Cailee Spaeny: An Image that Grows Tough

I’m a film critic, fervent admirer of Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, and sci-fi and psychological movie fanatic. Come strike up some conversations with me!

Cailee Spaeny , born in 1998 and raised in Springfield, Missouri, is my favorite among the young generation of Hollywood actresses.

The first time she caught my attention was in the 2021 series "Mare of Easttown," starring Kate Winslet , in a minor role as a young mother abandoned by her boyfriend. She appears only in the first episode before being brutally murdered by a mysterious killer. Her death, especially with her body left naked in the wild, evoked a strong sense of anger in me, driving me to binge-watch the entire series in one night. It was so heartbreaking to see this adorable young girl abandoned in a rundown town and meeting such a tragic end that I was desperate to see the killer brought to justice. Although her screen time was limited, Cailee left a deep impression on me and became the main reason I was captivated by the series.

I saw Cailee again in Sofia Coppola 's "Priscilla" in 2023. In Coppola's film, she looks even more beautiful. Especially in the scene at the beginning where she sits at the bar doing homework and glances back, she exudes an aura of purity and innocence. From that moment, I truly became a fan of Cailee.

I became infatuated with her not only because of her beauty but also because she isn't of traditional defined beauty. She doesn't look like a supermodel—those sexy and glamorous women seem too unattainable for a homebody like me. Cailee, on the other hand, appears gentle and adorable, yet approachable, like the girl next door.

However, I’ve noticed her image is drastically changing from a pure and delicate girl to a strong and resilient woman.

The first noticeable change is in Alex Garland 's "Civil War." She plays a young war photographer navigating the battlefield, capturing bloodied soldiers and the chaos of war. Although her eyes occasionally showed fear as she entered the battlefield for the first time, this quickly turned to determination as she bravely continued her photography. While she remains beautiful as ever, her aura has significantly changed. Her past roles were often passive victims—abandoned by boyfriends, killed, or submissive to Elvis. This time, however, she actively enters life-threatening areas aiming to capture live events amid danger.

You might say that "Civil War" isn’t a convincing enough example for Cailee's change. Now let’s look at next month’s release, "Alien: Romulus." Although this horror film has not yet been released, the trailers already show her taking another step towards a tougher image. Specifically, the scene where she wields an electromagnetic gun is an obvious homage to Sigourney Weaver's iconic role as a warrior in the "Alien" series. Cailee's acting is excellent, capturing not only the action but also the fierce determination similar to Sigourney's.

To be honest, I’m not quite used to Cailee’s change this year. Initially, I became her fan due to her gentleness and approachability, but now she’s evolving in the opposite direction. Yet I don’t oppose her changes. Just as the same forest looks different in sunlight and rain, the tough side of her is also a true part of her, which I believe I will gradually understand and appreciate. Previously, I only liked the colors of sunlight through leaves, but now I find the sound of raindrops on leaves equally beautiful.

Reflecting on Cailee’s changes made me realize that many Hollywood actresses today seem to be moving towards a stronger and more androgynous image. Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa in "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga," Zendaya as Chani in "Dune," and Florence Pugh —these actresses of the new era are noticeably tougher than previous generations, which might indicate a new trend in aesthetic.

You might argue that I’m cherry-picking examples to support my point, and I acknowledge that possibility. However, when I try to think of young actresses with a softer, more delicate image, none come to mind.

The only potential counterexample I can think of is Sydney Sweeney . Yet, in this year's "Immaculate," she also showcases a wild and angry side.

Can you think of more counterexamples? Leave in the comments below.

Catch you later for more movie musings!