Felicity Jones has portrayed a broad spectrum of characters, and The Brutalist adds another dimension to her filmography. Released on December 20, 2024, The Brutalist is a historical drama directed by Brady Corbet, in which Jones plays Lotte Neumann, the wife of an architect who flees Europe after World War II to rebuild his life in America. Her portrayal earned critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.
Jones' filmography includes romantic dramas, mysteries, and adventure-filled stories, showcasing a variety of movies and television shows to be discovered. For those captivated by her performance in The Brutalist, her earlier projects provide an opportunity to appreciate her versatility across various genres.
From Oscar-nominated dramas to period pieces and suspenseful mysteries, here are five notable films that highlight her career as an actress.
Felicity Jones stars in the 2014 biographical drama The Theory of Everything as Jane Wilde Hawking, the first wife of physicist Stephen Hawking. The film gives a personal view of Stephen's journey, from his days at Cambridge to fighting motor neuron disease and to the intellectual brilliance and the personal challenges that go with it.
Aside from Hawking's discoveries, the film also spotlights Jane's support and perseverance. Despite facing difficulties in pursuing her personal growth, Felicity Jones's portrayal captures the emotional complexity of a woman balancing love and the demands of caring for a brilliant yet increasingly dependent partner.
While Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of Stephen Hawking earned him well-deserved praise, including an Oscar, Jones’ performance as Jane serves as a grounding force, adding depth and sincerity to the film’s heart.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV
In her early days, Felicity Jones played Ethel Hallow, the snobbish and cunning rival of Mildred Hubble, in the first season of The Worst Witch. As a standout student from a prestigious witch family, Ethel exuded an air of superiority and often clashed with the series' protagonist.
Despite her polished exterior and charm in front of teachers, Ethel's true personality was manipulative and vindictive, particularly toward Mildred. Their rivalry began when Mildred accidentally turned Ethel into a pig, sparking Ethel’s ongoing efforts to have Mildred expelled, which were ultimately unsuccessful.
Jones brought a different take on Ethel's character, embodying her ability to taunt, boss others around, and ingratiate herself with authority figures. After the first season, Felicity Jones was replaced by Katy Allen, with Ethel’s change in appearance explained as a "witch-over." This role marked an early milestone in her career.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
The next film on this list is the 2016 mystery thriller Inferno, in which Felicity Jones plays Dr. Sienna Brooks. The movie is the third installment in the Robert Langdon series, based on the novels of Dan Brown. Starring alongside Tom Hanks, Jones portrays a doctor who assists Langdon as he uncovers a global conspiracy involving a deadly virus.
Inferno is full of suspense, featuring imagery of puzzle pieces, historical depth, and exciting action that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Jones' character drives the mystery ahead, offering assistance and intrigue as Langdon races against time to prevent a huge calamity. Action lovers with interests in history and science will find Inferno to be an exciting addition to their watchlist.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Netflix
Felicity Jones portrays Ellie Haworth in the 2017 film The Last Letter From Your Lover. Ellie is a journalist who discovers a series of love letters from the 1960s. As she scans through the letters, she becomes obsessed with uncovering the story behind them.
The movie runs through two timelines. It features the passionate love affair between Jennifer Stirling (Shailene Woodley) and Anthony O'Hare (Callum Turner), along with Ellie's hopes of discovering the history of their love. The dual storyline makes the film richer in its narrative, contrasting the romance of the past with Ellie's emotional journey in the present.
The sweeping romance between two lovers, paired with themes of emotional mystery, love, loss, and rediscovery across time, makes The Last Letter From Your Lover a captivating watch.
Where to watch: Netflix
In The Aeronauts, Felicity Jones reunites with her The Theory of Everything co-star Eddie Redmayne in a thrilling historical adventure set in 1862. The story centers around Amelia Wren (played by Jones), a daring balloon pilot, and James Glaisher (portrayed by Redmayne), a scientist driven to study the atmosphere. Their perilous journey takes place in a gas balloon, where they encounter extreme weather and life-threatening challenges.
The characters’ motivations are revealed through flashbacks, adding emotional depth to the narrative. The Aeronauts shows the awe-inspiring dangerous beauty of this expedition. In her role as Amelia, Jones emerges as a brave and emotionally complex character who faces life-or-death situations.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Whether portraying historical figures, navigating intense relationships, or embarking on epic adventures, Felicity Jones' performances leave a lasting impact. For those inspired by her role in The Brutalist, these films and shows provide a deeper appreciation for her craft as an actress.