Ella Purnell is poised as one of the future A-Listers of Hollywood. Born Ella Summer Purnell on September 17, 1996, in London, England, UK, this talented young actress has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. Starting her career in the West End theatre as a child, Purnell soon transitioned to television and film, making her debut in the critically acclaimed romantic drama Never Let Me Go.
As she continued to grow as an actress, 2024 has proven to be a breakout year for Purnell, with her performance in Prime Video’s Fallout putting her on the mainstream map. She also earned the coveted title of Madame Figaro Rising Star at the 2024 Canneseries Festival. This recognition is a testament to her dedication and talent, and it’s clear that we can expect to see great things from this rising star in the years to come. So, here’s our pick of her 5 best roles in TV and film.
5. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children as Emma (2016)
In Tim Burton‘s 2016 film, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, young Jake Portman (Asa Butterfield) discovers a mysterious and abandoned orphanage, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, while exploring the coast of Wales. As he delves deeper into the mansion’s secrets, he uncovers clues to a mystery that spans centuries, revealing a hidden world of peculiar children with extraordinary abilities. Upon arriving at the home, Jake meets Emma (Ella Purnell), a fierce and fiery fighter who can conjure flames with her hands, and learns about the dangers that threaten their existence. As the danger intensifies, Jake finds himself entangled in a battle to protect his new friends and uncover the truth behind Miss Peregrine’s mysterious past. The film not only showcased Burton’s signature blend of whimsy and darkness but also launched the careers of many young talents, including Ella Purnell, who shone as the fiery Emma despite only having a supporting role.
Watch Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children on Disney+
4. Belgravia as Lady Maria Grey (2020)
From the creators of the beloved period drama Downton Abbey, Belgravia is a sumptuous and engaging 2020 series that explores the lives of the aristocracy and nouveau riche in 19th-century London. The show centers around the Trenchard family, who navigate the treacherous waters of high society as they rub shoulders with the established upper classes. As secrets from the past begin to surface, tensions rise and relationships are tested. Amidst this intricate web of power struggles and scandalous affairs, Ella Purnell shines as Lady Maria Grey, a kind and lively young woman who defies convention by prioritizing love over social status. Despite not quite reaching the same level of viewership as its Downton Abbey predecessor, Belgravia was still a critical and commercial success, thanks in part to Purnell’s standout performance. Her portrayal of Lady Maria brought a refreshing breath of fresh air to the show, offering a nuanced and relatable portrayal of a woman determined to forge her own path in a society where tradition and expectation reign supreme.
3. Maleficent as Teen Maleficent (2014)
Although Ella Purnell’s screen time in Maleficent was relatively brief, her portrayal of the young Maleficent was a standout moment in the film. Her performance brought a youthful energy and vulnerability to the character, making it easy to see why she would grow up to become the complex and powerful being portrayed by Angelina Jolie. Purnell’s rendition of the young Maleficent was pivotal to the story, as it humanized the character and provided a compelling origin story for her later transformation into the vengeful fairy. Moreover, her acting skills shone through as she seamlessly echoed Jolie’s mannerisms and facial expressions, creating a sense of continuity between the two performances. This early role set the framework for her career going forward.
Watch Maleficent on Prime Video
2. Yellowjackets as Jackie (2021-2023)
The Showtime series Yellowjackets has been hailed as a groundbreaking and addictive thriller, following the story of a team of high school girls’ soccer team who survive a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness in 1996. The show jumps back and forth between the girls’ harrowing experiences during their time stranded and their lives 25 years later, as they struggle to cope with the trauma and secrets they left behind. Among the talented young cast, Ella Purnell commanded the screen as Jackie, a confident and social teen whose strong personality and leadership position in the group are slowly dismantled as she fails to adapt to their desperate circumstances.
As the show’s popularity grew, so did Purnell’s fan base, with many praising her nuanced and complex portrayal of Jackie. After starring in 13 episodes over the course of two seasons, Purnell’s departure from the show was met with widespread fan outcry, as her character’s storyline came to a heart-wrenching conclusion. With Yellowjackets, Purnell cemented her status as a rising star, solidifying her place in the hearts of audiences everywhere.
Watch Yellowjackets on Apple TV+
1. Fallout as Lucy MacLean (2024)
Out of her many roles in TV and film across her short but storied career, Ella Purnell’s rendition as Lucy MacLean in Fallout is really the springboard to major Hollywood success. Fallout is based on the popular video game of the same name, which has earned a devoted following over the years. To that, many fans have vied for a TV or movie adaptation ever since. In 2024, they finally got one.
The Fallout TV series is set in a fictionalised United States with an alternate history, staying faithful to its original material. The plot centres on post-World War II situations that deviate from reality, starting in 1945. The majority of humanity was wiped out in a nuclear holocaust, ending the world as we know it. But in order to preserve mankind and provide a safe haven for survivors, a number of vaults were built underground. These Vaults were not accessible to all humans due to their cost. As the central protagonist, Ella Purnell brings forth both charm and intensity as Lucy, a young girl who leaves the safety of Vault 33 to search for her father. While she had already proved her talent as an actress, Fallout marks her biggest role that showcases her faculty to lead a big budget production. Want to read about another rapidly-rising actress? Here’s 6 things you didn’t know about Maika Monroe.
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