Not many actors have made movies as precious as Lucas Hedges. Since the 2000’s, Hedges has become a beloved teen icon. Whether it’s grieving teenagers, drug dealers or queer adolescents, Hedges has portrayed several compelling characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Manchester by the Sea
It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit crushing lows when our housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. Stabbed to death by her lover, my housekeeper experienced a devastating murder. Her heartbreaking death left my family mourning. No matter how hard we tried, my family couldn’t recover from the painful loss of a housekeeper that tragically died. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured loss causing people to face grief as powerfully as “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Lucas Hedges’ best movie captured the life of a grieving teenager haunted by family tragedy. In the greatest role of his career, Hedges portrayed a grief-stricken teenager mourning the tragic loss of his father causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Hedges has spent most of his career playing likeable teenagers with boisterous personalities. With “Manchester by the Sea”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a grieving teenager. Working alongside Casey Affleck who is also amazing, Hedges created a portrait of grief that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Patrick experiences a severe panic attack when he becomes aware of his father’s death causing despair is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” Lucas Hedges’ best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about grief which are often depressing, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about loss which would resonate with everyone. Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking film about grieving teenagers struggling dealing with the heartbreaking loss of family members in Manchester causing mourning, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor whose unforgettable movies are definitely worth celebrating.
2. Lady Bird
Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I remember, I have shared complicated bonds with my mother. An authoritative parent, her strict nature nagging me to do things is irritating. Despite her strict parenting, I admire a mother I find inspiring. As someone treasuring fond memories of a mother that made me feel heard, I adored “Lady Bird”. Released in 2017, Lucas Hedges’ movie captured mothers sharing bonds with teen daughters. In the most compassionate role of his career, Hedges portrays a queer teenager that shares a complicated relationship with his parents causing despair. Hedges has an aptitude for playing troubled teenagers under pressure, and “Lady Bird” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Saoirse Ronan who is also amazing, Hedges created a portrait of adolescence that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Danny is caught having an affair by Lady Bird who realizes he is queer causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Lady Bird” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of adolescence, it’s a bold reminder of an actor with presence that has made unforgetttable movies attracting a humongous audience.
3. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Cops are courageous figures that fascinated my brother. At an early age, I formed bonds with a brother that loved seeing cops facing damage. He spoke fondly about cops putting their lives on the line to save innocent civilians facing a decline. As someone treasuring a brother that loved cops facing tragedy, I admired “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”. Released in 2017, Lucas Hedges’ movie captured corrupt police in a small-town. In the most angry role of his career, Hedges portrayed a teenager facing despair. With “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”, the actor showcased emotional range he hadn’t shown in his career before. Working alongside Frances McDormand who is also outstanding, Hedges created a portrait of cops that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Robbie becomes aware that his mother has built billboards causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about vengeance which would resonate with everyone. As precious as billboards protesting murder, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has made movies which audiences treasure.
4. Boy Erased
Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. Years ago, I witnessed a gay cousin seeking acceptance in Toronto. Fond of women’s attire, he was a person my entire family would admire. However, his sexual identity ended our bonds forever. As someone treasuring a boy whose sexual identity was erased, I admired “Boy Erased”. Released in 2018, Lucas Hedges’ movie honoured LGBTQ communities. In the most tragic role of his career, Hedges portrayed a queer teenager forced to experience a gay conversion therapy program causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by portraying a queer teenager that feels alone. Working alongside Nicole Kidman who is also outstanding, Hedges honoured LGBTQ communities. For instance, the scene in which Jared tells his parents he is queer causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Boy Erased” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about sexual identity which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be members of the LGBTQ community to appreciate it. A powerful portrait of queer teens experiencing gay conversion therapy with a price to pay, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has manufactured movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
5. Ben is Back
Drug addiction is a painful process that causes stress. During my childhood, I formed friendships with a kid addicted to drugs. I remember he attended class in a dazed and confused drug-induced state. His strong addiction to weed put him on doomed academic paths to fail rather than succeed. As someone treasuring a friend with back-breaking drug addiction, I appreciated “Ben is Back”. Released in 2018, Lucas Hedges’ movie captured a teenager with drug addiction. In the most troubled role of his career, Hedges portrayed a tormented teenager with severe drug addiction causing his family to face despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase emotions he hadn’t shown in his career before. Working alongside Julia Roberts who is also amazing, Hedges created a portrait of addiction that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Ben returns home for Christmas reuniting with his family unaware of addiction is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Ben is Back” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a bold message about addiction which would resonate with everyone. A dazzling depiction of addiction, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor whose movies deserve appreciation.
6. Waves
Lucas Hedges has always excelled at playing troubled teenagers facing a ruckus. Hedges has built an image of being an actor that thrives playing teenagers facing emotional damage. Hedges’ strength for playing teenagers that face waves of emotions is clearly evident in his movie “Waves”. Released in 2019, Trey Edward Shults’ movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most compassionate role of his career, Hedges portrayed a caring teenager seeking to care for a friend facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing troubled teenagers. Working alongside Taylor Russell who is also amazing, Hedges created a portrait of grief that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of tragedy tearing families apart, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made great movies audiences consider art.
7. Mid90s
The 1990’s are an era that shaped my identity. Born in 1997, I grew up in an era that gave me a lifelong love of Cinema. As someone treasuring joyous memories of the 1990’s, I appreciated “Mid90s”. Released in 2018, Lucas Hedges’ movie depicted teenagers growing up in the 1990’s. In the most conflicted role of his career, Hedges portrayed an anxiety-ridden adolescent navigating an era causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase rare subtlety he hadn’t shown in his career before. Working alongside Sunny Suljic who is also outstanding, Hedges created a beautiful tribute towards the 1990’s era. A magnificent portrait of mischievous teenagers facing hardships in the 1990’s, it’s a marvellous reminder of an actor that thrives at playing conflicted adolescents with larger-than-life personalities in memorable movies.
8. Moonrise Kingdom
When it comes to filmmakers in Hollywood that deserve recognition, it’s worth discussing Wes Anderson. With their compelling storytelling, sharp sense of humour and powerful acting, Anderson’s movies have earned a huge following. In 2012, Anderson showcased his strength as a filmmaker when he cast Lucas Hedges rising to stardom in his movie “Moonrise Kingdom”. In the most comical role of his career, Hedges portrayed a boy scout experiencing bullying that’s a burden to bear. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase flair for comedy he hadn’t shown in his career before. Working alongside Edward Norton who is also amazing, Hedges created a comedy that’s compelling. As precious as the Moonrise Kingdom, it’s a marvellous reminder of an actor achieving stardom by making memorable movies offering escapism.
9. Honey Boy
Few actors in Hollywood have had a career as controversial as Shia LaBeouf. A former child star, LaBeouf had a traumatic childhood that nearly damaged his career. In 2019, Lucas Hedges honoured the controversial actor that started acting as a young boy in his movie “Honey Boy”. In the most sullen role of his career, Hedges portrayed a famous actor haunted by a traumatic childhood of abuse causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a famous movie-star that’s well-known. Working alongside Shia LaBeouf who is also outstanding, Hedges created a compelling portrait of a troubled real-life actor. A beautiful tribute towards an actor that started making movies as a young boy, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has produced unforgettable movies audiences enjoy.
10. Arthur Newman
Lucas Hedges hasn’t always made great movies that are precious. While most movies the actor has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Arthur Newman” falls into the latter category. Released in 2012, Dante Ariola’s movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Hedges portrayed a tormented teenager facing despair. Hedges brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Arthur Newman” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Hedges’ celebrated legacy. As strong as Arthur Newman’s desire to assume a fake identity, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has created a lasting legacy producing unforgettable films which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn dreams of film criticism into realty.
The Film Buff 