Best Paul Mescal Movies

Key Takeaways

• Paul Mescal shines in the upcoming movie Gladiator 2 as the protagonist, showcasing his rising potential in Hollywood.
• Mescal’s diverse roles in films like The Lost Daughter, Carmen, and Foe demonstrate his range and talent as an up-and-coming star.
• Aftersun features Mescal’s powerful performance, earning him an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Calum in the emotional family drama.

Gladiator 2 promises to be one of the biggest movie spectacles of 2024, with Ridley Scott returning to helm the sequel to one of his many masterpieces. Despite the lack of Russell Crowe, the fresh-faced Paul Mescal steps up to the plate of the protagonist, playing the role of Lucius.

Acting alongside heavyweights such as Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Connie Nielsen, Mescal has come a long way in only a matter of years, with the Irish actor rising from an early career in television to leading man potential in Hollywood. So far in his young and budding career, Mescal has played several roles that have seen the actor gain significant acclaim and popularity.

7 Will – The Lost Daughter (2021)

Engaging Bartender At Resort

While not a leading role, Mescal’s first movie saw the actor have a strong supporting role in the critically acclaimed drama, The Lost Daughter. Surrounded by big Hollywood names, Mescal played the role of Will, a young bartender at a villa in Greece, with the character’s charming persona shining as he becomes observant of the villa’s guests and their habits.

In Mescal’s scenes with the lead, Olivia Colman, Mescal comes across as sweet and down to earth, resulting in excellent chemistry despite the two characters of Leda and Will only just meeting.

6 Aidan – Carmen (2022)

Mescal Thrives In Musical Setting

The extravagant musical Carmen gave Mescal plenty of screen time to show his mettle in a genre the actor had not appeared in during his early career. In Carmen, the main characters Carmen and Aidan find each other in Mexico, aiming to reach Los Angeles, which proves difficult due to continued obstacles involving the law.

From playing the guitar to performing dance sequences, Mescal excels in a varied and performative role that gives the actor plenty of opportunity to shine, even while his character endures a chaotic experience in a foreign land.

5 Junior – Foe (2023)

Sci-Fi Movie That Sees Mescal Deliver An Array Of Emotions Alongside Saoirse Ronan

Foe may not rank high among Mescal’s catalog of movies, although his performance in the sci-fi film is undoubtedly compelling. Starring alongside Saoirse Ronan, Foe examines a young couple who become intertwined in a series of events after Junior is recruited to operate on a space station, leaving his wife behind, resulting in a duplicate being produced to emulate Junior while away.

Despite Foe floundering, Mescal appears as the movie’s bright spot, evoking emotions of betrayal and heartbreak as his character finds himself in a tumultuous situation.

4 Brian O’Hara – God’s Creatures (2022)

Subtle Performance In Family Drama

One of Mescal’s most underrated pieces of work is in the Irish drama God’s Creatures, a movie that sees Mescal’s subtle portrayal set the tone. Taking place in a quaint Irish town, a mother commits to telling a lie that protects her son, although her morals and convictions become conflicted over time.

Although much of the film is carried by Emily Watson’s transcendent performance, Mescal’s raw and visceral portrayal comes to the forefront of God’s Creatures, with his performance alongside others shining in such a dark and dramatic movie.

3 Harry – All Of Us Strangers (2023)

Multilayered Romantic Interest In LGBT Drama

In the melodrama All of Us Strangers, Mescal portrays the romantic interest, Harry, while Andrew Scott plays the befuddled protagonist, Adam. All of Us Strangers follows the emerging relationship between Adam and Harry. As this occurs, Adam recounts his childhood, evoking differing emotions as he deals with the past and present.

Mescal’s performance has been universally praised, with the actor showcasing his wide range. In the film, Mescal initially operates as a charming and alluring lover. However, by the end, the character becomes an emotional wreck when he comes to terms with certain events. In a movie that focuses on its performances to pull off its narrative, Mescal excels in a complex and emotional role.

2 Connell Waldron – Normal People (2020)

Breakout Role In Irish Television Show

Mescal’s breakout in Normal People became a phenomenon during the height of the pandemic, with the novice actor standing out in the romantic drama. Set in Ireland, Normal People follows the relationship of two opposite individuals in school and all the complications that arise from their budding romance.

Along with his co-star, Mescal delivers an emotional and vulnerable performance while his character struggles with his aspirations in life. While popular on the surface in school, deep down, Mescal’s Connell is confused and directionless, relying on Marianne for support in this riveting drama.

1 Calum – Aftersun (2022)

Family Holiday That Sees Mescal Give A Powerful Performance

In Mescal’s most prominent role to date, the actor’s portrayal of Calum in Aftersun has elevated the actor’s status in Hollywood, even gaining him an Oscar nomination due to his heartbreaking performance. The story follows a young father and his daughter on a holiday in Turkey, with Sophie’s coming-of-age story contrasting her dad’s despair as he deals with his own struggles.

Mescal’s duality throughout the movie is staggering, with the actor’s depiction of depression being harrowing. While Mescal’s portrayal shows his struggle, the character still acts as a joyous beacon for his daughter, making the movie all the more heartbreaking.