10 Must-Watch Films Featuring Viola Davis

“Doubt” is a gripping drama set in a 1960s Catholic school, where a strict nun, Sister Aloysius (played by Meryl Streep), suspects a priest, Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman), of inappropriate behavior with a young student. Viola Davis plays Mrs. Miller, the mother of the boy at the center of the controversy. Despite appearing on screen for just around eight minutes, Davis delivers a powerful performance in a pivotal scene where she confronts Sister Aloysius, conveying deep emotional complexity and moral ambiguity. Her portrayal left such a profound impact that it earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars, marking her first nomination and signaling her arrival as a force in the industry.

“Eat Pray Love” is a film adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir, chronicling a woman’s journey of self-discovery after a painful divorce. The protagonist, Liz Gilbert (played by Julia Roberts), embarks on a year-long trip around the world, seeking pleasure in Italy, spiritual fulfillment in India, and balance in Bali. Viola Davis plays Delia Shiraz, Liz’s best friend and confidante. Delia serves as a grounding force in Liz’s life, offering wisdom, support, and encouragement as Liz navigates her personal transformation. Though her role is more supportive, Davis brings warmth and depth to the character, enhancing the emotional resonance of Liz’s journey.

“The Help” is a drama set in the 1960s American South, exploring the lives of African American maids working for white families during the civil rights movement. The story centers on Aibileen Clark, played by Viola Davis, and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer), who share their experiences with a young white journalist, Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone). The film delves into themes of racism, inequality, and courage.

Viola Davis’s portrayal of Aibileen, a wise and compassionate maid, earned widespread critical acclaim. Her performance was lauded for its emotional depth and subtlety, capturing the pain, resilience, and dignity of her character. The film received mixed reviews overall, with praise for its performances but some criticism for its handling of racial issues. Despite this, Davis’s work stood out, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and further solidifying her reputation as one of the most powerful actors of her generation.

“Prisoners” is a tense psychological thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve, revolving around the harrowing search for two missing young girls. The story follows Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman), one of the girls’ fathers, who takes matters into his own hands when the police struggle to find leads. Viola Davis plays Nancy Birch, the mother of the other missing girl and wife to Franklin Birch (Terrence Howard). As the families grapple with their escalating desperation, Davis’s portrayal of Nancy adds emotional depth to the film, capturing the anguish and fear of a mother facing an unimaginable situation.

“Prisoners” received critical acclaim for its gripping narrative, intense atmosphere, and strong performances, particularly from the ensemble cast. Davis’s subtle and poignant performance contributed to the film’s overall impact, helping to elevate it as one of the standout thrillers of the decade.

In “Suicide Squad”, Viola Davis plays Amanda Waller, a ruthless government official who assembles a team of incarcerated supervillains for dangerous covert missions. Waller is cold, calculating, and unflinching in her pursuit of control, making her one of the most formidable characters in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Davis’s portrayal of Waller was praised for its intensity and commanding presence, perfectly embodying the character’s manipulative and no-nonsense nature.

Davis reprised her role as Amanda Waller in subsequent DCEU films, including “The Suicide Squad” and “Black Adam”, further solidifying her as a key figure in the franchise. “Suicide Squad” was a major box office success, grossing over $746 million worldwide, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics. The film’s financial performance and Davis’s standout portrayal of Waller helped pave the way for her continued presence in the DCEU.

In “Fences”, Viola Davis delivers a tour-de-force performance as Rose Maxson, the devoted wife of Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington), in this adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Davis won a Tony for her performance in the play in 2010. She then reprised her role in the film alongside Washington. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, the film explores the complexities of marriage, family, and unfulfilled dreams.

Davis’s portrayal of Rose is a masterclass in emotional depth, capturing the character’s strength, vulnerability, and enduring love despite the challenges she faces in her marriage. Her powerful performance, particularly in a climactic confrontation scene, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Davis’s work in “Fences” earned her widespread acclaim and numerous awards, culminating in her winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This victory marked her first Oscar win and brought Davis the global recognition she deserved.

“Widows” is a heist thriller directed by Steve McQueen, centered around a group of women who come together to pull off a robbery after their criminal husbands are killed during a botched heist. Viola Davis stars as Veronica Rawlings, the widow of the heist’s mastermind, who takes the lead in organizing the dangerous operation. Veronica is a complex character, driven by grief, desperation, and a fierce determination to secure her future in the face of overwhelming odds.

Davis’s portrayal of Veronica is intense and commanding, capturing the character’s strength, resilience, and vulnerability. Her performance was widely praised, contributing to the film’s critical success. “Widows” received acclaim for its sharp script, strong performances, and McQueen’s direction, with particular praise for its ability to blend thrilling action with deeper social commentary. Though it wasn’t a major box office hit, the film was celebrated as a sophisticated and gripping addition to the heist genre, with Davis’s performance standing out as a highlight.

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is a powerful drama adapted from August Wilson’s play, set in 1927 Chicago during a turbulent recording session with the legendary blues singer Ma Rainey. Viola Davis stars as the titular Ma Rainey, a fiercely independent and unapologetic artist determined to maintain control over her music in a world that seeks to exploit her talent. Chadwick Boseman co-stars as Levee, an ambitious and troubled trumpet player, in what would be his final film role.

Davis delivers a transformative performance as Ma Rainey, fully embodying the character’s larger-than-life presence, vocal prowess, and defiance in the face of racial and gender oppression. Her portrayal earned her widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

The film received critical praise for its performances, direction, and its exploration of themes like race, power, and artistic expression. Boseman’s performance was particularly lauded, earning him a posthumous Oscar nomination. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” stands as a poignant and powerful tribute to both Davis’s and Boseman’s extraordinary talents.

In The Woman King”, Viola Davis stars as General Nanisca, the fierce leader of the Agojie, an all-female warrior unit in the West African kingdom of Dahomey during the 19th century. The film follows Nanisca and her warriors as they train a new generation of recruits and fight to protect their kingdom from external threats. Davis, who also served as an executive producer, delivers a commanding and deeply emotional performance, portraying Nanisca as both a powerful warrior and a complex, compassionate leader.

“The Woman King” was met with critical acclaim, particularly for its strong performances, with Davis’s portrayal of Nanisca earning widespread praise for its intensity, physicality, and emotional depth. The film was celebrated for its storytelling, direction, and the historical significance of its subject matter. At the box office, “The Woman King” was a success, grossing nearly $100 million worldwide. The film’s success further solidified Davis’s status as a leading force in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera.

“Air” is a biographical drama directed by Ben Affleck, focusing on the high-stakes negotiation between Nike and Michael Jordan that led to the creation of the iconic Air Jordan sneaker. Viola Davis stars as Deloris Jordan, Michael Jordan’s mother, who plays a crucial role in the story by influencing the decision to endorse the brand. Davis’s performance as Deloris Jordan is both powerful and nuanced, capturing her strength, resolve, and pivotal influence in the deal that revolutionized sports marketing. Her portrayal adds depth and emotional weight to the film, highlighting her character’s significant role in the success of the Air Jordan brand.

The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised its engaging narrative, strong performances, and insightful look into a landmark moment in sports history. “Air” earned several nominations at the Golden Globes, including nods for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Supporting Actress for Davis. The critical acclaim and recognition at the Golden Globes underscored the film’s impact and the strength of its cast.

Viola Davis’s illustrious career is a testament to her extraordinary talent and profound impact on the film industry. From her breakthrough role in “Doubt”, where her brief but unforgettable performance earned her an Academy Award nomination, to her powerful portrayal of Rose Maxson in “Fences”, which secured her first Oscar, Davis has consistently delivered performances of remarkable depth and authenticity. Her role in “The Help” further showcased her ability to bring complex characters to life, while “Widows” and “Prisoners” demonstrated her versatility across genres.

In “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, Davis’s portrayal of the iconic blues singer highlighted her exceptional range and emotional intensity. Most recently, her commanding role in “The Woman King” not only reinforced her status as a leading actress but also emphasized her influence as an executive producer. With a career marked by diverse and memorable roles, Viola Davis continues to inspire and captivate audiences, solidifying her place as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.