Why Aren’t We Talking More About Daniel Kaluuya?

Quick, think of the top 5 best working actors in the world right now. Who did you come up with? Maybe you said Leonardo DiCaprio or Denzel Washington. Maybe you said Meryl Streep or Francis McDormand. Maybe Joaquin Phoenix, Olivia Coleman, Tom Hanks, or Gary Oldman. All of which would be perfectly fine answers. But there is one name that should absolutely be on that list that most people won’t think of: Dainel Kaluuya. He may very well be the best actor in the world right now, so why aren’t we having more of a discussion around how great he is? Let’s take a quick look at the hits from his IMDb over the last few years:

• Sicario
• Get Out
• Black Panther
• Widows
• Queen and Slim
• Judas and the Black Messiah

There are a few other shorts and mini-series thrown in there, but these are the big pieces of work he has done since 2015. Has there been a better run by an actor over the last 6 years? All 6 of these movies are incredible. In fairness, he certainly isn’t the star of Sicario or Black Panther, but it is telling that he is intentional about the projects he picks, even in a supporting role. Let’s break down his roles in each of the movies and talk about why he is so great.

#1 – Chris Washington in Get Out

Get Out is one of my favorite movies of all time. I think it is an all time horror classic on par with movies like The Shining (my actual favorite horror movie ever), Psycho, and Silence of the Lambs. Many of you might think that is blasphemy, but I’m confident Get Out will pass the test of time. It perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the perceived “post-racial” societal anxiety after the Obama presidency. It is a tense, taut, and beautifully shot thriller that is just as rewarding on the 5th view as the 1st. But the movie entirely falls apart if the actor playing Chris doesn’t totally nail the role. I recently re-watched it, now being more familiar with Kaluuya as an actor, and was absolutely mesmerized by his performance. He has to carry so much in this movie. He needs to be the loving, anxious boyfriend, the code switching fish out of water, the sensitive and grief stricken artist, and the vengeful hero in a horror movie. We witness this transformation from the boy next door to the man who has nothing left to lose but his life, with a keen sense of dramatic irony, as the audience is always a step ahead in terms of the horrific scene being played out in front of us. Kaluuya does so much with is facial expressions in this movie, displaying the confusion, anger, hurt, pain, and betrayal for all to see, without needing to say a word. You can almost hear what he’s thinking as he is put on display for the rich, white, slave masters as they fawn over his frame, his looks, or his potential athletic ability. He portrays so much without saying a word, something that separates the good actors from the great. He is totally believable in every phase of this movie, making you think he could be the lead in a romantic comedy, action movie, or horror. What I didn’t realize is that he could become a villain, as we’ll see in his next movie.

#2 – Jatemme Manning in Widows

Widows wasn’t nearly as successful or as lauded as Get Out, but it’s no less of a triumph for Kaluuya. For those unfamiliar, Widows is Steve McQueen’s mystery/thriller starring Viola Davis as she deals with the grief of losing her husband, played by Liam Neeson, and the lengths she’ll go to to pay off the debt he collected in his criminal life. This eventually leads her to cross paths with Kaluuya, who plays the muscle for his crime lord brother, played brilliantly by Brian Tyree Henry (another deeply underappreciated actor). Every time Kaluuya graces the screen, he absolutely steals the show. He is a terror, menacing to the last drop. He feels like the shark in Jaws, constantly a threat off the screen, leaving everyone on the edge of their seat. The second you feel safe, he pops up, looking for blood, and is absolutely electric. Just watch this scene and look at the way Kaluuya plays it. Despite being the shortest person in that room, he asserts his presence over everyone. Look at the way he places the book down casually. How he saunters up to his targets. How he leans, grins, shows the “oh shit, OK” face while toying with his prey. He is cold blooded down to the atomic level. And he oozes confidence, terror, and calm all in one. The versatility to go from the anxious boyfriend in Get Out, to the loyal and hardened best friend in Black Panther, to this cold blooded monster in Widows is an incredible feet.

#3 – Slim in Queen and Slim

I have no idea how many people saw Queen and Slim, but if you haven’t checked it out, you really should. This modern twist on the classic Bonnie and Clyde trope turned out to be better than it had any right to be, mostly due to the powerful performances by its two leads, Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith. The plot of the movie is simple. Slim, played by Kaluuya, is on a first date with Queen, played by Turner-Smith, when they get pulled over for driving while black. A violent encounter ensures, and Queen convinces Slim that their best option is to run. What follows is an often somber, frustrating, and lonely trip across America as they attempt their escape. The beauty of the film lies in the moments when the two characters forget why they are running and attempt to cherish any glimpses of freedom they can grasp. Kaluuya has to be everything in this movie. He starts off as a soft spoken, almost nerdy, guy just looking for some companionship. But through his journey, he adapts to his situation. He is equal parts protective, fierce, angry, sorrowful, hopeful, lonely, and sexy. He has to wear so many hats, showcase significant emotional range, and charm both the audience and the other characters on screen. It is a great showcase for Kaluuya, a pseudo romantic tragedy where he has to carry a significant amount of weight in order for us to emotionally connect with the character. Do yourself a favor and check it out if you haven’t already.

#4 – Fred Hampton in Judas and the Black Messiah

Finally we get to his most recent performance, as Fred Hampton in Judas and the Black Messiah. He was rightfully nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the young Black Panther leader. In this movie, Kaluuya chews up every scene he is in and spits it back out, leaving the scraps for everyone else. His presence in this movie is palatable, almost like you feel him in your living room, speaking directly to your heart. The oration, the passion, and the purpose are all on display in full force, something I honestly didn’t know he had in him. In most of his other roles, he is understated, with a brooding, cerebral take on a character. You always know there is something deeper behind what he is portraying. But in Judas, he absolutely pops off the screen in a fury, tearing anything down in his path. But in true Kaluuya fashion, he is also able to explore the quieter moments in the movie. He always finds a way to show off his range as an actor. Personally, I think he should run away with the Oscar this year and I don’t think it is particularly close. Then maybe we can start finally talking about Daniel Kaluuya as one of the great actors working today?