreamscapes ranging from CIA missions to family reconciliations. Garner plays Ellie Landberg, Anne’s sister and a pivotal character in these visions.
Tomato Red: 2017
After his release from prison, small-time criminal Sammy finds himself in a Canadian town, living in a trailer. His life changes upon meeting the Merridew siblings, who specialise in robbing wealthy homes and blackmailing their targets. Things escalate when Jason Merridew is murdered, and Sammy seeks justice, especially as he falls for Jamalee Merridew, played by Julia Garner.
One Percent More Humid: 2017
In a New England town, Catherine and Iris, portrayed by Julia Garner, are childhood friends grappling with the guilt over a friend’s death. As they attempt to rekindle old relationships during their summer after college, they find it impossible to move forward while haunted by the past.
The Americans: 2013-2018
This acclaimed Cold War spy drama traces the lives of Soviet spy couple Philip and Elizabeth Jennings as they carry out KGB directives in the US. Set against the backdrop of espionage activities in Washington during the 1980s, the series features Julia Garner as Kimberly Breland, the CIA head’s daughter who later leads a Soviet group, placing her at the centre of the action.
Everything Beautiful Is Far Away: 2017
In this narrative, Julia Garner plays Rola, a woman lacking survival skills who, alongside Lernet and his inert robot head, traverses a harsh desert. They form a bond while navigating the desolate landscape, trying to survive and sharing memories.
WACO: 2018
The 1993 standoff between the FBI and the Branch Davidians is dramatised in this series, depicting the 51-day confrontation from various perspectives involved in the tragedy. Julia Garner shines as Michelle Jones, making this series a must-watch.
Do you have any other Julia Garner films to recommend? We’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!