News Of The World Review: 7 Ups & 3 Downs

5. Helena Zengel Steals The Show

News of the World Helena Zengel
Universal

As great as Tom Hanks is in this, he's arguably upstaged by his 12-year-old co-star Helena Zengel, a German actress best known for her unforgettable turn in the 2019 drama System Crasher.

As a young girl struggling to find her place in the world after being violently ripped away from her parents and forcibly adopted by the Native American Kiowa tribe, Zengel gives a performance wise beyond her years, subtly conveying Johanna's trauma, heartbreak, and occasionally her joy.

Given the obvious intimidation that comes with working opposite a statuesque screen icon like Hanks, Zengel impressively holds her own, carving out a slice of screen presence for herself that not even Hanks can steal away.

Above all else, her fine work here should elevate her profile significantly with audiences and ensure this isn't the last we seen of her in Hollywood.

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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.