Notable Roles & Performances

Swallow (2019)

Role: Hunter

Director: Carlos Mirabella-Davis

Bennett's most celebrated performance came in this psychological thriller, where she plays Hunter, a woman struggling with pica—an eating disorder characterized by the consumption of non-food items. Her portrayal is raw, vulnerable, and deeply moving, showcasing her ability to convey psychological complexity through subtle physical and emotional nuance.

The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2019, where Bennett received the award for Best Actress. Critics universally praised her performance, calling it "pitch-perfect," "extraordinary," and "masterful." Her commitment to the role—including the physical and psychological demands of portraying a character in psychological distress—demonstrates her dedication to her craft.

Beyond her acting, Bennett also served as executive producer on the film, indicating her investment in the project's artistic vision and narrative integrity. This role represents a career milestone and remains her most acclaimed performance to date.

Critical Reception: Universal acclaim; Tribeca Film Festival Best Actress Award

The Girl on the Train (2016)

Role: Megan Hipwell

Director: Tate Taylor

Co-stars: Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, Justin Theroux

In this psychological thriller adapted from Paula Hawkins' bestselling novel, Bennett plays Megan Hipwell, a complex character central to the film's mystery and emotional core. Her performance as a woman caught between desire, deception, and danger earned critical praise for its nuance and authenticity.

Bennett's portrayal of Megan showcases her ability to convey multiple layers of emotion and motivation. She brings vulnerability and strength to a character who is simultaneously victim and perpetrator, creating a morally ambiguous role that challenges audience perception. Her scenes with Emily Blunt create palpable tension and emotional resonance.

The film was a commercial success, grossing over $160 million worldwide, and Bennett's performance was consistently highlighted as one of the film's strengths. This role marked her emergence as a serious actress capable of anchoring major studio productions.

Critical Reception: Positive reviews; praised for her complex portrayal

The Equalizer (2014)

Role: Mandy

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Co-stars: Denzel Washington, Melissa Leo, Marton Csokas

In this action thriller, Bennett plays Mandy, a young woman caught in a dangerous situation who becomes central to the film's narrative. Though her screen time is limited compared to lead Denzel Washington, Bennett makes a significant impact with her performance, conveying vulnerability and strength.

Her role as Mandy demonstrates her ability to hold her own alongside established Hollywood stars. The character serves as the moral catalyst for Washington's character, and Bennett brings authenticity and emotional depth to this pivotal role. Her performance helped establish her as an actress capable of appearing in major studio action productions.

The film was commercially successful and spawned a sequel, establishing itself as a franchise. Bennett's performance contributed to the film's emotional core and helped elevate it beyond standard action movie fare.

Critical Reception: Positive; praised for her performance in a supporting role

The Magnificent Seven (2016)

Role: Emma Cullen

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Co-stars: Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio

Bennett plays Emma Cullen, a widow seeking justice in this action-western remake. Her role is pivotal to the film's narrative, serving as the moral center that brings together the titular seven gunfighters. Bennett brings strength, determination, and emotional authenticity to a character who could have been one-dimensional.

Her portrayal of Emma showcases Bennett's ability to command scenes in large ensemble productions. She holds her own alongside established action stars and delivers a performance that grounds the film's more fantastical elements in emotional reality. Her character's journey from grieving widow to determined seeker of justice provides the film's emotional throughline.

The film demonstrates Bennett's versatility across genres, proving she can excel in action-oriented narratives as well as intimate psychological dramas. Her performance earned praise from critics and audiences alike.

Critical Reception: Positive; praised for her strong central performance

Hillbilly Elegy (2020)

Role: Lindsay

Director: Ron Howard

Co-stars: Owen Eklund, Glenn Close, Amy Adams

In Ron Howard's Netflix adaptation of J.D. Vance's memoir, Bennett plays Lindsay, a character whose life intersects with the film's central narrative. Her performance in this prestige drama showcases her ability to work with acclaimed directors on meaningful projects.

The film, which premiered on Netflix, brought together a stellar cast and demonstrated Bennett's continued evolution as an actress. Her work in this production further established her as a serious performer capable of anchoring major streaming productions alongside established Hollywood names.

Critical Reception: Netflix prestige drama