Actor Florence Pugh has transitioned from indie films to becoming a leading figure in Hollywood. Her rise began with smaller roles, gaining traction through her performance in the cult thriller Midsommar, which paved the way for bigger projects such as Little Women and multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) ventures. As she takes center stage in Marvel’s Thunderbolts, Pugh solidifies her status as one of the most accomplished actors of her generation. Before her breakthrough, she honed her craft in lesser-known films like Malevolent, a 2018 Netflix horror flick that deserves revisiting as it showcases her early acting prowess.

Pugh's Early Role in Malevolent

In the autumn of 2018, amidst a quiet release on Netflix, came the film Malevolent, where Florence Pugh played Angela, a member of a fraudulent ghost-hunting team. This group's ruse unravels when they are lured into an authentically haunted house. Director Olaf de Fleur introduces Angela's latent psychic abilities early in the movie, presenting a chilling view of the world through her eyes as objects move mysteriously and ghostly figures emerge from the shadows. Pugh's portrayal is marked by a striking calmness, even as the horror escalates. She maintains a stoic demeanor, hinting at underlying sadness without ever shrieking, only occasionally letting out a gasp when confronted with the grotesque apparitions.

This subtle approach became a hallmark of Pugh's career, evident in other performances like those in Midsommar and Dune: Part Two. In these roles, she crafts intricate characters with minimal dialogue and expressive glances into the camera. Even in Malevolent, her facial expressions convey more depth than many actors achieve through lengthy monologues. The director's stylistic choices enhance the film's dread, holding shots longer to build suspense and crafting visually impressive scenes, such as an opening sequence seen through the perspective of a young girl interacting with the ghost hunters.

While Malevolent boasts elements worthy of praise, including a haunting soundtrack and terrifying practical effects, it isn't without flaws. Some characters lack sufficient development, making their deaths less impactful, and the climactic action can be confusing. However, de Fleur's focus on mood over jump scares adds a unique layer to the horror experience.

Given Pugh's current trajectory, it seems unlikely she'll return to low-budget horror films. Yet, Malevolent remains a special piece of her journey, showcasing the foundational skills that have propelled her to stardom. From her understated performances to her composed presence under pressure, all signs pointed to Florence Pugh's destined success long before her MCU debut.

As we reflect on Pugh's career evolution, it becomes clear that her talent was evident even in her earlier works. Her ability to convey complex emotions subtly and create memorable characters demonstrates the importance of recognizing and nurturing raw talent. For aspiring actors and filmmakers alike, Pugh's journey serves as a reminder that every role, no matter how small or imperfect, contributes to the broader narrative of an artistic career.