Florence Pugh’s First Major Role You’ve Never Seen

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In 2019, Florence Pugh made a significant breakthrough, earning an Oscar nomination and starring in a major horror film. However, it was the movie “Fighting with My Family” that kick-started her remarkable year. Pugh’s success from this outstanding year has propelled her into becoming one of the leading actors of her generation. The 2020s have seen some of the biggest films release memorable performances by her.

Generally, many people know Emily Blunt from her iconic portrayal of Yelena Belova across Marvel Cinematic Universe productions. However, she’s also shone in other notable roles, such as in the Academy Award-winning film ‘Oppenheimer’, the upcoming blockbuster ‘Dune: Part Two’, and the animated hit ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. A glance at her work in ‘Fighting with My Family’ offers a glimpse into the talent that has made her a star.

Florence Pugh Started 2019 By Starring In Fighting With My Family

She Played Professional Wrestler Paige

Despite her notable performances in films such as Lady Macbeth and Outlaw King, it was the movie Fighting with My Family that significantly shaped Florence Pugh’s career path. In this compelling wrestling film, she portrayed Saraya Knight, who at the time went by the name Paige, a WWE wrestler hailing from a family where everyone was involved in wrestling. This intriguing tale, which resonated perfectly for a big-screen adaptation, caught the attention of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who served as one of its producers.

The movie, titled “The Wrestlers: Fighting with Family,” traces Saraya’s transformation from the British independent wrestling circuit to the world’s top wrestling platform, WWE. Although certain artistic licenses were employed in the narrative, it was Pugh’s acting that truly shone. She convincingly portrayed Paige and held her own against seasoned actors such as Vince Vaughn, Lena Headey, and Nick Frost on screen.

The movie “Fighting with My Family” fared reasonably well financially, but it truly shone in terms of critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts a powerful 93% rating. Critics particularly lauded the captivating performance of lead actress Pugh.

Florence Pugh’s 2019 Set The Tone For The Rest Of Her Career

Her Career Afterward Built On Her Performance In Fighting With My Family

Throughout her acting journey, Florence Pugh has demonstrated her remarkable versatility. She excels in comedic roles like Yelena in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, gives emotionally charged performances as Almut in ‘We Live in Time’, and steals the show in large ensembles with her portrayal of Jean Tatlock in ‘Oppenheimer’. A significant portion of Pugh’s achievements can be attributed to her 2019 breakthrough, which included an Oscar nomination for ‘Little Women’ and a standout performance in ‘Midsommar’, considered one of the finest recent acting displays.

As a passionate cinephile, I must say that among all films, none quite prepared me for the kind of characters Florence Pugh would embody like “Fighting with My Family.” The character Saraya/Paige, much like Yelena, presents a tough facade due to her environment yet harbors deep wounds and vulnerabilities beneath. This resonance between the two roles is one reason why Pugh’s portrayal of Yelena has gained such widespread appeal.

As a discerning movie critic, I must say that in the heartwarming film “Fighting with My Family,” Florence Pugh truly shines. Her portrayal of emotional moments outstrips any other performance within the movie, which is becoming a recurring theme throughout her impressive career. In the poignant drama “A Good Person,” she masterfully embodies a protagonist grappling with loss, and more recently in “Thunderbolts*,” she serves as the soul of the movie with a profound monologue about the remorse she carries in her life.

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2025-06-01 18:29