With Jacob Elordi’s career rapidly approaching its tenth year, his ability to deliver some of the Best Jacob Elordi performances has not gone unnoticed, as he continues to headline major productions and win critical acclaim. The Australian actor has recently been cast in high-profile releases, including the anticipated “Wuthering Heights” alongside Margot Robbie, marking another highlight in a journey filled with varied and impressive roles.
From his early work in “Swinging Safari” with Guy Pearce through transformative portrayals in series and films, Elordi’s trajectory has shown both remarkable range and emotional depth. His willingness to take on challenging characters and collaborate with notable directors like Guillermo del Toro and Emerald Fennell demonstrates a commitment to his craft that places him firmly in conversations about Hollywood’s brightest up-and-coming stars. Below is a comprehensive look at the eight performances that best define Jacob Elordi’s evolving career.
8. Breaking Out with “The Kissing Booth” Series
Jacob Elordi initially won the hearts of global audiences through his role as Noah in “The Kissing Booth” and its sequel, based on Beth Reekles’ popular young adult novel. The films follow Elle, played by Joey King, as she navigates a complicated romance with Noah, all while risking her friendship with his younger brother, Lee (Joel Courtney). The narrative’s central tension and relatable coming-of-age themes provided Elordi an early spotlight in his career.
Elordi’s portrayal of high school senior Noah presents the quintessential bad boy, exuding youthful charisma and setting the stage for his on-screen future. Though not the most complex of his roles, this performance revealed the actor’s natural screen presence and hinted at the depth he would soon bring to more demanding characters. The series allowed him to showcase a lighter side, contrasting with his later, more intricate portrayals.
7. Embodying Elvis in “Priscilla”
In Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” which explores Priscilla Presley’s life, Jacob Elordi steps into the shoes of one of music’s most celebrated icons as Elvis Presley, opposite Cailee Spaeny’s Priscilla. While Austin Butler’s turn as Elvis in Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” captured major headlines, Elordi’s take offers a more understated, emotionally nuanced perspective on the character, focusing on the private life of the famed couple.
Outfitted sharply and displaying an accomplished vocal imitation, Elordi’s Elvis is a highlight, contributing to the film’s exploration of fame and vulnerability. Though “Priscilla” generated divided reviews and missed out on some awards recognition, critics and fans alike have praised the convincing dynamic between Elordi and Spaeny. Elordi’s performance offers a softer, more contemplative view of Elvis, echoing the quieter complexities within the pop culture legend’s persona.
6. Exploring Turmoil in “On Swift Horses”
“On Swift Horses,” adapted from Shannon Pufahl’s 2019 novel, transports viewers into a world of emotional upheaval and tangled relationships. Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Muriel, newly navigating married life with Lee (Will Poulter) when her brother-in-law Julius, played by Jacob Elordi, arrives and quickly disrupts their fragile happiness. The film’s storyline sees Muriel teetering between security and intrigue as Julius’s reckless presence pulls her toward secrets and risks.
Although the movie itself is somewhat overlooked in the 2024 cinematic lineup, Elordi’s portrayal of Julius stands out through a combination of effortless magnetism and undercurrents of sadness. Elordi taps into vulnerability and pain, lending this role a poignancy that goes far beyond surface-level charm. This performance further cements his status as a dynamic force, able to anchor a film’s emotional core alongside equally strong co-stars like Edgar-Jones and Poulter.
5. Scene-Stealing in “Deep Water”
Adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s novel and directed by Adrian Lyne, “Deep Water” delves into the toxic marriage of Vic (Ben Affleck) and Melinda Van Allen (Ana de Armas). Although Elordi’s screen time as Charlie is limited, his impact is undeniable, seizing attention even beside established actors. Charlie’s fate in the narrative may not be as prominent as Vic and Melinda’s, but Elordi’s ability to leave a mark in a supporting role demonstrates the subtlety and effectiveness of his craft.
While the movie itself received mixed reviews, with director Adrian Lyne’s adaptation not resonating as hoped, Elordi’s performance stood out. Facing the challenge of making a strong impression with little material, he proved adept at immersing himself in the story’s dark atmosphere. His work in “Deep Water” highlights a versatility that extends to ensemble casts and smaller roles alike.
4. Transforming Into Felix in “Saltburn”
Elordi’s turn as Felix Catton in Emerald Fennell’s black comedy “Saltburn” is considered among his most memorable. The film’s plot follows Oxford student Oliver Quick, played by Barry Keoghan, who befriends Felix and spends a summer at his lavish countryside estate, only to uncover Oliver’s unexpected, darker motivations. The role provided Elordi with an opportunity to showcase not only his acting but also his mastery of accents and vocal nuances.
As Felix, Elordi eschews clichéd British upper-class accents in favor of a more genuine portrayal, embodying a privileged youth with authenticity. This nuanced approach adds complexity to Felix’s character, allowing Elordi to stand out even as the film courts controversy and varied reactions. “Saltburn” reveals his ability to fully transform for a role, drawing audiences into the world of familial dysfunction and hidden desires.
3. Mainstream Success as Nate Jacobs in “Euphoria”
Elordi’s performance as Nate Jacobs in HBO’s “Euphoria” propelled him into greater mainstream recognition, presenting a challenging and multi-layered figure. The series, set in East Highland, California, follows teenagers facing intense personal struggles in a high school setting, often sparking debates about its portrayal of explicit content. Nate, Maddy Perez’s boyfriend, emerges as one of the show’s most complex antiheroes.
While it might have been easy for Elordi to play Nate as a mere villain, he instead delivers a performance marked by depth and intricacy. He gives voice to the character’s internal battles, reflecting both dominance and deep-seated vulnerabilities. The presence of co-stars like Zendaya and Alexa Demie amplifies the nuanced dynamics at play, solidifying Nate as a compelling figure in contemporary television.
2. Confronting Humanity in “Frankenstein”
Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” casts Elordi as the iconic Monster, a role that demanded both physical and emotional range. Del Toro’s vision, long in gestation, offers a lush and stylized setting, while Elordi’s portrayal grounds the film’s grand ambitions in empathy and relatable emotion. Tackling themes of morality and identity, his incarnation of the Monster is both captivating and deeply moving.
Elordi navigates violent, action-driven scenes with intensity and embodies gentle, emotive moments, particularly in his interactions with Mia Goth’s Lady Elizabeth Harlander and David Bradley’s Blind Man. The latter scenes allow him to reveal the Monster’s confusion, longing, and innocence, crafting an unforgettable performance. As Ross Bonaime remarked in Collider’s review,
“This is almost certainly Elordi’s biggest acting challenge so far, and he excels at making the creature an empathetic character who doesn’t know his purpose and is struggling to make sense of everything that’s happening to him.”
—Ross Bonaime, Collider
1. At His Pinnacle in “The Narrow Road to the Deep North”
Arguably the crowning achievement among the Best Jacob Elordi performances is his work in
“The Narrow Road to the Deep North,”
a limited series adaptation of Richard Flanagan’s acclaimed novel. Elordi takes on the role of Dorrigo Evans, a character inspired by the real-life ordeals of prisoners of war, chronicling Evans’ experiences from his military deployment to his post-war life, haunted by trauma.
Elordi has described the demanding preparation for this role, which included a medically supervised six-week boot camp and significant weight loss, as “incredibly challenging but deeply necessary.” The dedication paid off, as the miniseries received universal praise, with a flawless Rotten Tomatoes critics’ rating. Elordi’s performance is marked by both restraint and volatility, expressing Dorrigo’s resilience and suffering with measured grace. Supporting cast members, such as Ciarán Hinds as the older Evans, complement Elordi’s compelling presence. This performance hints at the direction Elordi’s career is heading—toward lasting impact and likely awards recognition for his exceptional talent.
The Impact of Jacob Elordi’s Evolving Craft
The progression of Jacob Elordi’s performances across different genres and demanding narratives showcases his growth from a breakout teen star to a multifaceted actor of international renown. His roles in intense dramas, psychological thrillers, and contemporary series reflect a passion for authenticity and a willingness to embrace creative risks. From collaborating with directors like Sofia Coppola, Adrian Lyne, and Ridley Scott to embodying complex characters like Nate Jacobs and Dorrigo Evans, Elordi has proven himself capable of both leading roles and scene-stealing support.
As anticipation builds for upcoming projects like “Wuthering Heights” and “The Dog Stars,” Elordi’s repertoire is set to expand further, promising continued excitement for audiences and critics alike. His trajectory points toward even greater achievements, with each performance deepening the impression that he is not only a star of the present but a formidable talent for years to come.
