Kelly Reilly's dramatic chops are on full display in a number of films and TV series throughout the years.
British-born Kelly Reilly has enthralled audiences worldwide with her gritty performance as Beth Dutton on Yellowstone. Taylor Sheridan’s neo-Western series hosts an ensemble led by Hollywood icons like Kevin Costner, but Reilly’s performance as Costner’s on-screen daughter Beth Dutton, a highly intelligent yet brash and unpredictable financier.
Although she has played several strait-laced characters in the past, Reilly excels when given the opportunity to explore the emotional depths a double-edged goal of a character like Beth Dutton. Reilly’s exceptional performance hasn’t gone unnoticed, either. The role has earned her Supporting Actress nominations from the Screen Actors Guild, Hollywood Critics Association, and MTV Movie & TV Awards.
Since you no-doubt have seen Reilly in Yellowstone, here are five of her top performances in movies and TV shows outside of the world of the Dutton Ranch, including on-screen collabs with Judi Dench and C&I cover star Denzel Washington that earned her critical praise.
Kelly Reilly stars as Celtic princess Kerra in UK-based TV series Britannia. Photo: Epic.
Britannia (2018-2021)
The UK-based, historical fantasy Britannia stars Kelly Reilly as a bold Celtic princess Kerra tasked with safeguarding her people against invading Roman legions. Set in 43 AD during the Roman invasion of Britain, the series explores the militaristic rivalries among the various tribes. Reilly shines in her role as Princess Kerra, a leader adept at both waging war and forging alliances with the Romans. While the show was knocked for lacking historical accuracy, the oft-campy Britannia offers plenty of swords-and-sandals entertainment, highlighted by one of Reilly's standout performances in her television career. The show ran for three seasons and stars David Morrissey, Nikolaj Lie Kass, and Barry Ward, among others.
Kelly Reilly honed her dramatic acting skills alongside vet Judi Dench in Mrs. Henderson Presents. Photo: The Weinstein Company.
Mrs. Henderson Presents (2005)
Starring alongside period piece-vet Judi Dench in feature film Mrs. Henderson Presents, Kelly Reilly charmed audiences in her supporting role. The biopic-musical stars Oscar winner Dench as the real-life socialite Laura Henderson and her efforts to establish London’s famed Windmill Theatre in 1930s London. Reilly plays Maureen, one of the actresses in the theater's notorious all-nude musical production. Although icons like Dench and Bob Hoskins are the headliners, Reilly finds opportunity to strut her acting stuff in her character’s vulnerable moments. Her performance garnered the London Film Critics' Circle award for British Newcomer of the Year and Best Newcomer honors from the Empire Awards.
Kelly Reilly stars alongside Luke Evans in claustrophobic thriller 10x10. Photo: Vertical Entertainment.
10x10 (2018)
This psychological thriller pits Reilly, a woman held captive in a 10x10-foot soundproof room in the home of Luke Evans’ character, her captor. Although underrated critically and commercially, 10x10 can surprise you with its unpredictable twists. The direction and cinematography stand out amidst the film’s claustrophobic setting, but its Reilly who capitalizes on the vulnerability and tension created by the setting, a la Hitchcock.
Kelly Reilly played a dramatic role in Brendan Gleeson-led Calvary which explored themes of guilt and death. Photo: Entertainment One.
Calvary (2014)
While Calvary is headlined by Irish icon Brendan Gleeson, Reilly showcased her dramatic prowess alongside the Hollywood star. Gleeson stars as Father James, a priest who is left perturbed after being threatened during a confession. Reilly is given dramatic license as James’ suicidal daughter Fiona, who is distraught after the death of her mother and her father’s retreat into the priesthood. The film explores themes like guilt and death, while Reilly’s performance is one of the best dramatic roles of her career.
Opposite Academy Award Winner Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly shined in a dramatic role in Flight. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Flight (2012)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, Flight follows Washington’s Whip Whitaker, an alcoholic pilot who must give his testimony about what happened during a close in the air. Reilly plays heroin addict Nicole, who becomes an unlikely ally and love interest for Whip. With a bevy of scenes with Washington, Reilly proves once again how she shines in true dramatic roles.
Kelly Reilly stars as Beth Dutton in Yellowstone. Photo: Paramount.
To Recap
You obviously can’t go wrong with any of Kelly Reilly’s performances. While Yellowstone is definitely her most well-known and enduring performance, a number of other films allowed Reilly to flex her dramatic muscles, even when sharing screen time with Hollywood legends. And if all else fails, tune in November 10 for the return of Reilly as Beth Dutton when Yellowstone airs on Paramount Network.
