Discover the Top 5 Must-Watch Movies Starring Viola Davis

Widows, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2018, and hit theaters in the UK on November 6, 2018, and in the US on November 16, 2018, by 20th Century Fox. The film received critical acclaim, praising its direction, editing, screenplay, and performances (especially by Davis, Debicki, and Kaluuya). Critics noted the blend of dramatic themes with a powerful impact.

A significant part of the film's success comes from the stellar performance of Viola Davis, who seamlessly embodies the crime boss Veronica with a chilling determination, coupled with her enchanting beauty. Her affection for a small furry dog adds a charming aesthetic, and Davis's sophisticated and glamorous wardrobe brings a unique elegance to the film.

DETAILS:

Director: Steve McQueen

Cast: Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki

Duration: 2h 9min

Release Year: 2018

IMDB: 6.9

TOMATOMETER: 91%

AUDIENCE: 61%

The film Tracing Footsteps (Prisoners) revolves around the mysterious disappearance of two girls in Pennsylvania, as well as the police's pursuit of the kidnapper. After the police arrest a young suspect but release him due to lack of evidence, the father of one of the missing girls kidnaps the suspect for interrogation and torture.

Tracing Footsteps achieved both commercial and critical success, grossing a total revenue of $122 million worldwide. The National Film Critic Board selected the film as one of the top ten films of 2013, and at the 86th Academy Awards, it was nominated for Best Cinematography. In the film, Viola Davis plays the role of Nancy Birch, leaving a memorable impression.

DETAILS:

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis

Duration: 2h 33min

Release Year: 2013

IMDB: 8.1

TOMATOMETER: 81%

AUDIENCE: 87%

Racial Barriers was released in the United States on December 16, 2016, by Paramount Pictures. The film received positive reviews from critics, praising Washington's performance and direction, Davis's performance, the screenplay, pacing, cinematography, and emotional tone, although some criticized its transition from stage to screen for lacking cinematic feel. Nevertheless, critics noted the film as 'extremely powerful and effective.'

In the film, Troy Maxson makes a living as a sanitation worker in 1950s Pittsburgh. Maxson once dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player but is deemed too old as major leagues begin recruiting healthy black athletes. Bitter about his missed opportunity, Troy adds tension to the family when he causes his son's chance to slip away just to meet a college football recruiter. Despite the film's emphasis on Troy, Viola Davis still shines as the audience's outstanding lead and earned an Oscar for her excellence.

DETAILS:

Director: Denzel Washington

Cast: Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson

Duration: 2h 19min

Release Year: 2016

IMDB: 7.2

TOMATOMETER: 92%

AUDIENCE: 75%

Macdonald suggests that The Battle of Minds is influenced by films of the 1970s. He explores the personalization of the U.S. Homeland Security and, to a lesser extent, the independence of the press, along with the relationship between politicians and the media. Released in North America on April 17, 2009, the film received generally positive reviews.

A small-time thief is shot in an alley, and the aide to the Congressman (Maria Thayer) falls in front of a subway train—two seemingly unrelated deaths. Subsequently, crude newspaper reporter Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe), tracking a worthy conspiracy, tries to uncover it. He has a tumultuous history related to the deceased Congressman and works with the ambitious rookie journalist Della Frye (Rachel McAdams).

Cal begins to unravel clues leading him to a corporate cover-up involving those in power related to the two cases, informants, and assassins. But as he gets closer to the truth, young journalist Della must contemplate whether it's worth risking her life and selling her soul to uncover the truth. In the film, Viola Davis plays the role of Dr. Judith Franklin.

DETAILS:

Director: Kevin Macdonald

Cast: Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Ben Affleck, Viola Davis

Duration: 2h 7min

Release Year: 2009

IMDB: 7.1

TOMATOMETER: 84%

AUDIENCE: 73%

The Household Help is a film adapted from the novel of the same name by American author Kathryn Stockett. The film tells the story of African-American maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi, in the early 1960s. Set in Mississippi in the 1960s, Skeeter (Stone) is a Southern socialite returning from college, determined to become a writer. However, her life and friendships in the town of Mississippi are turned upside down when she decides to interview black women who have spent their lives caring for prominent families.

Aibileen (Davis), the maid of Skeeter's closest friend, is the first to speak out, much to the disappointment of her friends in the black community. Despite Skeeter's longstanding friendship, she and Aibileen continue to collaborate, and soon many women will continue their stories. In their lives, bonds are formed that are as difficult to break as a precious sisterhood emerges.

Viola Davis was nominated for the Academy Award for her role as maid Aibileen Clark in the 1960s in The Help in 2011. This marked a significant milestone in Davis's success.

DETAILS:

Director: Tate Taylor

Cast: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Kathryn Stockett

Duration: 2h 26min

Release Year: 2011

IMDB: 8.0

TOMATOMETER: 76%
AUDIENCE: 89%