Ana de Armas has rapidly risen to international stardom, transitioning from her early work in Cuba and Spain to becoming one of the most in-demand actresses in Hollywood. With a unique blend of talent, charisma, and versatility, she has impressed audiences and critics alike in a wide range of genres, from psychological drama to action-packed blockbusters. In just a few years, she has earned an Academy Award nomination, starred in major franchises like James Bond and John Wick, and collaborated with acclaimed directors such as Denis Villeneuve and Rian Johnson. Here is a look at the five best films of her career, showcasing her range and undeniable screen presence.

Blonde (2022)

In Andrew Dominik's ambitious and controversial Blonde, Ana de Armas takes on the iconic role of Marilyn Monroe. The film, based on Joyce Carol Oates's novel, is less a traditional biopic and more a surreal meditation on Monroe's inner life and the dark side of fame. The actress was not the first choice for the part—Naomi Watts and Jessica Chastain were previously attached to the project, and Michelle Williams portrayed Monroe in My Week with Marilyn—but after a decade of development hell, de Armas's dedication and transformative ability finally brought the long-gestating film to the screen.

What makes her performance so remarkable is the complete physical and emotional metamorphosis she undergoes. From her voice, posture, and mannerisms to the subtle expressions that evoke Monroe without veering into caricature, de Armas disappears into the role. The risk was even greater because Dominik recreates iconic scenes from classics like Some Like It Hot and The Seven Year Itch, inviting direct comparison with the original. Yet de Armas manages to be both faithful to the legend and devastatingly human, capturing Monroe's vulnerability, trauma, and desperate search for love.

The film itself polarized audiences, but de Armas emerged as the critical highlight. She earned nominations for the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Actress, cementing her status as a serious dramatic performer. Blonde is not an easy watch, but it remains a powerful showcase of de Armas's willingness to take risks and her astonishing range as an actress.

Knives Out (2019)

Rian Johnson's modern whodunit Knives Out introduced audiences to the charming detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, and a sprawling ensemble cast. At its center is Ana de Armas as Marta Cabrera, the devoted nurse of wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer). When the patriarch is found dead, Marta becomes the prime suspect, and Blanc must unravel a web of lies and secrets. She has a unique physiological tell: she throws up whenever she lies, making her both a compelling protagonist and a clever narrative tool.

De Armas delivers a breakout performance that balances warmth, sharpness, and vulnerability. Her chemistry with Craig is palpable, creating one of the most endearing detective-and-witness dynamics in recent cinema. She also grounds the story's social commentary, as Marta is the moral center of a family obsessed with wealth and inheritance. The role earned her a Golden Globe nomination and proved that she could anchor a major ensemble film while stealing the spotlight.

Knives Out was a critical and commercial success, spawning a sequel and rekindling interest in the murder-mystery genre. For de Armas, it was a career turning point, demonstrating that she could carry a film with charisma and depth, and leaving audiences eager to see her in more leading roles.

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Denis Villeneuve's long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott's seminal sci-fi classic featured Ryan Gosling as K, a blade runner who uncovers a mystery that could alter the course of society. Ana de Armas plays Joi, a holographic AI companion programmed to be the perfect girlfriend. In a world of cold, artificial beauty, Joi represents an idealized femininity, yet her character also raises profound questions about consciousness, identity, and authenticity.

De Armas was initially faced with a challenging role: Joi is essentially a blank slate, a product designed to serve the male gaze. She has no past, no future, and no independent will, yet the actress infuses her with unexpected humanity. Through subtle gestures and warm expressions, Joi becomes the emotional heart of the film, offering K a semblance of intimacy in a bleak world. The famous three-way scene, in which Joi syncs with a real woman to enhance K's experience, is visually stunning and emotionally complex, thanks largely to de Armas's performance.

Her work in Blade Runner 2049 was highly praised and showcased her ability to elevate material that could easily have been reduced to a mere stereotype. Even with limited screen time, she made Joi unforgettable, proving that she could hold her own in a visually spectacular piece of science fiction.

No Time to Die (2021)

The 25th James Bond film, No Time to Die, marked Daniel Craig's final outing as 007 and introduced a new character who quickly became a fan favorite. Ana de Armas played Paloma, a CIA agent who assists Bond on a mission. Though her screen time is brief, she makes an indelible impression, blending clumsiness with lethal precision. She arrives in a stunning dress, seems inexperienced and nervous, yet when action breaks out, she fights with a skill and ferocity that rivals Bond himself.

The character was written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, creator of Fleabag, which brought a modern sensibility to the role. Paloma is not merely a pretty face or a damsel in distress; she is a skilled operative who holds her own and adds a refreshing dynamic to the film. De Armas's comedic timing and physicality make the character entertaining and memorable, and audiences immediately embraced her as one of the most compelling allies Bond has ever had.

This performance solidified de Armas as a rising star in the action genre and opened the door to further opportunities in big-budget films. She proved she could balance glamour with grit, and her scenes became a highlight of the movie.

Knock Knock (2015)

Before her Hollywood breakthrough, Ana de Armas appeared in Eli Roth's psychological horror-thriller Knock Knock. The story follows a married man (Keanu Reeves) who answers his door to two young women (de Armas and Lorenza Izzo) during a storm. What begins as a flirtatious encounter quickly turns into a nightmare of manipulation, violence, and psychological torture. In some ways, it is reminiscent of Funny Games, but with a distinctly pulpy edge.

De Armas plays the blonde, seemingly innocent temptress who, along with her partner, exacts a terrifying vengeance on the man who lets them in. The role was an American baptism for de Armas, who was still learning English and reportedly learned her lines phonetically. Despite that challenge, she delivers a chilling performance, oscillating between seductive and menacing with unsettling ease.

Knock Knock was not a major critical success, but it served as an important launchpad for de Armas's career. Keanu Reeves was so impressed by her dedication that he offered her a lead role in Exposed, a thriller he was producing. From there, her career gained momentum, leading to collaborations with major auteurs and roles in blockbuster franchises like Blade Runner 2049 and John Wick. Looking back, Knock Knock is a fascinating early showcase of her willingness to take on dark and challenging material.

Source:Ecran Large News