In recent headlines, Quentin Tarantino openly criticized Paul Dano's performance in There Will Be Blood, calling him "weak sauce" and going so far as to label him a "big giant flaw" in an otherwise critically acclaimed film. Tarantino's remarks have sparked widespread debate among fans about Dano's merits as an actor. While such comments are bound to capture attention, they stand in sharp contrast to the consensus among critics, directors, and audiences who have long recognized Dano as one of his generation's most versatile and reliable performers.
Paul Dano has built his reputation on disappearing into complex and deeply human roles, whether as introverted outsiders or formidable antagonists. His ability to convey internal conflict, vulnerability, and intensity—often with striking subtlety—has set him apart as a favorite among visionary filmmakers. As you’ll see throughout his career highlights, Dano's performances consistently enrich every project he joins, making a substantial and lasting impact on modern cinema.
Here we’ll provide a comprehensive ranking of Paul Dano's films, from his most critically celebrated works to his less successful ventures. The ranking is based on an average of each film's Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic scores. Let’s get into it!
1. 12 Years a Slave — Avg: 95.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
- Metascore: 96
Steve McQueen’s historical drama is an unflinching and essential cinematic work, adapting Solomon Northup's 1853 memoir. The film follows Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free African American man from New York who is abducted and sold into slavery in the antebellum South. 12 Years a Slave received widespread critical acclaim for its raw, honest depiction of the brutality of slavery, its masterful direction, and its powerful performances, ultimately winning the Academy Award for Best Picture.
In a film filled with difficult roles, Paul Dano’s portrayal of John Tibeats is particularly chilling. Tibeats is a carpenter and overseer on the plantation where Northup is first enslaved, and he embodies the petty cruelty and insecurity of a man granted power over others. Dano infuses Tibeats with a venomous and cowardly nature, tormenting Northup with a smug sense of superiority. His performance is brief but unforgettable, providing a sharp and disturbing portrait of the casual evil that the institution of slavery enabled.
2. The Sopranos — Avg: 93
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
- Metascore: 94
While not a film, Dano’s appearance in HBO's landmark series The Sopranos is a notable early-career role that showcased his potential. The series, created by David Chase, chronicles the life of New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) as he struggles to balance his criminal enterprise with his family life, all while attending therapy sessions. The Sopranos is widely regarded as one of the greatest television series of all time, celebrated for its complex character development, dark humor, and deconstruction of the gangster genre.
Dano appears in two episodes as Patrick Whalen, a friend of Tony’s son, A.J. Soprano. In his role, Dano portrays a typically smart and slightly pretentious teenager, discussing philosophical concepts and questioning societal norms. Although a minor character, Dano’s performance is natural and convincing, capturing the intellectual curiosity and youthful arrogance of his character. It offered an early glimpse of his ability to play thoughtful and slightly off-kilter individuals.
3. There Will Be Blood — Avg: 92
- Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
- Metascore: 93
Paul Thomas Anderson’s sprawling epic is a monumental film about ambition, greed, and the corrosion of the human soul at the turn of the 20th century. The story centers on Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis), a silver prospector turned oil magnate whose relentless pursuit of wealth puts him in direct conflict with a young, charismatic preacher named Eli Sunday. The film was lauded by critics for its stunning cinematography, Jonny Greenwood's unsettling score, and Day-Lewis's towering, Oscar-winning performance.
As Eli Sunday, Paul Dano delivers a career-defining performance that serves as the perfect foil to Plainview’s monstrous capitalism. Dano portrays Eli with a mix of genuine faith and opportunistic cunning, creating a character who is both a spiritual leader and a grifter. The escalating psychological warfare between Eli and Daniel forms the dark heart of the film. Dano’s portrayal of religious fervor, whether in a thunderous sermon or a humiliating debasement, is electrifying and cements his status as a formidable actor.
4. Pantheon — Avg: 88.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
- Metascore: 77
This animated science-fiction series explores the chilling possibilities of "Uploaded Intelligence," where human consciousness is digitized and stored on the cloud. The story follows Maddie, a teenager who discovers her recently deceased father’s consciousness has been uploaded and is being controlled by a powerful corporation. Pantheon received universal acclaim for its intelligent, thought-provoking narrative, complex themes, and mature handling of topics like grief, identity, and the future of technology.
Paul Dano voices the central character of Caspian, a brilliant but troubled teenager who becomes entangled in the central conspiracy. Caspian is a coding prodigy navigating a difficult home life, and Dano’s voice work perfectly captures his intelligence, vulnerability, and growing sense of unease. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, conveying Caspian’s inner turmoil and determination through subtle shifts in tone and inflection, making the character a compelling anchor for the series' ambitious story.
5. Looper — Avg: 88.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
- Metascore: 84
Rian Johnson’s inventive science-fiction thriller is set in a future where time travel exists but is illegal, used by mob syndicates to dispose of people by sending them to the past to be killed by "loopers." The story follows Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a looper whose life is upended when his future self (Bruce Willis) appears as his next target and escapes. The film was praised for its clever premise, gripping action, and character-driven drama.
In Looper, Paul Dano plays Seth, a fellow looper and friend of Joe’s who panics when his future self arrives and he lets him get away. Dano’s performance is a masterclass in conveying desperation and terror. As Seth’s world unravels and he faces the horrific consequences of his failure, Dano’s portrayal is deeply sympathetic and harrowing. His limited screen time is one of the most memorable parts of the film, illustrating the brutal reality of the loopers' existence.
6. The Fabelmans — Avg: 88.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
- Metascore: 85
Steven Spielberg's semi-autobiographical film is a deeply personal and moving story about a young boy named Sammy Fabelman who discovers his passion for filmmaking while navigating a complex family dynamic. The film explores the power of cinema to both reveal and conceal truth, as Sammy uses his camera to make sense of the world and the growing rift between his parents. The Fabelmans was celebrated as a heartfelt love letter to family and filmmaking.
Paul Dano co-stars as Burt Fabelman, Sammy’s father, a brilliant and kind-hearted computer engineer. Dano’s performance is a study in quiet dignity and gentle melancholy. He portrays Burt as a man of science who struggles to understand his son's artistic passions and his wife's emotional turmoil. Dano’s understated work is the emotional core of the film, capturing the quiet heartbreak of a good man trying his best in a family that is slowly falling apart.
7. Little Miss Sunshine — Avg: 85.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
- Metascore: 80
This quirky and heartwarming indie comedy follows the dysfunctional Hoover family as they pile into a rickety VW bus to take their young daughter, Olive, to a children's beauty pageant in California. The film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its sharp writing, dark humor, and the superb ensemble cast that brought the eccentric family to life. It remains a beloved classic of independent cinema.
Paul Dano plays Dwayne, the angst-ridden teenage son who has taken a vow of silence until he can enroll in the Air Force Academy. For most of the film, Dano communicates entirely through intense glares, frantic scribbles on a notepad, and a palpable sense of adolescent frustration. When he finally breaks his silence in a moment of devastating disappointment, the emotional explosion is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Dano's committed and largely silent performance is a standout in a film full of brilliant ones.
8. Meek’s Cutoff — Avg: 85.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
- Metascore: 85
Kelly Reichardt’s minimalist Western is a slow-burning and atmospheric film that subverts the conventions of the genre. The story follows a small group of settlers in 1845 who become lost on the Oregon Trail after entrusting their fate to a guide named Stephen Meek. As their water and supplies dwindle, paranoia and desperation set in. The film was praised for its stark realism, beautiful cinematography, and suspenseful, ambiguous narrative.
Paul Dano has a small but pivotal role as Thomas Gately, one of the young husbands in the wagon train. In a film where dialogue is sparse, Dano uses his expressive face and body language to convey the growing fear and uncertainty of his character. He represents the quiet, observant member of the group, whose trust in their guide slowly erodes. His performance contributes to the film's tense and authentic atmosphere.
9. Love & Mercy — Avg: 85
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
- Metascore: 80
This unconventional biopic offers a dual portrait of Brian Wilson, the creative genius behind The Beach Boys. The film alternates between two periods in Wilson's life: the 1960s, with Paul Dano playing a young Wilson struggling with his mental health while composing the masterpiece album Pet Sounds, and the 1980s, with John Cusack as an older Wilson under the manipulative control of his therapist, Eugene Landy.
Paul Dano’s performance as the young Brian Wilson is nothing short of astonishing. He perfectly captures Wilson’s boyish enthusiasm, creative brilliance, and the profound vulnerability that accompanied his psychological decline. Dano learned to play the piano and sing for the role, and his scenes in the recording studio are electric, showing a young artist pushing the boundaries of popular music. He embodies the spirit of Wilson, delivering a performance that is both a tribute and a profound character study.
10. Escape at Dannemora — Avg: 83.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
- Metascore: 78
This seven-part limited series, directed by Ben Stiller, tells the true story of the 2015 prison break from the Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York. The series focuses on the two convicted murderers, Richard Matt (Benicio del Toro) and David Sweat (Paul Dano), and the female prison employee, Tilly Mitchell (Patricia Arquette), who helps them escape after becoming romantically entangled with both men.
As David Sweat, Paul Dano is quietly menacing and meticulously calculating. Unlike the more outwardly aggressive Matt, Sweat is the brains behind the escape, a man of careful planning and intense focus. Dano undergoes a significant physical transformation for the role, but his most impressive work is internal. He portrays Sweat with a chilling stillness, conveying a deep well of intelligence and desperation that makes his eventual escape feel both terrifying and inevitable.
11. Okja — Avg: 81
- Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
- Metascore: 75
Bong Joon-ho’s eclectic and genre-bending film tells the story of a young girl named Mija who raises a genetically engineered "super-pig" named Okja. When the powerful corporation that created Okja comes to reclaim their property, Mija embarks on a rescue mission that brings her into conflict with corporate greed and a group of radical animal rights activists. The film is a unique blend of adventure, satire, and social commentary.
Paul Dano plays Jay, the gentle and principled leader of the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). Dano’s performance is a highlight, portraying Jay with an almost zen-like calm and an unwavering commitment to his cause of non-violence. He brings a soft-spoken sincerity to the role that contrasts sharply with the film's more chaotic elements. Dano makes Jay a compelling and sympathetic figure, even as the ALF's plans go awry.
12. War & Peace — Avg: 80
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
- Metascore: 72
This six-part BBC adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's epic novel is a lavish and sweeping production that brings the world of 19th-century Russia to life. The story follows the lives and loves of several aristocratic families against the backdrop of Napoleon's invasion. The series was praised for its gorgeous cinematography, strong performances, and its ability to distill Tolstoy's massive novel into a compelling and accessible television event.
Paul Dano stars as Pierre Bezukhov, the awkward, illegitimate son of a wealthy count who suddenly finds himself navigating the treacherous world of high society. Dano is perfectly cast as the idealistic and socially clumsy Pierre. He captures the character's intellectual curiosity, his search for meaning, and his often-painful journey toward self-discovery. Dano’s performance is the emotional heart of the series, making Pierre a deeply human and relatable protagonist.
13. L.I.E. — Avg: 79
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
- Metascore: 73
This provocative and controversial independent drama was Paul Dano’s breakout film role. The story follows Howie, a disaffected 15-year-old Long Island teenager who, after the death of his mother and the arrest of his father, falls into a disturbing and complex relationship with an older man known as "Big John." The film was noted for its frank and unsettling subject matter and its powerful performances.
As Howie, a young Paul Dano delivers a fearless and astonishingly mature performance. He captures the character's mix of adolescent ennui, vulnerability, and a desperate need for connection. Dano’s portrayal is nuanced and raw, navigating extremely challenging material with a grace and understanding far beyond his years. It was a role that immediately announced him as a major new talent to watch.
14. The Batman — Avg: 78.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
- Metascore: 72
Matt Reeves’ dark and gritty reboot of the Batman franchise presents a younger, more detective-focused version of the Caped Crusader in his second year of fighting crime. The film follows Batman (Robert Pattinson) as he hunts a sadistic serial killer known as the Riddler, who targets Gotham's elite and exposes a web of corruption. The film was praised for its noir atmosphere, stunning visuals, and grounded take on the iconic hero.
Paul Dano’s portrayal of the Riddler is genuinely terrifying. This is not the campy villain of past iterations but a deeply disturbed and dangerously intelligent domestic terrorist inspired by the Zodiac Killer. Dano spends much of the film behind a mask, using only his chilling voice and unnerving physicality to create a sense of dread. When finally unmasked, he delivers a manic and unsettling performance that reveals the pathetic and entitled man behind the monster.
15. Prisoners — Avg: 75.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
- Metascore: 70
Denis Villeneuve’s grim and atmospheric thriller is a harrowing exploration of how far a person will go to protect their family. The story begins when two young girls are abducted, and one of the fathers, Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman), takes the law into his own hands when the police release their only suspect. The film is a tense and morally complex tale that was praised for its suspenseful direction and powerful performances.
Paul Dano plays Alex Jones, the primary suspect in the kidnapping. Dano’s performance is deeply unsettling. He portrays Alex with the intellectual capacity of a child, making it unclear whether he is a monster, a victim, or something in between. Dano’s ability to convey profound unease and ambiguity with just a blank stare or a nervous twitch is central to the film’s suffocating tension. It's a subtle but deeply disturbing performance.
16. Dumb Money — Avg: 75
- Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
- Metascore: 66
Based on the real-life GameStop short squeeze of 2021, Dumb Money is a fast-paced and entertaining account of how a group of amateur investors on Reddit took on Wall Street and won. The film follows Keith Gill, a financial analyst who becomes the unlikely leader of the movement under his online persona, "Roaring Kitty." The film balances a David-vs-Goliath story with a sharp critique of financial inequality.
Paul Dano stars as Keith Gill, and he is the heart and soul of the film. Dano portrays Gill not as a revolutionary firebrand, but as a nerdy, earnest, and slightly awkward family man who genuinely believes in the stock. He brings a charming and relatable energy to the role, making it easy for the audience to root for him. Dano’s performance grounds the film's chaotic energy, turning a complex financial story into a compelling human drama.
17. Ruby Sparks — Avg: 73
- Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
- Metascore: 67
This whimsical and clever romantic comedy, written by and starring Zoe Kazan, explores the nature of creation and control in relationships. Paul Dano plays Calvin, a young novelist struggling with writer's block who creates his ideal woman, Ruby Sparks, as a character in his book, only to find her alive in his apartment one day. The film was praised for its inventive premise and its smart deconstruction of the "manic pixie dream girl" trope.
As Calvin, Dano is perfectly cast as the neurotic and lonely writer who suddenly finds himself with god-like power over his own girlfriend. He expertly navigates the character's journey from giddy excitement to manipulative control, capturing the darker implications of his creative power. Dano’s chemistry with Zoe Kazan (his real-life partner) is palpable, and his performance is both charming and unsettling, making Ruby Sparks a thoughtful and engaging film.
18. Where the Wild Things Are — Avg: 72
- Rotten Tomatoes: 73%
- Metascore: 71
Spike Jonze’s visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s book expands the simple story into a feature-length exploration of childhood emotions. The film follows Max, a lonely and misunderstood boy who sails to an island inhabited by giant, emotional creatures known as the "Wild Things." The film was praised for its unique blend of live-action, puppetry, and CGI, as well as its mature and melancholic tone.
Paul Dano voices Alexander, one of the Wild Things. Alexander is a small, goat-like creature who is constantly overlooked and desperate for attention. Dano’s voice work perfectly captures Alexander’s insecurity and quiet yearning for recognition. In a cast of distinctive voices, Dano brings a particular brand of gentle sadness to his character, adding to the film’s rich emotional tapestry and its poignant exploration of complex feelings.
19. Swiss Army Man — Avg: 68.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 73%
- Metascore: 64
One of the most wonderfully bizarre films in recent memory, Swiss Army Man is a story of friendship, loneliness, and the power of flatulence. The film follows Hank (Paul Dano), a man stranded on a deserted island who is about to give up hope when he discovers a corpse (Daniel Radcliffe) that washes ashore. He soon learns that this corpse has a variety of magical, multipurpose abilities that may help him get home.
As Hank, Paul Dano gives a heartfelt and deeply committed performance that grounds the film's absurdity. He plays the role with complete sincerity, conveying Hank's profound loneliness and his growing affection for his new, multi-purpose friend. Dano’s ability to find the emotional truth in such a surreal premise is a testament to his talent. His performance, paired with Radcliffe's, turns what could have been a one-joke movie into a surprisingly moving story about finding connection in the strangest of places.
20. For Ellen — Avg: 67
- Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
- Metascore: 61
This quiet and contemplative independent drama follows Joby Taylor, a struggling rock musician on the verge of finalizing his divorce. He travels to a small town to sign the papers, which would also mean signing away the custody of his young daughter, Ellen. Over the course of a day, Joby makes a last-ditch, fumbling effort to connect with the child he barely knows.
Paul Dano stars as Joby, and the film rests almost entirely on his shoulders. He delivers a raw and vulnerable performance as a man whose rock-and-roll lifestyle has left him emotionally stunted and ill-equipped for fatherhood. Dano avoids clichés, portraying Joby not as a monster, but as a deeply flawed and lost individual who is slowly realizing the gravity of his choices. It is a subtle and powerful character study.
21. The Girl Next Door — Avg: 62.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 56%
- Metascore: 69
This teen comedy follows Matthew, a straight-laced high school senior who falls for his beautiful new neighbor, Danielle, only to discover that she is a famous adult film star. The film attempts to blend a raunchy teen comedy with a sweet-natured romance, and while its reception was mixed, it has gained a cult following over the years for its charm and humor.
Paul Dano plays Klitz, one of Matthew’s nerdy and awkward best friends. In a supporting role, Dano makes a memorable impression with his comedic timing and quirky energy. He fully embraces the role of the socially inept but well-meaning friend, providing many of the film’s funniest moments. It’s an early example of Dano’s versatility and his ability to stand out even in a small part.
22. Fast Food Nation — Avg: 56.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 49%
- Metascore: 64
Richard Linklater’s ensemble drama is an adaptation of Eric Schlosser’s non-fiction book of the same name, exploring the dark side of the American fast-food industry. The film weaves together several storylines, including a corporate marketing executive investigating claims of contaminated meat, and the lives of undocumented immigrant workers at a meatpacking plant. The film's ambitious, multi-threaded narrative received a mixed response from critics.
Paul Dano has a small role as Brian, a teenage fast-food employee who is an aspiring activist. He and his friends plan to liberate the cattle from the local slaughterhouse, but their idealistic plans are naive and ultimately ineffective. Dano’s performance captures the character's youthful idealism and his eventual disillusionment with the overwhelming power of the corporate machine.
23. The Ballad of Jack and Rose — Avg: 52.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 46%
- Metascore: 59
Written and directed by Rebecca Miller, this drama stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Jack, a man living in isolation on an island with his teenage daughter, Rose. Their self-contained world is shattered when Jack invites his girlfriend and her two sons to live with them, leading to emotional turmoil and conflict. The film’s exploration of its complex and sometimes uncomfortable themes divided critics.
Paul Dano plays Thaddius, one of the girlfriend’s sons. His character is a quiet and awkward teenager who clashes with the overbearing Jack. Dano’s performance is understated, portraying Thaddius with a quiet sensitivity that contrasts with the more volatile emotions of the other characters. It was also the first time he worked on-screen with Daniel Day-Lewis, several years before their iconic pairing in There Will Be Blood.
24. The Wizard of the Kremlin — Avg: 52
- Rotten Tomatoes: 50%
- Metascore: 54
This political thriller is a fictionalized account of the inner workings of the modern Russian government, as seen through the eyes of Vadim Baranov, a former television producer who becomes a key political advisor to the president. The film explores themes of power, propaganda, and the manipulation of truth in the digital age. Its complex narrative and dense political themes drew a mixed critical response.
Paul Dano appears as a tech entrepreneur who develops a revolutionary social media platform. His character becomes a pawn in the larger political games being played by Baranov and the Kremlin. Dano portrays the character with his signature blend of intelligence and vulnerability, capturing the initial idealism of a tech visionary who is slowly corrupted by power.
25. Being Flynn — Avg: 51
- Rotten Tomatoes: 49%
- Metascore: 53
Based on the memoir by Nick Flynn, this drama stars Paul Dano as Nick, a young writer working at a homeless shelter in Boston. His life is thrown into chaos when his estranged, alcoholic father, Jonathan (Robert De Niro), shows up at the shelter as a client. The film explores themes of family, addiction, and the fine line between genius and madness.
As Nick, Dano delivers a sensitive and nuanced performance. He effectively portrays the character’s internal conflict as he grapples with his father’s legacy and his own identity as a writer. Dano holds his own opposite the legendary De Niro, creating a compelling and emotionally honest portrait of a son trying to break free from the shadow of his brilliant but destructive father.
26. The Emperor’s Club — Avg: 49.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 50%
- Metascore: 49
This drama, often compared to Dead Poets Society, stars Kevin Kline as William Hundert, a passionate and idealistic classics professor at an elite boys' preparatory school. His world is challenged by the arrival of a new student, the rebellious and cynical son of a senator, who disrupts his classroom and forces him to question his principles. The film received a lukewarm reception, with many critics finding it predictable.
Paul Dano plays Martin Blythe, a bright but painfully shy student in Professor Hundert's class. In a key moment, Hundert manipulates a competition to allow Martin to participate, a decision that has long-term consequences. Dano’s performance captures Martin's quiet intelligence and lack of confidence, making him a sympathetic figure in the film’s central moral dilemma.
27. Knight and Day — Avg: 48.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 51%
- Metascore: 46
This action-comedy stars Tom Cruise as a charming but eccentric secret agent who pulls an unsuspecting woman (Cameron Diaz) into a globe-trotting adventure. The film is a throwback to classic Hollywood capers, blending high-octane action sequences with lighthearted romantic comedy. Critical reception was mixed, with some enjoying its escapism while others found it formulaic.
Paul Dano has a small but memorable role as Simon Feck, a brilliant young inventor who has created a revolutionary new energy source that everyone is trying to get their hands on. Dano plays the character as a socially awkward genius who is completely out of his element, providing a quirky and comedic counterpoint to the film’s more action-oriented stars.
28. The Extra Man — Avg: 48
- Rotten Tomatoes: 40%
- Metascore: 56
This quirky comedy follows Louis Ives, a young and aspiring writer who moves to New York City and rents a room from the eccentric and aging playwright, Henry Harrison (Kevin Kline). Henry works as an "extra man," a platonic escort for wealthy older women, and he takes Louis under his wing. The film’s offbeat humor and character-driven story received a mixed response.
Paul Dano stars as Louis, the naive and observant protagonist. He serves as the audience’s entry point into the bizarre world of Henry Harrison, and Dano plays him with a wide-eyed curiosity and a gentle spirit. His performance is the quiet center of the film, providing a stable counterpoint to Kline’s flamboyant and over-the-top character.
29. Cowboys & Aliens — Avg: 47
- Rotten Tomatoes: 44%
- Metascore: 50
This high-concept summer blockbuster mashes up the Western and science-fiction genres. The story is set in 1873 Arizona, where an amnesiac outlaw (Daniel Craig), a powerful cattle rancher (Harrison Ford), and a mysterious woman (Olivia Wilde) must team up to fight off an alien invasion. Despite its intriguing premise and star-studded cast, the film failed to connect with critics and audiences, who found its tone inconsistent.
Paul Dano plays Percy Dolarhyde, the cowardly and entitled son of Harrison Ford’s character. Percy is a minor antagonist at the beginning of the film, a drunken bully who enjoys throwing his weight around. Dano plays the role with a sniveling and pathetic energy that makes him easy to dislike. It's a small part, but Dano effectively establishes him as a detestable minor villain.
30. The Good Heart — Avg: 36
- Rotten Tomatoes: 32%
- Metascore: 40
This independent drama tells the story of Jacques, a curmudgeonly and ailing bar owner who takes a young, homeless man named Lucas under his wing with the intention of training him to take over the bar. The film is a dark and cynical character study about an unlikely friendship between two broken individuals. Its bleak tone and slow pace resulted in a generally negative critical reception.
Paul Dano stars as Lucas, the gentle and optimistic young man who stands in stark contrast to the misanthropic Jacques. Dano portrays Lucas with a quiet innocence and a persistent kindness, even in the face of Jacques’s constant verbal abuse. While the film itself was not well-received, Dano’s performance was often singled out as a bright spot, bringing a much-needed warmth and humanity to the story.
