When it comes to movie stars, you simply cannot overlook the talented Jessica Chastain. She has graced the silver screen since 2005 with her presence and has earned a loyal fan base along the way. From fiery red-headed characters to more subdued roles, Chastain has demonstrated her acting range with her unique roles.
If you are a fan of Jessica Chastain and are looking for some worthwhile movies to add to your watch list, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be looking at all the major Jessica Chastain movies, along with a few independents.
A Bit of Background on Jessica Chastain
Before we get into the movies we must mention the amazing actress behind the roles. Jessica Chastain was born in California in 1977 to parents who worked in the film industry. She showed a fascination towards performing arts from an early age, and made her Broadway debut in 2008.
In 2011, Chastain received Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for her performance in The Help, solidifying her status in the world of acting. The rest, as they say, is history.
Crimson Peak
Let’s kick off our list with a horror movie directed by the late Guillermo del Toro. Crimson Peak is a unique take on the ghost story genre, with an amazing balance between romance and horror. Chastain stars as the mysterious Lady Lucille Sharpe who, although a bit sinister, still manages to pull at our heartstrings.
Zero Dark Thirty
This one features Chastain as a determined and gritty CIA analyst whose dogged determination lands her a crucial role in helping to capture Osama Bin Laden. For her performance, Chastain was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.
Molly’s Game
Molly’s Game is based on a true story and stars Chastain as Molly Bloom, a former elite skier who launched one of the most successful and secretive high-stakes underground poker clubs in the world.
The Help
The Help was not only a box office success, but also the movie that made Chastain a household name—in fact, it was the movie that got her her first ever Oscar nomination and Golden Globe nomination!
Interstellar
Interstellar is a complex space drama directed by Christopher Nolan and features Chastain in the role of Murph, a rebellious daughter who refuses to forgive her father and eventually end up saving the world (in space).
The Martian
The Martian is a nail-biting sci-fi drama, based on a novel of the same name by Andy Weir. Chastain stars as NASA director Melissa Lewis in the movie, who takes charge of finding a way to bring Martian astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) back to Earth.
Mama
Chastain plays the lead role of Annabel in Mama, who herself is an orphan. Annabel and her husband have taken in her two nieces, but are unaware of the supernatural forces lurking around them.
A Most Violent Year
In this drama, Chastain plays the role of Anna Morales, alongside Oscar Isaac who is playing her husband. This movie features Anna and Oscar’s character trying to make it big in the highly competitive New York City’s heating oil business, but quickly finds out that it is far from easy.
The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby
Chastain plays the lead character in The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby and take on a totally different type of role—one that is mostly melancholic. The movie follows the trials and tribulations of a couple falling apart, and it really allows Chastain to demonstrate her acting range.
Miss Sloane
Chastain plays the title character in Miss Sloane and gives a memorable performance. Playing an ambitious and highly successful lobbyist, she battles against the titans of the industry and corruption as well.
The Debt
The Debt is not only a fine example of Chastain’s acting range but also a thriller about a group of former Mossad agents who plan a mission to catch a Nazi war criminal, but will have to contend with the emotional and psychological burden of their mission.
Any movie fan worth their salt should definitely add these Jessica Chastain movies to their watch list. She has teamed up with big names in Hollywood like Guillermo del Toro, Christopher Nolan, and also starred in several independent pieces. All of these movies showcase her acting range and make for an entertaining watch.
So, if you are looking for something entertaining to watch, those are some great options to have. They are often thought-provoking and compelling, and the performances of Jessica Chastain—the titular star—are definitely worth a watch.
