MAR's Top 65 Performances of the 2010s [COMPLETE]

Paul Thomas Anderson has developed a reputation for collaborating with some of the highest-caliber actors in the world, so it came as a bit of a surprise when the then-unknown Vicky Krieps was cast as the co-lead to Daniel Day-Lewis in Phantom Thread. When Krieps emerged in PTA's romantic drama as one of the most special discoveries of the decade, she was a breathtaking force to be reckoned with. Combining a classically enchanting screen presence with a demeanor of pure, unrelenting ferocity, Krieps improbably feels like the most watchable movie star in the world when she's on-screen (and the fact that she's subsequently gotten so few notable roles is criminal). Calling her the "secret weapon" of Phantom Thread would be condescending and reductive, for she arises as the star of the show, carrying Alma's twisting character arc in a way that hits all the beats, both vulnerable and invincible, both cunning and nurturing, both refined and juvenile. It's no easy task to go toe-to-toe with one of the all-time greats at the top of his game -- and Krieps not only rises to the challenge, but totally steals his spotlight with her impenetrable gaze and bewitching smile.