Fresh off of her big win at the 71stn Prime Time Emmy awards this week; much attention is now being given to British actress Jodie Comer and her staggering talent. At just 26 years old, Comer already boasts an impressive acting resume, one which also exhibits her incredible range as she has played the supportive and often kooky best friend, the powerful middle age princess and the psychopathic yet charismatic Russian assassin. Yet it is the latter, her role as Russian Assassin Villanelle in BBC’s Killing Eve which has made her a household name and bagged her a slew of awards. Comer’s performance in the show is nothing short of magnificent, and only serves to further strengthen the idea that the best is yet to come from the actress. In her performance as Villanelle, Comer expertly and seamlessly weaves through a plethora of accents and dialects that audiences can’t help but be astounded at her. When watching a scene from season two of the show in which Villanelle discusses with Eve (Sandra Oh) about what persona she will take on in the AA meetings she will attend to gather information on a target, I was blown away at how, in the space of one minute, Comer was able to present to audiences three perfectly rounded characters with differing back stories and accents without batting an eyelid. Comer shifts from her depiction of Russian Villanelle into an upper classes British party girl, to an Australian sun cream heiress, to a New York addict so flawlessly it’s incredible.
Comparing a young actress to the likes of Queen Meryl Streep, the most nominated person in Oscar’s history, an icon of just about every generation may seem like high praise but Comer warrants it. In the few roles we have seen her in to date, she has been able to astound audiences with her accent capabilities. She makes audiences laugh and make them cry. She’s terrifying and captivating, and often, in her portrayal of Villanelle, she makes you question your own sanity. You can help but ask, is she actually being sincere in this scene? Does she really mean that sentiment? Does she really care for Eve or is it all part of an act?
Comer is still only 26 years old, and thus far has not had too many forays into the film world, but I am sure that is to come. I would have no doubt that given the talent which Comer has already exhibited that many successful movies, tv shows and awards are set to come in her future. And I would have no doubt that in years to come, both generations before and after us will marvel at just how incredible of an actress Jodie Comer is, up there with the best in the business.
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