‘The OA’ Actress Brit Marling’s Top Five Movies and TV Shows

American actress Brit Marling has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for more than a decade.

Throughout Marling’s career, she has truly become a rising star in the industry. Her distinctive blend of versatility, charm, and acting skills not only set her apart but also her ability to bring complicated characters to life with depth and emotion.

Let’s take a closer look at five of the actress’ remarkable films and TV shows that have earned significant critical acclaim.

Sound of My Voice (Movie, 2011)

Sound of My Voice is a psychological thriller film directed by Zal Batmanglij and produced by Hans Ritter, Brit Marling, and Shelley Surpin.

The movie revolves around the efforts of two documentary filmmakers striving to uncover the secrets of a cult led by the charismatic Maggie, played by Marling, who asserts to be from the future.

Following its release on April 27, 2012, the film quickly gained acclaim and was recognized as one of the Top Indie Films at Festivals in 2011 on IndieWire’s criticWIRE.

In an insightful review for The New York Times, Manohla Dargis offered a nuanced perspective on Sound of My Voice, describing it as a smart and effectively unsettling movie that delves into the complexities of belief and the harsh, manipulative techniques of persuasion.

Sound of My Voice is a psychological thriller film. (Source: IMDb)

Dargis also underscored the deliberate avoidance of gratuitous violence in the film, instead choosing to emphasize its intricate portrayal of individuals gathering in a mysterious house in an anonymous Los Angeles neighborhood.

He also elaborated that as the story progresses, the characters experience a gradual emotional unraveling, unraveling bit by bit, wound by wound, until they find themselves in moments of both sobbing and laughter.

Concluding his review, Dargis highlighted that Sound of My Voice stands out in its unique navigation of the human psyche. According to him, the film delivers an impactful and thought-provoking experience that resonates long after the credits roll, leaving an indelible impression on its audience.

Another Earth (Movie, 2011)

Another Earth is a science fiction drama film directed by Mike Cahill and produced by Hunter Gray, Mike Cahill, Brit Marling, and Nicholas Shumaker. The movie focused on Rhoda Williams, played by Brit Marling, a bright 17-year-old girl passionate about astronomy.

However, her joy at getting into MIT turned tragic when she drove home intoxicated with friends, causing a car accident. This led to John Burroughs (played by William Mapother) falling into a coma and resulted in the loss of his pregnant wife and young son.

Following a four-year prison sentence, Rhoda grapples with guilt and regret as she takes on a janitorial job at her former high school.

The movie also delves into themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of choices made, offering a poignant exploration of the impact of a single moment on the course of multiple lives.

Another Earth, released on July 22, 2011, made an impactful debut at the box office, grossing $112,266 in its first week in theaters. Over time, the film achieved worldwide success with a total gross of $1.9 million.

Its recognition extended beyond box office numbers, as it won the prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Prize at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival for its exceptional focus on science and technology themes, or characters in scientific roles.

Moreover, Another Earth earned the Audience Award in the Narrative Feature category at the 2011 Maui Film Festival. The film also secured its position among the top independent films of the year, receiving recognition at the 2011 National Board of Review Awards.

Additionally, it received a nomination for a Georgia Film Critics Association Award in the category of Best Picture, solidifying its impact on both audiences and critics alike.

The East (Movie, 2013)

The East is a thriller film directed by Zal Batmanglij. Marling co-wrote the screenplay, drawing inspiration from their own experiences and 1970s thrillers. She also stars in the film as Jane Owen.

The movie was filmed in Shreveport, Louisiana, over two months at the end of 2011. The story revolves around Jane, an operative for the private intelligence firm Hiller Brood, assigned by her boss Sharon (Patricia Clarkson) to infiltrate The East—an underground activist, anarchist, and environmentalist organization.

This group has carried out a vandalistic attack against a corporate leader and threatens more as retribution for ecological crimes.

Likewise, the film premiered to strong reviews at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2013, and was later released in theaters on May 31, 2013.

With the release of the movie, it garnered a multitude of positive responses. Justin Chang reviewed the film, stating, “This clever and involving spy drama builds to a terrific level of intrigue before losing some steam in its second half.”

He also acknowledged the film’s appreciable growth in filmmaking confidence and expressed optimism that it would result in a substantial return on Fox Searchlight’s investment.

The OA (Television series 2016-2019)

The OA is a mystery drama television series encompassing science fiction, supernatural, and fantasy elements. It was created and executive-produced by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij.

Marling not only served as a producer but also portrayed Prairie Johnson, a young woman who resurfaced after a seven-year disappearance.

Likewise, on February 8, 2017, Netflix renewed the series for a second season, titled “Part II,” released on March 22, 2019. Despite the creators planning for a five-part story told over five seasons, Netflix canceled the series abruptly on August 5, 2019, after two seasons, leaving it with a cliffhanger ending.

The OA received generally positive reviews, with averages of 77% for Part I and 92% for Part II on Rotten Tomatoes. The series was praised for its directing, visuals, and acting, as well as its significant social impact.

Regarded as one of the best TV shows of the 2010s, the 21st century, and of all time, The OA left a lasting impression and ignited conversations about its unique narrative and profound themes.

A Murder at the End of the World (Miniseries, 2023)

A Murder at the End of the World is a psychological thriller drama television miniseries created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij for FX. It stars Emma Corrin as an amateur detective, while Marling, along with Clive Owen and Harris Dickinson, takes on supporting roles.

The series delves into Corrin’s quest to unravel a murder mystery at an isolated Arctic retreat in Iceland. This project follows their prior collaboration on The OA, marking the second television venture by Marling and Batmanglij.

Similarly, A Murder at the End of the World premiered its first two episodes on Hulu on November 14, 2023, with subsequent episodes released weekly until December 19, 2023.