Joe Keery, best known for his role as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, has cultivated a blossoming film career alongside his television success. While primarily recognized for his television work, Joe Keery has appeared in eight feature films to date, showcasing his versatility and acting range beyond Hawkins, Indiana.
From Blockbuster to Indie Darling: Exploring Keery’s Film Roles
Joe Keery’s filmography, while not as extensive as some of his contemporaries, represents a considered blend of commercial projects and independent films, allowing him to explore diverse characters and narratives. His choices demonstrate a clear intention to avoid typecasting and embrace creative challenges. This section will explore his roles chronologically, providing context and critical reception where available.
Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party (2015)
This indie drama marked one of Keery’s earliest film appearances. While a smaller role, it provided valuable experience and exposure in the independent film circuit. Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party explores themes of faith, sexuality, and family secrets within a seemingly idyllic suburban setting. Keery’s performance, though brief, contributed to the film’s overall nuanced portrayal of teenage angst and self-discovery.
The Charnel House (2016)
A horror film, The Charnel House saw Keery taking on a role in a genre known for its dedicated fanbase. The film centers on an architect who unknowingly awakens an evil entity within a newly renovated building. Although not a critical darling, The Charnel House provided Keery with an opportunity to delve into a darker, more suspenseful narrative.
Slice (2018)
Slice, a horror-comedy directed by Austin Vesely, offered Keery a chance to showcase his comedic timing and embrace a more offbeat character. The film, set in a town where ghosts deliver pizza, features Keery in a supporting role that allows him to playfully subvert expectations. Its unique premise and quirky humor garnered a cult following.
Marmalade (2024)
Marmalade is a romantic crime thriller where he plays the lead character. The movie follows Baron, a naive newlywed, who lands himself in jail and recounts the story of how he and his wife Marmalade came to rob a bank.
After Everything (2018)
After Everything is a romantic drama that explores the complexities of young love and the challenges of facing a life-altering illness. Keery’s role in this film demonstrates his ability to handle more sensitive and emotionally demanding material. The film’s focus on character development and realistic portrayals resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Spree (2020)
In Spree, Keery takes on a supporting role within a dark and satirical social commentary on the influencer culture and the desperation for online fame. The film follows a rideshare driver who live-streams his murderous rampage, highlighting the dangers of social media addiction and the lengths people will go to for validation.
Free Guy (2021)
This is one of Keery’s highest-profile film roles to date. In Free Guy, he plays Keys, a talented programmer who works for a gaming company. The film’s success allowed Keery to reach a wider audience and solidify his position as a rising star. His performance was praised for its wit and charm.
Golda (2023)
Golda, a biographical drama starring Helen Mirren, offered Keery the opportunity to work on a project with historical significance and alongside established acting talent. He plays David, a young man volunteering to help Prime Minister Golda Meir during the Yom Kippur War.
Unveiling Joe Keery’s Career Trajectory: Television and Beyond
While this article focuses primarily on his film roles, it’s essential to acknowledge the integral role television, particularly Stranger Things, has played in shaping Joe Keery’s career. His portrayal of Steve Harrington has catapulted him to international fame and opened doors to various opportunities.
Joe Keery Filmography: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Joe Keery’s film career, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of his work:
FAQ 1: What was Joe Keery’s breakout role in film?
While Stranger Things brought him mainstream recognition, Joe Keery hasn’t had a specific “breakout” film role in the traditional sense. His role in Free Guy significantly raised his profile and introduced him to a larger film audience, which could be considered his most significant role in a commercially successful movie.
FAQ 2: Does Joe Keery have any upcoming film projects?
Joe Keery is slated to appear in the movie “Goosebumps 3” as Officer Brooks that is currently filming.
FAQ 3: Has Joe Keery ever won any awards for his film roles?
As of now, Joe Keery hasn’t won any major individual awards specifically for his film roles. However, he has been part of ensemble casts that have received accolades, such as the Stranger Things cast winning a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
FAQ 4: Which genre does Joe Keery seem to prefer in his film roles?
Joe Keery hasn’t committed to a single genre. He has appeared in dramas, horror films, comedies, and action-adventure movies, indicating a willingness to experiment and explore different types of roles.
FAQ 5: Is Joe Keery more focused on television or film roles?
Currently, Joe Keery seems to be balancing both television and film projects. His commitment to Stranger Things is well-known, but he has also been actively pursuing film roles that showcase his diverse talents. As Stranger Things nears its conclusion, it’s possible he may shift his focus more towards film.
FAQ 6: How does Joe Keery choose his film roles?
While the specifics of his decision-making process aren’t publicly known, his film choices suggest he prioritizes projects that offer creative challenges and opportunities to work with talented directors and actors. He also appears to value projects that allow him to explore different character types and genres.
FAQ 7: What is Joe Keery’s most critically acclaimed film?
Free Guy, while a commercial success, also received positive reviews from critics. His smaller, independent films also garnered positive attention.
FAQ 8: Has Joe Keery ever directed or produced a film?
Currently, there is no publicly available information indicating that Joe Keery has directed or produced any films. He has primarily focused on acting roles.
FAQ 9: What other talents does Joe Keery have besides acting?
Joe Keery is also a musician. He was formerly a member of the psych-rock band Post Animal, where he played guitar and vocals. He has also released music under the name Djo.
FAQ 10: Where can I find Joe Keery’s complete filmography?
Reputable online databases like IMDb (Internet Movie Database) provide a comprehensive listing of Joe Keery’s film and television credits.
FAQ 11: How has “Stranger Things” impacted Joe Keery’s film career?
Stranger Things undoubtedly raised Joe Keery’s profile significantly, making him a recognizable face and opening doors to more film opportunities. The show’s global popularity has given him a platform to showcase his talent to a wider audience.
FAQ 12: What kind of roles might we expect to see Joe Keery take on in the future?
Given his diverse filmography, it’s difficult to predict precisely what roles Joe Keery will pursue. However, based on his past choices, it’s likely he will continue to seek out projects that challenge him creatively, allow him to explore different genres, and collaborate with talented filmmakers. He has demonstrated an ability to handle both comedic and dramatic roles, suggesting he will continue to embrace a variety of characters in his future film endeavors. He could venture into more leading roles within various genres, or even explore behind-the-camera roles.