20 Essential Movie Performances That Will Define 2017
8. Charlize Theron - Lorraine Broughton (Atomic Blonde)
The Role: An elite MI6 spy sent to Berlin on the eve of the Berlin Wall's collapse to dismantle an espionage ring who just offed one of MI6's best agents, teaming up with Berlin station chief David Percival (James McAvoy) along the way.
Why It'll Define 2017: Charlize Theron proved with Mad Max: Fury Road that she's a totally capable action star beyond any doubt, and looks set to take things to the next level by teaming with John Wick co-director David Leitch for Atomic Blonde.
Early reviews have praised Theron's steely turn in the ultra-violent movie, managing to convincingly dispatch her predominantly male assailants in a number of supremely stylish action sequences.
Don't be surprised if this ends up a franchise for Theron, considering that she's such an incredible combination of acting talent, toughness and disarming beauty.