Elizabeth Olsen, acclaimed for her portrayal of Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), is further solidifying her presence on the independent film scene, as her commitment to theatrical releases continues to define her evolving career. Her increasing visibility in indie projects, most recently at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), illustrates the persistent Elizabeth Olsen indie film trend that has captured industry and fan attention.
Consistent Presence at the Toronto International Film Festival
Olsen’s latest film, Eternity, debuted at TIFF on September 7, marking her third consecutive year with a premiere at the esteemed festival. This fantasy-tinged romantic comedy centers on Joan, a woman navigating choices in the afterlife, and opened to notable acclaim, achieving a perfect score upon release on Rotten Tomatoes. The critical response mirrored that of her previous films, as Eternity maintained strong reviews, and its connection to distributer A24 signaled Olsen’s alignment with well-regarded independent projects.
Just prior to Eternity, Olsen starred in The Assessment, another TIFF premiere which saw wide release in March. The film garnered praise, positioning Olsen as a performer with growing credibility beyond blockbuster fare. Preceding these, His Three Daughters premiered at TIFF in September 2023 before becoming available on Netflix, and secured a high 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating, affirming Olsen’s streak of critical successes at film festivals.
This unbroken run of TIFF appearances since 2022 supports the narrative that Olsen is intentionally forging a new career chapter focused on creative variety. The high marks each title has earned—His Three Daughters with 97%, The Assessment at 84%, and Eternity holding 85% months after debut—underscore both critical acceptance and her adaptability within the indie sphere.
Diverse Roles Across Genres After Endgame
Olsen’s choices since Avengers: Endgame have repeatedly surprised audiences, as she embraced a broad array of genres reflecting her artistic ambitions. Following her high-profile stint in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which blended superhero storytelling with horror influences thanks to director Sam Raimi’s vision, Olsen sought out roles that challenged expectations and showcased her range.
An outspoken voice among the fanbase, Olsen’s critiques of how the MCU developed her character Wanda Maximoff resonated widely, highlighting the intense fan investment in her journey through loss and redemption. With His Three Daughters in 2023, Olsen explored a nuanced family drama, depicting the struggles of three siblings managing both their relationships and their father’s decline. Her performance deepened her reputation for emotionally complex roles.
In 2024, Olsen leaned into psychological science fiction with The Assessment, co-starring Himesh Patel. Set in a future where natural reproduction is impossible, the narrative followed a couple subjected to rigorous parental suitability tests, building an atmosphere of emotional and social tension. The film, released widely in 2025, reflected Olsen’s preference for challenging material and willingness to take risks beyond the MCU’s mainstream format.
The trilogy of post-Endgame films, culminating in Eternity, draws a vivid map of Olsen’s commitment to diverse and exploratory film work, enhancing her credibility with critics, peers, and established indie organizations such as A24 and Netflix.
Return to Romantic Comedy with “Eternity”
With Eternity, Olsen reconnects with the romantic comedy genre after a thirteen-year hiatus. The film’s narrative, built around her character Joan’s unique predicament in the afterlife—choosing to spend eternity with either her longtime husband or her first love—brings emotional stakes and creative freshness to familiar themes. Olsen’s portrayal balances gentle humor and deep pathos as Joan weighs love, loss, and new beginnings beyond mortal existence.
Her previous rom-com appearance was in Liberal Arts, a film recognized for Zac Efron’s understated role and the cult following it later developed. Fans of Olsen’s earlier romantic work have welcomed this return, eager to see her reinterpret the genre with a maturity shaped by years of genre-bending performances and personal growth as an actor.
A Career Shaped by Experimentation and Risk Taking
Though her recent trio of TIFF premieres marks a distinct phase, Olsen’s affinity for unconventional projects reaches back to the outset of her career. Since her breakout debut in 2011’s Martha Marcy May Marlene, she’s earned recognition as an indie film favorite. Her choices have consistently blended genres and defied predictability, even during her busy years with Marvel films.
Outside the MCU, Olsen has participated in a variety of independent and smaller-budget titles, including 2014’s Godzilla and an assortment of acclaimed works such as Kill Your Darlings, Ingrid Goes West, Wind River, and Kodachrome. These films span crime, comedy, and drama, demonstrating Olsen’s active pursuit of roles that challenge conventions. Her career trajectory suggests a deliberate move away from typecasting, with each project revealing new depths and unexplored dimensions of her talent.
Impact on the Industry and Anticipation for What Lies Ahead
The momentum of the Elizabeth Olsen indie film trend, propelled by consecutive festival premieres and genre-spanning performances, signals a noteworthy transformation not just for her professional journey but also for the representation of MCU actors in independent film. Her willingness to collaborate with directors like Sam Raimi, star in emotionally demanding dramas like His Three Daughters and The Assessment, and revisit the rom-com space with Eternity reflects an energetic and expressive approach admired by critics and fans alike.
Looking ahead, Olsen’s ongoing engagement with film festivals such as TIFF and her partnership with significant production companies like A24 and Netflix are likely to further diversify her portfolio and influence casting practices industry-wide. As she balances her established image in major franchises with bold work outside the mainstream, Elizabeth Olsen’s next choices are anticipated to shape both her legacy and the broader landscape of independent film.
