Margaret Qualley has firmly established herself as a prominent talent in Hollywood, with a career spanning over a decade filled with standout performances in both movies and television. From her debut in 2013 to her latest projects in 2024, Qualley’s best movies TV roles showcase her range and dedication to her craft, making her a compelling figure in contemporary entertainment.
An Insight into Qualley’s Early Career and Growth
Coming from a lineage rich in talent as Andie MacDowell’s daughter, Margaret Qualley quickly proved her own abilities rather than relying solely on family ties. Her introduction to the screen began with Gia Coppola’s Palo Alto, where she portrayed Raquel, marking the start of a journey that would lead her into diverse and challenging roles. Over the years, she has been part of critically acclaimed projects that span genres from horror to drama, helping to build a distinctive and memorable career.
Highlights from Qualley’s Filmography: Underrated Gem ‘Sanctuary’ (2022)
One of Margaret Qualley’s lesser-known but deeply compelling works is Sanctuary, a 2022 film that explores a complex and secretive relationship over a single turbulent night. Playing the dominatrix Rebecca, Qualley engages in a fierce dynamic with Christopher Abbott’s character Hal, presenting a narrative filled with subtle tension and an unraveling power struggle. Written by Micah Bloomberg and directed by Zachary Wigon, the film captivates with its intimate setting and the chemistry between its leads. Despite some flaws, the story’s inventive twists and confined geography create a unique and engaging cinematic experience that deserves wider recognition.
Exploring Avant-Garde with ‘Kinds of Kindness’ (2024)
Margaret Qualley takes on a demanding and multifaceted set of roles in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Kinds of Kindness, a film divided into three interrelated stories. Each segment offers a distinct narrative: from a man breaking free from his life, to a wife’s mysterious return, and a woman’s spiritual quest. Qualley stands out by portraying four distinct characters, delivering performances that highlight her adaptability and skill. The film itself is a polarizing work in Lanthimos’ portfolio, with strong praise for its first two parts contrasted by criticism of the last, yet Qualley’s presence remains a constant source of strength throughout.
Breakout Supporting Role in ‘The Nice Guys’ (2016)
Though Margaret Qualley had limited screen time in The Nice Guys, her role was memorable within this comedy thriller set in 1970s Los Angeles. Starring alongside veterans Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling, the movie follows two unconventional detectives solving a puzzling case involving a missing girl and a deceased adult film star. Praised for its sharp writing and chemistry between leads, The Nice Guys has gained cult status and critical acclaim over time, with a 91% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Qualley’s early career role as a bright presence in this film helped showcase her potential to wider audiences.
Powerful Television Performance in ‘Maid’ (2021)
Margaret Qualley’s portrayal of Alex in the 2021 miniseries Maid is widely regarded as one of her finest performances. Based on Stephanie Land’s memoir, Maid tells the story of a single mother escaping abuse while striving to build a better life for her daughter. This series, created by Molly Smith Metzler, also features Qualley’s mother, Andie MacDowell, marking a rare and touching on-screen collaboration between the two. Qualley earned critical acclaim for her raw and emotional performance, securing nominations for the Critics’ Choice, Golden Globe, and Primetime Emmy Awards, further solidifying her reputation as a deeply gifted actress.
Ensemble Success in ‘Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood’ (2019)
Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood gathered a collection of rising stars, including Margaret Qualley, Sydney Sweeney, and Austin Butler, alongside established actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. The movie follows fading TV star Rick Dalton as he wrestles with the evolving Hollywood scene in 1969. While this film may not be Tarantino’s most celebrated work, its rich casting and immersive storytelling provide a fascinating glimpse into a changing era. Qualley’s role adds to the film’s layered portrait of Hollywood’s past and its future.
Critical Acclaim in the Supernatural Series ‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)
Margaret Qualley gained significant recognition through her role as Jill Garvey in The Leftovers, a supernatural drama centered on a mysterious event where 2% of the global population vanishes without explanation. The series focuses on how those left behind attempt to rebuild their lives, and Qualley’s nuanced performance stood out among a distinguished cast. Created by Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta and based on Perrotta’s novel, this role marked Qualley’s initial major television success, earning praise for its depth and maturity.
Portraying Complexity in ‘Poor Things’ (2023)
In Poor Things, a 2023 film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Margaret Qualley plays Felicity alongside Emma Stone’s Bella Baxter, a woman resurrected and raised with an unusual upbringing. Adapted from Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel, this film dives into social and sexual themes through a surreal and stylized lens. Although it did not secure Best Picture at the 2024 Academy Awards, the movie received critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and exceptional performances, with Qualley contributing a vital supporting role that complements Stone’s leading work.
Breakthrough Role in the Acclaimed Horror Film ‘The Substance’ (2024)
Margaret Qualley’s most recognized role to date may be her performance in The Substance, a 2024 body horror film directed by Coralie Fargeat. Co-starring with Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, Qualley plays Sue in a story about a fading celebrity who seeks youth through a dangerous drug. The film’s intense narrative and striking visuals culminate in a powerful finale, earning an Academy Award for Makeup and Hairstyling in 2025 and securing a rare nomination for Best Picture in the horror genre. This project highlights Qualley’s ability to hold her own opposite seasoned actors in thematically complex works.
Margaret Qualley’s Rising Influence in Hollywood
Throughout her career, Margaret Qualley has demonstrated a remarkable talent for choosing diverse roles that challenge her artistic range, whether in independent films, mainstream ensemble pictures, or captivating television series. Her collaboration with noted directors and her performances alongside industry heavyweights such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Demi Moore, and Emma Stone illustrate her growing impact. With projects like Ethan Coen’s Honey Don’t! soon to be released, audiences can eagerly anticipate new chapters in her evolving filmography, which continues to make significant contributions to contemporary cinema and television.
