Alicia Vikander has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most interesting actors, with one of the most diverse filmographies in recent memory. The Swedish actor began her acting career in here homeland appearing in Swedish films and television series, before making her way to America where she quickly began taking unexpected roles in diverse projects ranging from big-budget action movies to independent dramas.
With her career going from strength to strength the future looks bright for Vikander and there’s no doubt that career will continue to be interesting.
Tomb Raider (2018): 6.3
Vikander starred as Lara Croft in the 2018 Tomb Raider reboot, which served as a more grounded and gritty take on the character. The franchise previously starred Angelina Jolie; the newer film was based upon Croft’s recent video game titles, which served as a fresh take on the character and reimagined Lara Croft for a new generation.
Tomb Raider marked Lara’s first adventure and stripped the character back to her basic elements, and removed much of the far-fetched silliness the character had gained over her many years of adventuring. The action-adventure film is a faithful adaptation of the games and pleased fans of the franchise, it went on to become a moderate box-office success and a sequel is set for release which is said to embrace more supernatural elements.
Jason Bourne (2016): 6.6
Jason Bourne marks the fifth installment in the Bourne franchise and sees Matt Damon return as the titular Jason Bourne, this time to uncover hidden secrets about his father. This sees him once again become a target of the CIA, who will stop at nothing to stop him. Alicia Vikander starred alongside Damon as Heather Lee, the head of CIA cyber-security, who is ordered to hunt down Bourne before he learns the truth.
Of course, things aren’t as simple as she was lead to believe as she quickly finds herself becoming an ally to Bourne. While the film received mixed reviews it is packed with thrill and director Paul Greengrass’s signature take on action. It went on to gross more than $400 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful films in the franchise.
Burnt (2015): 6.6
Bradley Cooper starred in Burnt as brilliant chef Adam Jones, whose career is derailed after years of drug abuse and bad behavior. He finally decides to get his act together and serves as head chef at a top London restaurant where he intends to gain three Michelin stars. Cooper features alongside an all-star cast including, Emma Thomas, Uma Thurman, and Alicia Vikander.
Vikander stars in a supporting role as Anne Marie, Jones’ ex-girlfriend who he mistreated in the past. Despite her limited screen-time Vikander brings depth to her character and avoids many of the clichés often associated with scorned ex-girlfriends.
Anna Karenina (2012): 6.6
Based upon the late 19th century novel of the same name, Anna Kathrine stars Keira Knightley as the titular Russian aristocrat, whose world is turned upside down after she beings an affair with the handsome Count Alexei Vronsky.
Vikander stars alongside the all-star cast as Princess Kitty in a large supporting role as a complex character that displayed the personal difficulties a royal title can bring with it. The film received positive reviews from critics and went on to win an Oscar for its costume design as well as receiving 3 additional nominations.
The Danish Girl (2015): 7.1
Inspired by the lives of Danish artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener, The Danish Girl stars Eddie Redmayne as Lili and Alicia Vikander as Gerda. This married couple’s relationship and work begin to change as Lili’s identity transforms when she goes through a transgender journey. She faces many challenges throughout her life as she struggles with her identity and society is unwilling to accept her for who she is.
The film received critical acclaim and saw Vikander win an Oscar for her outstanding performance, in addition to her award the film was nominated for 3 additional Oscars. The film heartfelt story displays the struggle trans people endured during the early 20th century and its message remains as relevant today as ever.
The Light Between Oceans (2016): 7.2
Vikander starred alongside Michael Fassbender in 2016’s The Light Between Oceans, which sees a lighthouse keeper and his wife raise a child together after they find him drift alone in a boat. However, they are forced to make an impossible decision after they discover the child’s true parents years later.
Vikander has excellent chemistry with her co-star Fassbender, who she would go on to marry and this production marked the beginning of their relationship. The film is based upon the 2012 novel of the same name and despite mixed reviews from critics, the film appeased fans of the original book as a faithful adaptation.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E (2015): 7.3
Based upon the television series of the same name, 2015’s The Man From U.N.C.L.E stars Henry Cavill as one of the C.I.A’s best agents, Napoleon Solo, who must join forces with a KGB operative to prevent a secret organization from making nuclear weapons. The film was directed by Guy Ritchie and features his distinct directorial style, and remains one of his most stylized and distinct films to date.
Vikander starred alongside Cavill as Gaby Teller the daughter of a Nazi scientist turned US collaborator who is hunted by the KGB. Vikander is no damsel in distress, however, and more than proves her worth time and again, displays her excellent array of skills ranging from her fighting abilities to her breakneck driving.
Testament Of Youth (2014): 7.3
A Testament of Youth is based upon the real First World War memoir of the same name, which recounts a young coupes time together and the tragedy of WWI, which changes their lives forever and forces them to give up their youth for the greater good.
Alicia Vikander co-stars alongside Kit Harington, and despite a promising academic future she decides to abandon her studies to become a nurse to aid the war effort. The film received critical acclaim and both Harington and Vikander received praise for their excellent performances.
A Royal Affair (2012): 7.5
A Royal Affair saw Vikander star as Caroline Mathilde, a young woman who marries a mad King. His insanity continues to lead their country, and their lives into ruin and she begins an affair with her physician, which changes their nation forever and brings about a revolution. The film received critical acclaim from critics and went on to be nominated for Best Foreign Language Film, as well as numerous other awards.
This marked a turning point in her career and the attention and acclaim she received for her performance opened the door for major roles in Hollywood films.
Ex Machina (2014): 7.7
Vikander delivered one of the best performances of her career in 2014’s critically acclaimed Ex-Machina. She stars alongside Oscar Issac and Domhnall Gleeson, as the advanced A.I Ava, who is tested to determine her intelligence but yearns for freedom.
The amazing effects on display throughout the film were achieved on the film’s small budget of only $15 million, Ex-Machina went on to win an Oscar for its visual effects and numerous other awards. Vikander is the star of the film and her understated performance remains one of her best to date.
