Being an actress in the film industry in this day and age is a difficult task. Every now and then, certain names eventually catch the eyes of audiences and movie lovers, and they set the tone for what the film industry can look like. Kiki Layne is the kind of actress that really draws your full attention when she’s on-screen. Layne has been in the entertainment industry for only the last 7 years. However, despite not being a big-name actress for that long, she is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood today.
Layne has been keeping busy these last few years, and is continuing to add incredible roles to her arsenal of work. In fact, even with an already impressive filmography behind her, she is just getting started. From playing haunting characters like Margaret in the much publicized Don’t Worry Darling to carrying the emotional weight of playing a character like Clementine in If Beale Street Could Talk, Layne has shown to be a force to be reckoned with in the future of film. Make sure you check out our ranking of some of the best Kiki Layne movies.
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8 The Staggering Girl (2019)
Frenesy Film
The Staggering Girl is a drama short film that follows an Italian-American writer named Francesca, played by Julianne Moore, who has to leave her home in New York and return to her sick mother in Rome. Layne plays a character named Adut. This movie, although not a massive project in Layne’s career, is notable in its story, cinematography, and casting. The Staggering Girl is available on Prime Video.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
7 Captive State (2019)
Participant Media
What filmography is complete without a dystopian alien movie thrown in there? In 2019, Captive State was released. This movie is set in Chicago years into the future when extraterrestrials have gained control over. However, many people have been feeling the urge to end their rule and the main character Gabriel, played by Ashton Sanders, is joining the rebellion. Layne plays Carrie in this film alongside other notable names such as John Goodman as William, Vera Farmiga as Jane Doe, Machine Gun Kelly as Jurgis, and Jonathan Majors as Rafe.
6 Coming 2 America (2021)
Paramount Pictures
Coming 2 America mixes the best parts of romance and comedy in this 2019 movie. Layne is phenomenal as Princess Meeka Joffer in this project, and really holds her own among this jaw-dropping cast consisting of the legend Eddie Murphy, Teyana Taylor, Wesley Snipes, Shari Headley, Jermaine Fowler, and even James Earl Jones. If you have not yet seen this hilarious film, what are you waiting for? Catch it now on Prime Video.
5 Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022)
Hilary Bronwyn Gay/Hilary Bronwyn Gayle, SMPSP
As an actress, Layne has established her talents in a variety of different genres throughout film. The live action film Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers came out earlier this year and really brings the iconic chipmunk duo to life in new and modern ways. The film follows Chip and Dale as they go on a journey to save a friend and their friendship. Layne plays a young motivated police officer and fan of the chipmunks that is set on proving herself. If you are thinking about checking this one out, you can watch it now on Disney+.
4 Don’t Worry Darling (2022)
New Line Cinema
Olivia Wilde’s 2022 psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling has been the topic of countless headlines these last few months for better and for worse. However, for anyone who has seen the movie, there is no doubt that Layne’s presence as Margaret was an integral part of this movie’s story. Layne delivers a haunting portrayal of a woman who — in a plot twist — has been forced into a simulation and has finally broken through that smokescreen. Although there has been some controversy surrounding her amount of screen time, her performance was as incredible as it was ominous.
3 Native Son (2019)
A24
The 2019 drama film Native Son is based on the novel of the same title by American author Richard Wright. This story explores the life of a young Black man named Bigger Thomas (Ashton Sanders) living in Chicago. When he lands a job as a chauffeur for a wealthy businessman, he begins to discover life in a way he never expected. Layne plays Bessie, Bigger’s girlfriend in this heart-wrenching drama. When looking at Layne’s discography, Native Son is not one to look over.
2 The Old Guard (2020)
Skydance Media
Layne is no stranger to starring alongside some of the biggest names in film, and she definitely performs at a level that fits perfectly in every project she takes on. 2020’s The Old Guard is an action fantasy film starring Charlize Theron as Andy and Layne as Nile Freeman. This film follows a group of immortals that can heal themselves. Although they try to keep this a secret, the valuable skill is one that many people are interested in and now pose a threat. With this movie entering this list, Layne’s range as an actor will no longer be in question. Also, if you were a fan of this one, Netflix will be releasing a sequel!
1 If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Annapurna Pictures
2018’s If Beale Street Could Talk is a masterpiece of a romance drama. Set in 1970s Harlem, this movie follows the life and relationship of Clementine Rivers, played by Layne, and Alonzo Hunt, played by Stephan James. With their lives together just getting started, their plans for the future get completely derailed when Alonzo, or “Fonny,” gets wrongfully arrested. This deeply emotional film showcases Layne’s talent as a leading lady and the incredible cast behind her is just the cherry on top of this must-see movie. You can watch If Beale Street Could Talk on Netflix.
