James McAvoy has been considered one of the most talented, and yet underrated thespians of our time. With a career extending beyond two decades, fans and critics alike have highlighted several gems that would come to define his career, alongside stellar moments that illustrate just how captivating he can be. Most recently, he can be seen in Speak No Evil, a remake of the 2002 Danish horror film of the same name.
Throughout the years, he has provided, and continues to provide, fans of film with truly moving performances that elevate the respective story at hand. These select performances in particular may have gone overlooked in comparison with some of his other roles in films like X-Men: First Class and Split, offer a glimpse into a versatile actor with the ability to evoke uniquely emotional, disturbing, and ultimately gratifying emotions.
10 White Teeth (2002)
Based on the cherished Zadie Smith-penned generational drama, White Teeth is a 2002 miniseries that hones in on the lives of three interlinked families in north-west London. The series, much like the novel, opens in 1974 with the depressed Archie Jones (Phil Davis) whose decision to surrender to suicidal ideation is quickly thwarted by a flip of a coin.
When he meets the younger, Jamaican-born, Clara Bowden (Naomie Harris) at the “End Of The World Party,” their lives completely transform, serving as a platform for a four-episode odyssey into the lives of a diverse community. The other half of the story lies with Archie’s close friend and wartime comrade Samad (Om Puri), who attempts to make sense of his identity as a husband to the younger Alsana (Archana Panjabi), a Bangladeshi Muslim living in the heart of the eroding British Empire.
McAvoy portrays Josh Malfen, a child who goes to school with Archie and Clara’s daughter Irie (Sarah Ozeke) and Samad and Alsana’s twins, Magid and Millat (Christopher Simpson). One day, they are all caught smoking marijuana and are subsequently punished. The punishment in question is a required class under the tutelage of Josh’s odd parents, who happen to be scientists.
As the tension heightens, McAvoy offers a convincing portrayal that doesn’t completely get lost in the major storylines present. Josh’s eccentricities mirror those of his parents, but much like all adolescents, Josh deals with his own desire for freedom and self-discovery, joining a radical animal rights group who play a major role in the upcoming science exhibition at the end of the series.
9 Welcome to the Punch (2013)
Now cherished as a worthwhile action thriller, 2013’s Welcome to the Punch stars James McAvoy as Max Lewinsky, a DI who is reeling from the failure of one of his missions. Continuing three years after the ill-fated task, Lewinsky becomes embroiled in a new scandal that threatens the lives of his fellow officers. Picking up on several discrepancies gone unnoticed, Lewinsky attempts to make sense of the situation before any more lives are lost.
While critics considered the film to be more thought-provoking than most police dramas, Welcome To The Punch failed to make a noticeable enough impact. In spite of the underwhelming reaction to the film, characters like Max do offer alternate portrayals of law enforcement that stirs some semblance of intrigue, even if he, like many of the characters, tends to get lost in the disorienting pacing of the film.
Even in the weeds of the sometimes distracting but action-packed sequences, McAvoy does not let the surrounding chaos completely drown him, instead offering an overlooked but captivating performance.
8 His Dark Materials (2019 – 2022)
His Dark Materials, based on the Phillip Pullman novels of the same name, sees an Earth divided by an invisible veil. On one dimension exists a seemingly normal world akin to the lives of its audiences. On another plane, exists a realm steeped in realism but also runs on magic. There viewers meet Lyra Belacqua (Dafnee Keen), a young and eager girl who becomes a formidable adventurer in her own right after learning about her prophecy. Lord Asriel Belacqua (McAvoy) is introduced later on as her distant, ambitious father, whose early signs of responsibility and honor quickly subside in favor of a nuanced, darker portrayal.
Known for his intelligence, Asriel would serve as the missing piece necessary for the completion of unimaginable tasks. However, this intelligence did not always guarantee that his heart would be in the right place. Throughout the series, he proves to be just as meticulous and heartless as the institutions he claims to oppose, begging audiences and acquaintances alike to question his true motives, his biases, and how they either strengthen or weaken his decision to rebel. A compelling character in his own right, Asriel owes much to McAvoy’s efforts to bring him out of the pages and onto the silver screen.
7 The Book of Clarence (2023)
The Book of Clarence sees LaKeith Stanfield as the titular Jesus-aspirant. Set in A.D. 33 Jerusalem, Clarence attempts to capitalize on the life and legacy of the aforementioned messiah in order to pay his debts. Conceivably, the film makes light of the scheme through whimsical dialogue. However, Stanfield, and the ensemble cast, also highlight the parallels between the treatment of marginalized folks in the Roman Empire and marginalized identities in the modern, Western world. An ambitious effort, The Book Of Clarence sees a bevy of talented thespians attempt to make light of touchy subjects.
Tapped for the role of Roman governor Pontius Pilate, McAvoy employs a callousness and craftiness in his approach. Interrogating and setting Clarence up for failure, Pilate makes for an enjoyable villain.
Despite the often amusing moments of the story, Pilate’s role as a threat to not only Clarence but the people of Judea both offers comical moments and adequately illustrates historical accounts of oppression under the Romans. One of many examples of the maneuvering that individuals from marginalized communities may do in hopes of alleviating the stress, panic, and pressure of being on the other side of the sword, The Book Of Clarence may feel offbeat but still stands as a generally entertaining film with plenty of performances to enjoy.
As the antagonist, McAvoy’s splendid portrayal highlights the ridiculousness that comes to define people in power and their practices, while never undermining the real threat that comes from said power.
6 Shameless (2004 – 2013)
Before American audiences were entertained by the Showtime family dramedy of the same name, British audiences followed similarly dysfunctional families. Shameless looks into the lives of the Gallagher family in the Stretford (near Manchester)-based Chatsworth Estate. It would be an understatement to simply claim that the Gallaghers find themselves in weird and stress-inducing conundrums, in part due to having a seedy, manipulative, absentee father (David Threlfall) for a patriarch.
Much like its American remake, the series makes use of comedic moments to both poke fun at the spontaneity of life while also acknowledging the reality of poverty, dispelling classist myths in favor of highlighting the tenacity of the working class.
Introduced as Steve McBride, McAvoy initially portrays a charming new love interest for Fiona (Anne-Marie Duff). After meeting her at a nightclub, and offering to take her home after her purse gets snatched, the two begin an intimate relationship. However, the Gallagher clan, alongside the viewers, soon learn that there is more than meets the eye as it pertains to Steve’s livelihood.
Living a double life as a car thief, Steve balances his relationship with Fiona with his risky occupation until the law catches up with him, resulting in a bittersweet conclusion until his return in the later seasons. Steve’s role proves to be quite influential in the events that would define early-era Shameless, with much of his appeal being strengthened by McAvoy’s congruency with the rest of the cast, with regard to his portrayal.
5 Atomic Blonde (2013)
While Atomic Blonde was initially compared to John Wick or James Bond, the Charlize Theron-led film would stun critics with its fast-paced action, stellar soundtrack, and visually pleasing aesthetics. Transforming the Antony Johnston and Sam Hart collaboration into a lively escapade, the film follows Lorraine Broughton (Theron), an MI6 agent who is tasked with recovering a list of agents active in Berlin, identifying double agents who might threaten the security of the West. Alongside fellow agent David Percival (James McAvoy), Broughton attempts to complete the mission but quickly learns that there is more to the story that she has been told.
Set within the context of the collapse of The Berlin Wall, the exhilarating spy drama relies on familiar tropes of betrayal, blood, and conspiracy. Coupled with the visually enthralling fashion and stylistic choices, audiences are left with a stunning film. However, the characters themselves also make quite an impression, leading audiences on until the very end. Percival is one of the many characters that defy expectations, providing some form of amusement while terrorizing characters with his self-centered, nihilistic approach to handling the missions.
Between his off-putting personality and the slew of action scenes that test his flexibility, McAvoy puts on a wonderful performance that deserves more eyes on it.
4 Starters for 10 (2010)
While the celebrated British actor typically shines in more dramatic roles, it would be unwise to assume that he would be unable to similarly captivate audiences in a comedy. Starter for 10s easily disproves this notion, with the actor playing Brian Jackson, a university student who finds himself competing in the popular 20th century British game show “University Challenge.” Between preparation for the game as well as Brian’s burgeoning crushes on Alice (Alice Eve) and Rebecca (Rebecca Hall), Brian’s adventure balances a heartfelt tone with darker moments, resulting in a truly enjoyable performance.
Widely received as an underrated, coming-of-age, comedy, Starters for 10 makes the most of its nostalgic storyline and easily digestible romance. The film is largely conventional, but that does not mean the story does not detour into experiments from the minds of the filmmakers. McAvoy’s remarkable performance as Brian helps gel everything together. At the time of the film, it may have seemed unexpected, but for contemporary viewers who have enjoyed the Scottish treasure’s filmography, it’s just the treat to dive right into.
3 ShakespeaRe-Told’s “Macbeth” (2005)
A television series comprised of modern adaptations of Shakespeare’s classics into contemporary scenarios, ShakespeaRe-Told is an entertaining BBC production that aired in the fall of 2005. Much like the production of The Canterbury Tales two years prior, each episode is dedicated to a singular story, including “Much To Do About Nothing” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” As a whole, the collection of stories has been praised for its experimentation, with some shining brighter than others.
A Timeless Classic Reimagined
James McAvoy had the fortune of playing the titular Macbeth, alongside actors like Richard Armitage, Vincent Regan, and Joseph Wilson. Exchanging the royal courts for the kitchen, Joe Macbeth is introduced as a sous chef under famous chef Duncan Doherty (Regan). Envious of the latter’s fame and the success of the restaurant, Macbeth’s darkest thoughts are enticed by those around him, resulting in a life-changing plot for power.
While it may seem surprising to recontextualize Macbeth as a chef, shows like The Bear have highlighted the toxic, exploitative, and abusive environment that can persist in restaurants. Supported by convincing portrayals, the episode further illustrates the relevance of Shakespeare’s writing on everyday human interactions, more specifically, power struggles.
2 Trance (2013)
Trance is a 2013 psychological thriller starring James McAvoy, Vincent Cassell and Rosario Dawson. Set during a heist gone wrong, a trio of thieves enlists the services of a hypnotherapist to help one of the thieves regain their memory of a crucial painting’s location after a violent encounter. However, what’s meant to be a feasible trip down memory lane turns into a disorienting look into the damaged psyche of the people behind the masks. Earning generally favorable reviews, many fans of the film and critics have conceded that a great film exists somewhere within the 100 minutes released. Nevertheless, the story feels bogged down by attempts to introduce new predicaments to an already hectic situation.
Simon (McAvoy) is introduced as the auctioneer at the respective museum where the heist occurs. It does not take much time for the audience to learn about Simon’s multifaceted personality, to say the least.
Much like the aforementioned roles, McAvoy’s uniquely convincing portrayal will astonish audiences who already find themselves in the middle of an exciting, puzzling film. Making use of the wide range of emotions, combat skills, and delivery that fans know and adore him for, McAvoy’s portrayal of Simon is often considered one of his most underrated, and for great reasons too.
1 Filth (2014)
Filth is an adventurous 2014 black-comedy thriller that sees a lonely, nihilistic man (McAvoy) suffering from multiple hallucinations, which oddly coincides with the murder of a Japanese exchange student (Zack Niizato). Detective Sergeant Bruce Robertson is anything but kind. Known for his misanthropic views and tendencies to manipulate some of his peers while tyrannizing others.
Living with a litany of mental health issues and trauma, Bruce’s life seemingly lacks the serene moments that many others may experience in small doses, or all the time, depending on their profession and class-standing. As he attempts to discover the truth behind the ominous murder, Bruce learns more about the memories that he has attempted to drown out.
Filth is a thought-provoking experience that looks into the mind of someone succumbing to their inner demons. Prior to the release of Split, many considered Bruce “Robbo” Robertson to be far removed from the characters McAvoy typically played. Perhaps it was a result of the film’s dedication to diving into the confusing yet informative terrain that is the mind. Peeling back the layers that hid the Bruce that only a few can say they have witnessed proved to be an enthralling experience. Another ambitious film, James McAvoy’s portrayal easily lives up to the film’s name.
