20 Best Movie Performances Of 2018

14. Thomasin McKenzie (Leave No Trace)

Leave No Trace
Bleecker Street

Without question one of the most subtle yet attention-grabbing breakthrough performances of the year, 18-year-old New Zealander Thomasin McKenzie was astonishing as Tom, the daughter of a PTSD-afflicted war veteran (Ben Foster) who she lives with away from society in the American wilderness.

This is the sort of low-key performance that never gets the attention of the Oscars, and with director Debra Granik's sparse approach to dialogue, McKenzie is forced to act out emotions through facial expressions and body language, while absolutely rising to the occasion.

Performing opposite a pro like Foster can't be easy for a young actor, yet McKenzie proves herself a sure natural with a fascinating and eventually heartbreaking portrayal of innocence lost.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.