Kaitlyn Dever's Best Performance Before The Last Of Us: A Harrowing Crime Drama

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

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Unpacking Unbelievable: A Showcase of Dever's Raw Talent

Netflix's Unbelievable (2019), a miniseries based on a true story, is a masterclass in storytelling and a powerful platform for Kaitlyn Dever's acting prowess. This harrowing crime drama follows Marie Adler, a teenager falsely accused of reporting a rape, and the devastating consequences she faces. The series received widespread critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of trauma and its exploration of the justice system. Unbelievable isn't just a great crime drama; it’s a showcase of Dever's exceptional acting abilities.

Dever's Character Arc: A Journey Through Marie Adler's Trauma

Dever's portrayal of Marie Adler is nothing short of remarkable. Marie's journey is a harrowing one, marked by disbelief, gaslighting, and the immense emotional toll of a traumatic experience. The character's complexity is beautifully rendered by Dever:

• The initial vulnerability: The way Dever portrays Marie's initial naivete and trust, contrasted with the dawning horror of her situation, is heartbreaking.
• The escalating frustration and despair: Dever masterfully captures Marie's growing sense of isolation and the crushing weight of doubt cast upon her by the authorities. A particular scene where Marie breaks down in tears during an interrogation is a testament to Dever's emotional range.
• The slow path to healing and justice: The eventual triumph and resilience exhibited by Marie is movingly portrayed by Dever.

The show's critical reception largely centered on Dever's performance, with many critics praising her ability to convey such profound emotional depth with subtlety and nuance.

Mastering the Nuances of a Complex Role: Technical Aspects of Dever's Performance

Dever's performance in Unbelievable is not simply emotionally resonant; it's technically brilliant. She uses a combination of methods to portray Marie's trauma effectively:

• Subtle physicality: Her posture, her hesitant movements, and even the way she holds her gaze all contribute to a believable portrayal of a young woman grappling with immense psychological distress.
• Internalized emotion: Dever avoids melodrama, instead allowing the pain and confusion to manifest in subtle facial expressions and silences. This understated approach is incredibly effective.
• Nuanced dialogue delivery: Her voice often trembles, reflecting the uncertainty and fragility of her character.

Reviews praised her "riveting performance" (Variety), highlighting her "raw talent" (The Hollywood Reporter) and her ability to portray "incredibly complex emotions with startling authenticity" (IndieWire).

Comparing Dever's Unbelievable Role to her Last of Us Role: A Notable Evolution

While seemingly different, both Marie Adler in Unbelievable and Dever's character in The Last of Us share some intriguing similarities and reveal a fascinating evolution in her acting style.

Similar Themes and Emotional Depth Across Roles

Both roles explore themes of trauma and resilience. Marie confronts the trauma of a false accusation, while Dever's Last of Us character faces the brutality of a post-apocalyptic world. Both characters display incredible strength in the face of adversity.

• Internal strength: In both roles, Dever portrays characters who possess an inner strength and determination despite immense external pressures.
• Complex relationships: Both characters navigate intricate relationships that influence their journey and shape their actions.

Growth and Evolution in Dever's Acting Style

Comparing her performance in Unbelievable to her role in The Last of Us reveals a noticeable evolution in Dever's acting. While Unbelievable showcased her mastery of portraying internalized trauma, her Last of Us performance demonstrates a greater confidence and a broader emotional range. The physicality and intensity required for the latter role further reveal her growth as an actress. This growth underscores her dedication and innate talent.

The Impact of Unbelievable: Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception

Unbelievable was lauded by critics and audiences alike, with Dever’s performance consistently singled out for praise.

Awards and Nominations: Recognition of Dever's Exceptional Work

Dever’s performance in Unbelievable earned her numerous accolades, including:

• A Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (2020).
• A Critics' Choice Television Award nomination for Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries (2020).
• A Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie (2020).

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Audience Reaction and Cultural Impact: A Lasting Impression

The show resonated deeply with audiences, sparking conversations about sexual assault, the justice system, and the importance of believing survivors. Dever's performance played a significant role in the show's impact, making her a powerful voice for victims of trauma. The series' success cemented Dever's place as a rising star, demonstrating her ability to tackle challenging and emotionally demanding roles.

Conclusion: Kaitlyn Dever's Pre-"Last of Us" Masterpiece: A Harrowing Crime Drama to Remember

Kaitlyn Dever's performance in Unbelievable stands as a testament to her exceptional talent. This harrowing crime drama not only showcased her ability to portray complex emotions with nuance and subtlety but also revealed her incredible range as an actress. Her portrayal of Marie Adler is a tour de force of emotional acting that helped shape her career trajectory, paving the way for her unforgettable role in The Last of Us. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this exceptional performance – watch Unbelievable to see Kaitlyn Dever's raw talent before her Last of Us role. And while you’re at it, explore her other remarkable works to experience the full breadth of her impressive acting career.