15 Best Movie Performances Of 2018 (So Far)

4. Natalie Portman (Annihilation)

There are so many great performances in Alex Garland's unforgettable sci-fi thriller that it's tough to pick a winner among the bunch. As agonised protagonist Lena, however, it's Natalie Portman who suffuses this abstract, often discombobulating movie with so much of its soul and heart.

She doesn't overplay it, though, and this is really an incredibly subdued performance. There aren't many big, loud grandstanding moments for Portman, but she conveys so much through facial expressions, ensuring the inner anguish of Lena's journey is never forgotten.

As a result it's not really the type of performance that wins awards - and the movie itself is a D.O.A. awards prospect for being too "weird" and bombing at the limited U.S. box office - but it's likely to be one of the best pieces of restrained acting you'll see all year.