When it comes to contemporary Hollywood talents who blend raw emotional depth with fearless versatility, few names shine as brightly as Margaret Qualley. From her early breakout appearance in the haunting drama series that left audiences reeling to daring roles in edgy films — traversing genres from psychological thriller to dark comedy to body horror — Qualley has carved a unique niche for herself. Whether starring in critically acclaimed television series or bold, ambitious films, she consistently demonstrates an ability to inhabit complex, often challenging characters. This article provides a comprehensive look at Margaret Qualley’s filmography: her standout performances, career-defining roles, and the evolving trajectory of one of the most compelling young actresses of her generation.
📚 Margaret Qualley: Movies & TV Shows — Career Highlights
Over the years, Margaret Qualley’s career has spanned a wide array of movies and television shows. Below are some of her most significant and influential works — both in film and on the small screen — that reveal her range, depth, and evolution as an actress.
🎬 Selected Films
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Palo Alto (2013) — One of her earliest film appearances, laying the groundwork for a burgeoning Hollywood career.
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The Nice Guys (2016) — A shift into mainstream cinema, blending comedy and action, and showcasing her ability to perform in a lighter, entertaining context.
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Novitiate (2017) — A dramatic and emotionally intense film in which Qualley plays a young woman training to become a nun, navigating faith and inner conflict; a performance that demonstrated her dramatic chops.
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Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019) — Under legendary direction, Qualley plays a memorable role (Pussycat), proving she can hold her own in big-budget, high-profile films.
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My Salinger Year (2020) — A more introspective role as Joanna Rakoff, giving her space to explore subtle character depth and emotional nuance.
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Stars at Noon (2022) — A romantic-thriller pairing Qualley with intense themes and complex storytelling, indicating her willingness to tackle challenging material.
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Sanctuary (2022) — Also an executive producer, this darker psychological thriller demonstrated her expanding horizons behind the camera as well as on screen.
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Poor Things (2023) — A bold, unconventional film — a testament to her desire to push boundaries and take risks in storytelling.
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Kinds of Kindness (2024) — Showcasing her range, Qualley plays multiple roles in this anthology-style film, underlining her versatility and adaptability as an actor.
📺 Notable Television Roles
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The Leftovers (2014–2017) — Her breakout role as Jill Garvey, in a series known for its emotional intensity and philosophical depth; this role introduced her to a wide audience and established her dramatic cred from early on.
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Fosse/Verdon (2019) — Portraying iconic dancer Ann Reinking in this miniseries, she brought grace and complexity to a real-life figure — blending her dance background with dramatic acting.
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Maid (2021) — Perhaps her most lauded role: as Alex Russell, a single mother facing hardship and striving for stability, earning her major award nominations. This emotionally charged performance resonated widely with audiences and critics alike.
🌟 What Makes Margaret Qualley Stand Out
Margaret Qualley’s appeal lies not just in the number of roles she takes — but in the diversity and depth of her choices. She moves fluently across genres: from dramatic series to mainstream comedies; from existential thrillers to psychological horror; from indie films to big studio projects. Her background in dance and physical performance gives her a unique presence — allowing subtle body language and expressive physicality to accentuate her characters. Moreover, as she advances in her career, she’s expanding her role beyond acting (as seen in her executive producer credit), indicating ambition, maturity, and a desire to influence storytelling from multiple angles.
Each character — whether a grieving daughter, a young nun questioning faith, a troubled mother, or a surreal character in an experimental film — feels carefully chosen, purposeful. That discernment and commitment to varied, challenging roles help her avoid typecasting and build a filmography that feels vibrant, meaningful, and future-oriented.
✅ Conclusion
Margaret Qualley’s journey from early supporting roles to leading parts in both film and television reflects not only her talent but also her growing confidence in choosing bold, challenging work. With a filmography that spans genres — drama, thriller, comedy, surrealist fantasy — she demonstrates a remarkable willingness to evolve, adapt, and push creative boundaries. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, exploring her roles offers a rich portrait of an actress committed to depth, nuance, and versatility. As she continues to take on new, daring projects — both in front of and behind the camera — Margaret Qualley is poised to remain one of Hollywood’s most fascinating and dynamic young talents.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What was Margaret Qualley’s breakout role?
A: Her breakout role was as Jill Garvey in The Leftovers (2014–2017), where her nuanced performance introduced her to a wide audience and established her as a serious dramatic actress.
Q: In which project did she play a leading role that earned critical acclaim?
A: Her lead role in Maid (2021) — as Alex Russell — earned her widespread acclaim, touching on themes of resilience and hardship, and resulted in major award nominations.
Q: Does she only act, or does she work behind the scenes too?
A: Besides acting, she has taken on a producer role: for example, in Sanctuary (2022), where she is credited as an executive producer.
Q: What kind of roles or genres does she tend to choose?
A: She has shown remarkable versatility: from dramatic TV series and indie films to mainstream comedies, psychological thrillers, and even experimental narrative films. Her choices reflect a willingness to explore complex, challenging material.
Q: What recent films show her evolving as an actress?
A: Recent films like Poor Things (2023), Kinds of Kindness (2024), and Sanctuary (2022) highlight her growth — taking on unconventional, risk-taking roles that suggest ambition and artistic maturity.
