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From award-winning indie gems to upcoming epic blockbusters, Paul Mescal has carved a distinct place in modern cinema. With a remarkable ability to portray emotional nuance, Paul delivers characters who resonate with vulnerability, authenticity, and depth. His performances, often understated yet unforgettable, have not only earned critical acclaim but also positioned him as a key figure in contemporary screen acting.
This concise guide explores the finest moments of Paul’s film career, offering a curated look into the roles that define his artistic evolution. Whether it’s his emotionally raw portrayal in Aftersun or his gripping presence in psychological thrillers like God’s Creatures, Paul consistently elevates the material with honesty and depth. For fans of intimate storytelling, complex characters, and global cinematic artistry, this list is an essential viewing map.
Paul is not just a rising star—he’s a generational talent redefining what it means to lead on screen.
The breakout: Aftersun (2022)
Paul delivers a masterclass in emotional restraint and fatherhood
Directed by Charlotte Wells, Aftersun marked a defining moment for Paul. His portrayal of Calum, a troubled young father on vacation with his daughter, is nothing short of revelatory. Balancing charm and melancholy, Paul reveals the layers of a man grappling with internal pain beneath a loving facade. The film earned Paul an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and widespread critical acclaim.
“What Mescal achieves in Aftersun is a portrait of vulnerability that rarely makes it to the screen,” wrote The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw. It was this role that introduced global audiences to Paul’s ability to communicate immense emotion through silence, subtle gestures, and raw humanity.
Intimate exploration: Normal People (2020)
While technically a series, Paul’s performance is cinematic in every sense
Although Normal People was released as a limited TV series, Paul’s performance as Connell Waldron was so poignant and layered that it transcended the medium. Based on Sally Rooney’s novel, the story explores a complex romance shaped by class, insecurity, and emotional trauma. Paul brought a visceral authenticity to Connell that resonated deeply, earning him a BAFTA and setting the stage for his film career.
The depth of Paul’s performance invited comparisons to young Marlon Brando and Daniel Day-Lewis. His portrayal revealed an actor unafraid to explore male fragility, challenging long-held screen archetypes.
Art-house bravado: The Lost Daughter (2021)
Paul shines in a supporting role opposite Olivia Colman
In Maggie Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of the Elena Ferrante novel, Paul plays Will, a charming young man working at a Greek resort. Though his screen time is limited, Paul imbues the role with charisma and a quiet sense of longing that contributes to the film’s emotional tension.
Sharing scenes with Academy Award winner Olivia Colman, Paul holds his own with remarkable poise. His presence in The Lost Daughter exemplifies how even in ensemble roles, he leaves a lasting impression.
Myth and might: Gladiator II (2025)
Paul takes on epic cinema in Ridley Scott’s long-anticipated sequel
Gladiator II sees Paul entering the realm of blockbuster historical epics. Cast as Lucius, the grown-up son of Lucilla, Paul leads a narrative that connects the legacy of Maximus Decimus Meridius to a new generation. The film is expected to redefine Paul’s public persona, positioning him as a global leading man.
According to Empire Magazine, Ridley Scott was “struck by Paul’s emotional intelligence and screen gravity.” The film’s blend of large-scale spectacle and deeply human conflict provides the perfect canvas for Paul’s signature introspection.
Modern noir: Carmen (2022)
Paul reinvents a classic tale through kinetic expression
Directed by Benjamin Millepied, Carmen reimagines the opera as a visceral, dance-infused drama. Paul plays Aidan, a U.S. Marine who deserts and forms a bond with Carmen, played by Melissa Barrera. The role required Paul to blend physicality with psychological depth, a task he met with evident dedication.
The film’s stylistic daring may have divided critics, but Paul’s performance was consistently lauded for its intensity and vulnerability. His work in Carmen confirmed his willingness to take risks and explore unconventional storytelling forms.
Psychological suspense: God’s Creatures (2022)
Paul explores moral ambiguity in a remote Irish village
This moody, atmospheric drama directed by Saela Davis and Anna Rose Holmer casts Paul as Brian O’Hara, a man accused of a heinous act that splinters his community. Set against the misty landscape of Ireland’s northwest coast, God’s Creatures is a haunting study of loyalty and denial.
Paul’s ability to embody both charm and menace keeps the audience guessing, creating a complex emotional dynamic with Emily Watson, who plays his mother. The New York Times praised his “controlled volatility,” underscoring Paul’s deft navigation of the film’s unsettling themes.
Youth in crisis: Foe (2023)
A philosophical sci-fi drama that challenges perception and identity
In Garth Davis’s Foe, Paul stars opposite Saoirse Ronan in a futuristic story that interrogates artificial intelligence, isolation, and existential dread. Paul plays Junior, a farmer grappling with the implications of being replaced by a synthetic replica.
The film is cerebral and visually ambitious, offering Paul an opportunity to balance intellectual engagement with emotional weight. His chemistry with Ronan anchors the narrative, turning high-concept science fiction into an intimate character study.
The quiet revolution: All of Us Strangers (2023)
Paul co-stars in a romantic drama infused with memory and metaphysics
Directed by Andrew Haigh, All of Us Strangers pairs Paul with Andrew Scott in a haunting story about grief, identity, and love. The film blends romance and fantasy as it follows two men whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways.
Paul’s character, Harry, is charming and emotionally exposed, creating a relationship dynamic rich with subtext. In an era of increasingly performative cinema, Paul’s quiet, unforced emotional expression stands out as singular and moving.
Existential intimacy: Hamnet (announced)
Paul to portray Shakespeare’s son in a deeply personal adaptation
Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, Hamnet centers on the life and premature death of William Shakespeare’s only son. The film promises a lyrical blend of historical drama and poetic imagination, with Paul attached to play the titular role.
The choice reflects Paul’s alignment with roles that offer interiority and historical resonance. His casting signals the filmmakers’ intent to create a work of emotional precision, steeped in loss, creativity, and artistic legacy.
Final thoughts: Why Paul Mescal’s filmography matters
Paul’s evolution from breakout television star to one of the most sought-after actors in global cinema is a testament to his discerning choices and unmatched emotional acuity. He embodies a new era of male stardom: introspective, vulnerable, and artistically fearless.
Across indie gems and epic tentpoles, Paul’s performances continue to expand the language of modern screen acting. For fans of boundary-pushing cinema, his filmography offers not just entertainment, but an invitation into the emotional depths of the human experience.
“I want to work on things that scare me,” Paul told The Hollywood Reporter. “If I’m not terrified, I’m probably not interested.”
With upcoming roles that promise further complexity and visibility, Paul remains an actor to watch—not for the hype, but for the honesty he brings to every frame.