Willem Dafoe recently starred in the new A24 fantasy movie,The Legend of Ochi,and though it has strong reviews so far, it may not be the actor’s best film with the iconic production company. Dafoe’s acting career began in the 1980s and has only blossomed in the years since. Some ofDafoe’s most memorable rolesinclude Jesus in Martin Scorsese’sThe Last Temptation of Christand the Green Goblin in Sam Raimi’sSpider-Man.Notably,Dafoe has maintained a strong relationship with A24, the production company well-known for its indie dramas, quirky comedies, and shocking horror films.
Since 2017, Dafoe has appeared in fourA24 movies:The Florida Project, At Eternity’s Gate, The Lighthouse,andThe Legend of Ochi.These films vary greatly in terms of genre, content, and style, but all of them include incredible set pieces and striking visuals. Furthermore,Dafoe makes a significant impact on these stories due to his emotive acting and commitment to character.All four of these films are worth watching, but this is how they rank against each other, from worst to best.
A testament to Dafoe’s talent and A24’s success is that their “worst” collaboration is still an amazing movie. 2018’sAt Eternity’s Gatestars Dafoe as famed painter Vincent van Gogh, who spends his last troubled years in Arles, Francepainting natural landscapes that will eventually become iconic. Dafoe is joined by Oscar Isaac, Mads Mikkelsen, and Rupert Friend. Upon its release, Dafoe was nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Critic’s Choice Award for his performance as the artist.
At Eternity’s Gateis a gorgeous and sad film that just manages to have the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score of any Dafoe/A24 project: 79%. The movie has astonishing visuals and unbeatable performances, but some critics felt that the film failed to land. In all its awe of Van Gogh,At Eternity’s Gatemay have lost the emotional impact it was going for.Regardless, this movie is worth watching, especially for those who love Dafoe, A24, or art.
Dafoe’s next best A24 movie is2025’sThe Legend of Ochi.It tells the story of a little girl who is taught to never venture outside after dark because of mysterious creatures called ochi. Yet, whenshe stumbles upon a baby ochi, she rejects her fear and decides to try and reunite it with its family. Dafoe plays the character Maxim, and stars alongside Helena Zengel, Finn Wolfhard, and Emily Watson.
The Legend of Ochiis a somewhat divisive pick because, although its Rotten Tomatoes critic’s score surpasses that ofAt Eternity’s Gate,its audience score is quite low. From the critical perspective,the movie is an oddball fantasy that doesn’t answer every question but stands firm in its unique and beautiful world. Meanwhile, many audience members were much harsher, claiming the film was unoriginal and boring.The Legend of Ochimay not be to everyone’s taste, but that does not prevent it from being a wonderful movie.
The Dafoe A24 movie that may be one of his most popular isThe Lighthouse.Released in 2019, this horror film followstwo lighthouse keepers who are tasked with maintaining a lighthouse on a remote island in 1890s New England. Aside from being completely isolated from society, the men struggle with strange occurrences and their own unusual relationship. Dafoe inhabits this bleak, black-and-white world with Robert Pattinson, and the two are directed by Robert Eggers.
Willem Dafoe has appeared in several Robert Eggers movies, includingNosferatuandThe Northman.
With a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes,The Lighthouseis definitely one of Dafoe’s most impressive A24 films. Its visuals are unlike most movies of its time or genre, and the performances of Dafoe and Pattinson hold nothing back. The movie is eerie, confusing, and unforgettable. According to critics, one of the best elements ofThe Lighthouseis the fact thatviewers feel like they are losing their minds alongside the main characters. It is a movie that has an effect, for better or worse.
As it turns out, Dafoe’s very first collaboration with A24 has turned out to be his best.The Florida Projectis a 2017 drama that centers onMoonee, a 6-year-old girl living in a motel next to Disney World with her struggling mother. Alongside other young girls, Moonee attempts to fill her days with fun and cheer as the adults around her face increasingly troubling issues. Dafoe plays the motel’s kind manager, who tries to protect Moonee from reality.
The Florida Projectis a stunning, emotional ride that is perfect for any viewer. While other A24 movies may cater to a certain audience or veer too far from the norm for viewers, this movie can be relatable to just about anyone. It is about the loss of innocence, darkness that hides behind a facade, and the magic of being a child. Ultimately,The Florida Projectis a beautiful film that shows Dafoe at his best. For more Dafoe and A24, check outThe Legend of Ochiin theaters now.
