By Giulia Piceni. Cover image by Iulia Ecaterina Paraschiv.

Gladiator II movie is here. Paul Mescal, the Oscar-nominated actor known for his nuanced performances in indie films — including the short one linked below—consistently delivers raw authenticity in his roles. However, casting such a talent rooted in independent cinema and theatre (he recently portrayed Stanley Kowalski in a Broadway production of A Streetcar Named Desire) in a blockbuster film directed by Ridley Scott for Gladiator II raised some eyebrows. 

Was Gladiator II a Missed Opportunity for Paul Mescal? Let’s Break It Down

Mescal’s performance was impressive, even though limited by a poorly written script and shallow character development, which is often a downside of blockbuster productions. That said, there is nothing to criticise about his leap into such a high-profile project; it’s a significant milestone in any actor’s career. 
Gladiator II also succeeded in introducing Mescal’s undeniable screen presence to a broader audience, many of whom may not have been familiar with his earlier work. For those who appreciate his talent, now is the perfect opportunity to explore his repertoire of character-driven films, where his ability to convey profound emotional nuances truly stands out. This curated list of must-watch titles highlights the versatility and resonance that make Paul Mescal one of the most compelling actors of his generation.

1. Normal People (2020) The Role That Launched Paul Mescal’s Career (And Why You Should Watch It)

Winner of the 2021 BAFTA TV Award, this series has made a profound impact on an entire generation, leaving many haunted by its raw emotional depth. For those seeking a viewing experience as unsettling and intense as a horror film, this is the series to choose.
In case you’ve somehow missed it (and hopefully, you haven’t), the show delivers one of Paul Mescal’s most compelling performances to date, which has propelled him into larger productions following this first leading role. Adapted from Sally Rooney’s acclaimed novel Normal People, it chronicles the turbulent teenage and young adult years of Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal) and Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar Jones).  

At its core, the story delves into the complexities of love: its timeless nature, frequent misalignment, and the communication barriers that define and redefine relationships. Connell and Marianne find themselves in an endless cycle of drifting apart and coming back together, only to separate once more. The series concludes with a heartbreakingly poignant final exchange: “I’ll go” and “I’ll stay”. After watching it for the umpteenth time, I feel like a child of divorce. 

2. God’s Creatures (2022): The Chilling Thriller That Shows Paul Mescal at His Most Intense

We admire actors who give voice to their homeland, and Paul Mescal does just that in this gripping thriller. Set on a bleak, nameless Irish island with a small fishing community, the story centres on Aileen (Emily Watson), a mother torn between protecting her son Brian (Mescal) and upholding the values of her close-knit village when he’s accused of sexually assaulting a local girl.

The windswept, desolate beauty of the island mirrors the growing tension in the story, creating an atmosphere of unease that keeps viewers on edge. Although the script doesn’t allow Mescal to fully explore his character’s depths, his understated performance radiates a quiet intensity that is hard to ignore. Emily Watson shines as a mother grappling with impossible choices, anchoring the film with her raw, deeply emotional portrayal of Aileen. Together, she and Mescal deliver a haunting exploration of love, loyalty, and betrayal in a community where secrets fester like wounds.

3. The Heartbreaking Aftersun (2022)

Give me a father-daughter movie, and I’ll be an emotional wreck. Aftersun is both a balm for the soul and a punch to the gut; it’s the soothing aftersun lotion for the invisible burns we all carry.
This film secured an Oscar nomination for Mescal in 2023 while also marking the debut feature by rising British director Charlotte Wells, who drew inspiration from a vacation she took with her father in Turkey. Heart-wrenching and melancholic, the narrative follows the final holiday shared between Calum (Paul Mescal) and his eleven-year-old daughter, Sophie (Frankie Corio). As they navigate moments of deep connection and missed understanding, they spend what will ultimately be their last days together.

Through found-footage recordings, unspoken silences, and languid days filled with quiet love, the story captures the deep bond between a father and daughter. As Calum grapples with his own struggles, he finds a bittersweet sense of peace with Sophie before making the final, irreversible decision to disappear by taking his own life. Now, because of this film, I can’t help but feel a tightness in my throat every time I listen to Under Pressure.

4. All of Us Strangers (2023): A Career-Defining Moment

With Paul Mescal, it’s impossible to escape the “hot and sad” trope as he brings it to life in one of the most nuanced performances of his filmography in All of Us Strangers.
The story revolves around Adam (Andrew Scott), a screenwriter struggling to write a script that is deeply connected to his past. Growing up in a socially restrictive school environment, Adam endured relentless bullying because of his sexuality and never found the courage to come out to his parents, who tragically died in a car accident before he had the chance.

Now an adult, he lives a solitary life, disconnected from friends and his roots, until he meets his neighbour Harry (Paul Mescal). As they bond over their shared loneliness, their connection blossoms into love.This newfound relationship becomes a source of inspiration for Adam, breathing new life into his stalled script and giving him the courage to revisit his childhood home. There, he begins to experience vivid hallucinations of his late parents, engaging in heartfelt conversations where he finally expresses everything left unsaid.
If the Internet hasn’t spoiled the ending for you, be sure to have tissues at hand for the finale.

5. Foe (2023): The Sci-Fi Thriller That Showcases Paul Mescal’s Unmatched Talent

Are you in love with a person or with the feelings you’ve come to associate with them? This question lies at the heart of a gripping narrative set against the bleak backdrop of a catastrophic future. In the year 2065, Earth has become an inhospitable wasteland, stripped of its resources, forcing humanity to seek new havens in the vast darkness of space.
The story centres on Henrietta (played by the breathtaking Saorise Roan) and Junior (portrayed by Paul Mescal), a young married couple living under the harsh restrictions of a remote farm in the Midwest. Already grappling with marital struggles, their fragile equilibrium is further disrupted by the arrival of Terrence, a representative of a space exploration company. Terrence delivers life-altering news: in two years, Junior is slated to leave for an experimental mission in space, a development that shakes the foundation of their relationship.

Although this film flew under the radar, Paul Mescal’s performance as Junior is a masterclass in internal conflict. His portrayal vividly captures a man torn between salvaging his faltering marriage and coming to terms with his own fleeting existence.
I won’t give away any more details, as this film is best enjoyed with minimal prior knowledge. Its intricate storytelling rewards a second viewing, unveiling subtle layers intricately woven into its narrative, each offering multiple interpretations.