Josh O’Connor’s Biggest 2025 Movies Put Him On Opposite Sides Of The Law

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Josh O’Connor has quickly become known as a highly talented actor, especially after his role as Prince Charles in the third season of The Crown. Recently, an exclusive image from his new film, Disclosure Day, was revealed, showing he’ll be starring alongside Emily Blunt in an upcoming movie directed by Steven Spielberg, set to be released in 2026.

Josh O’Connor continues to work with top directors – he recently collaborated with Rian Johnson on the upcoming Knives Out 3, and before that, Steven Spielberg. For over ten years, every film O’Connor has been in has received positive reviews from critics, establishing him as a critically acclaimed actor.

I truly believe the Oscars will be huge for O’Connor next year, even though he didn’t get any Golden Globe nods. He’s given one of his career-best performances this year, and it’s fascinating to me how different his two main films are. They really showcase his incredible range – he completely transforms himself for each role, moving between them so effortlessly. It’s a testament to his skill!

Josh O’Connor Is One Of 2025’s Most Prolific Actors

While some people online might be getting tired of seeing Pedro Pascal everywhere, Josh O’Connor has actually appeared in more movies this year than any other actor in Hollywood. He kicked things off at Sundance with his film, Rebuilding, and has starred in a string of critically acclaimed movies throughout the year.

Josh O’Connor had a remarkable 2025, highlighted by his performance in The History of Sound, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the prestigious Palme d’Or award. This cemented 2025 as a career peak for O’Connor, as it also marked his appearance in Kelly Reichardt’s The Mastermind, making him one of only a few actors with two films competing for the Palme d’Or in a single year.

O’Connor has already starred in three highly praised films, and he’s now leading the cast of Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. The film has become a huge hit on Netflix this year and is expected to be a strong contender for Oscars, potentially alongside Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and the blockbuster KPop Demon Hunters.

Wake Up Dead Man Is A Stylish And Gothic Murder Mystery

© Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

Wake Up Dead Man is a standout sequel, successfully returning the Knives Out series to its classic mystery origins, much like the novels of Agatha Christie. The film features a wonderfully suspicious group of characters, each with their own secrets and reasons, brought to life by a talented cast.

The story Wake Up Dead Man takes place in a darkly atmospheric American suburb, where suspicion grows after a murder. This unsettling setting is a great backdrop for strange, almost miraculous events that challenge what people believe is real. It’s an ideal location for a detective to unravel a seemingly flawless crime.

The Mastermind Is A Slow And Quiet Thriller

I recently watched The Mastermind, and it’s a really interesting crime thriller. It’s a slow burn, and what I found cool is that you see everything unfold from the criminal’s point of view. It’s Josh O’Connor playing the role, and it’s a complete 180 from his part in Wake Up Dead Man – in that movie, he was the guy contacting the detective, but here, he’s the brains behind a robbery that quickly goes wrong, and the film shows how his life falls apart as a result. It’s a really captivating watch!

The film The Mastermind feels bright and almost like a dream, with a strong focus on precision. We see O’Connor’s character carefully performing everyday tasks, and even though we know his actions have serious consequences, the movie doesn’t feel hurried. It’s a slow, thoughtful look at the character and the deep sense of loneliness he experiences.

Josh O’Connor’s Performance Elevates Both Movies

© Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

A film like The Mastermind relies heavily on a captivating lead actor, and O’Connor delivers. He’s in almost every scene, and his character—a strangely detached and somewhat sad figure—is compelling because of the actor’s dedication to the role. Even though the character keeps his distance, O’Connor’s nuanced performance draws you in and makes you want to know what happens to him.

Okay, so Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery really expects you to know these characters. It’s not a movie you can half-watch; the clues are all buried in the little things about who they are. Honestly, it’s Josh O’Connor who really grabbed me. His performance is so over-the-top and theatrical, it’s impossible not to get pulled into the mystery alongside Benoit Blanc as he tries to unravel this impossible case.

The Mastermind Should Be More Popular

Although releasing Wake Up Dead Man on Netflix meant it missed out on a traditional theatrical run, the film quickly became a streaming success. It has the potential to redefine mystery filmmaking, similar to how Knives Out did. However, The Mastermind, despite earning a strong 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, hasn’t gained widespread popularity and remains largely overlooked, a fate it shares with all of Kelly Reichardt’s films.

Reichardt cleverly highlights the dangers of indifference and staying silent during times of political conflict, and it’s admirable. While her story’s 1970s backdrop is charming and atmospheric, it also subtly warns us about the pitfalls of avoiding involvement. The film is also a beautifully rendered study of loneliness, and feels reminiscent of a classic, updated noir thriller.

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2026-01-03 21:39