Australian actor Jacob Elordi has quickly become a captivating presence in film and television, with a range of performances that showcase his versatility and intensity. At just 28, Elordi’s expanding portfolio of work features roles in highly anticipated projects such as Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein and Emerald Fennell’s upcoming Wuthering Heights. Exploring Jacob Elordi’s best roles reveals why audiences and critics alike are drawn to his complex portrayals.
Elordi’s Portrayal in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein
In the highly stylized steampunk retelling of Mary Shelley’s classic Gothic novel, Jacob Elordi takes on the challenging part of the Creature, opposite Oscar Isaac’s Frankenstein. The choice to render Elordi nearly unrecognizable under heavy prosthetics raised questions before the film’s release, but his commanding presence and slender frame bring a fresh interpretation to the iconic character. This intense performance underscores how Elordi can remain emotionally present even beneath extensive makeup and effects.
Elordi’s Role in Bon Iver’s Day One Music Video
Jacob Elordi steps into the world of music visuals with a cameo in Bon Iver’s video for “Day One.” Portraying an indie-style musician potentially filling in for singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, Elordi dons a casual bearded and caps-wearing look. This brief but engaging appearance mirrors a tradition of actors taking on roles in artistic music videos, much like Paul Mescal in Phoebe Bridgers’ work or Alicia Silverstone’s role in Aerosmith’s “Crazy.” Elordi’s turn hints at a charmingly understated side of his acting range, evoking the vibe of mid-2010s romantic dramas.
Impactful Performance as Nate in Euphoria
One of the standout parts in Jacob Elordi’s career is his chilling portrayal of Nate in Sam Levinson’s hit series Euphoria. The character, a cold and dangerously unpredictable jock, could easily have become a mere stereotype, but Elordi injects a menacing complexity that keeps viewers uneasy and captivated. As a role that sparked considerable attention, Nate’s persona has become synonymous with Elordi’s intense screen presence. Fans are eagerly awaiting the show’s upcoming third season to see how this dark character further develops.
Depth and Nuance in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn
In the film Saltburn, directed by Emerald Fennell, Elordi plays Felix Catton, a wealthy Oxford student who captures the attention of the ambitious Oliver Quick, played by Barry Keoghan. Blending elements of The Talented Mr. Ripley and Brideshead Revisited, the movie explores class and manipulation. Elordi’s Felix could slip into a flat cliché but instead emerges as a multi-dimensional character—part charming, part cruel, and oddly vulnerable. His portrayal is both compelling and unsettling, suggesting Elordi’s ability to delve into complex, morally ambiguous characters.
Portraying Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla
Jacob Elordi embodies Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s 2023 biopic Priscilla, which centers on his relationship with his wife, played by Cailee Spaeny. Although the spotlight is mainly on Priscilla, Elordi’s portrayal offers viewers a glimpse of the King’s charismatic yet deeply flawed nature. Moving from initially charming moments to darker shades of his character, Elordi adds emotional weight to this intimate narrative, reinforcing his skill in biographical roles.
Powerful Lead in The Narrow Road to the Deep North
Adapted from Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel, The Narrow Road to the Deep North is a television drama that highlights Elordi’s range as he plays Dorrigo Evans. Beginning as a medical student, Evans’s character evolves through harrowing experiences as a prisoner of war during the construction of the Burmese railway. This role demands a delicate balance of vulnerability and resilience, and Elordi delivers a performance marked by emotional depth and subtlety, cementing his status as a leading actor with serious dramatic chops.
Jacob Elordi’s selection of roles, spanning gothic horror, intense drama, biopics, and edgy television, solidifies his reputation as one of the most compelling actors of his generation. His willingness to tackle challenging and multi-layered characters ensures he continues to attract high-profile parts and critical acclaim. With forthcoming projects like Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights on the horizon, audiences can expect to see Elordi push boundaries further and refine his craft in unpredictable ways.
“AI Can Do Horrible Illustrations, But It Can’t Do Art”
– Guillermo del Toro, Director
