When 'Succession' star Sarah Snook charmed us with mind-bending thriller
What's the story
Sarah Snook, famous for her role in the hit TV show Succession, has been taking Broadway by storm with her one-woman show Picture of Dorian Gray and cinemas with Memoir of a Snail. But before these recent hits, she was already showcasing her acting chops in the underrated sci-fi thriller Predestination (2014). In the film, she starred as an unnamed protagonist opposite veteran actor Ethan Hawke.
Film plot
'Predestination': A showcase of Snook's versatility
Predestination revolves around a "temporal agent" (Hawke) who is a time-traveling hitman assigned to eliminate domestic threats across history. After failing his last mission, he retires and waits in a bar for something to happen. Enter Snook's character, an enigmatic writer called "the Unmarried Mother." Despite the film being sold on Hawke's star power, it was Snook's delivery that truly held the narrative together amidst its complex time travel elements.
Dual roles
Snook's dual performance in 'Predestination' explored gender spectrum
Snook's character in Predestination is revealed to have lived as both a man and a woman. Initially introduced as Jane, she is later forced to undergo gender reassignment surgery after doctors discover she was intersex during childbirth. Post-surgery, Jane becomes John and leads a life filled with anger and despair due to her traumatic past. Despite the plotline being criticized for its lack of sensitivity toward trans identities, Snook's performance convincingly portrays the character's complex identity journey.
Acting dynamics
Snook's on-screen chemistry with Hawke and...herself!
In Predestination, Snook shares most of the scenes with Hawke, and it's a unique blend of quiet intensity. Their interactions pique the audience's interest in her character's backstory. In an intriguing twist, Snook also acts opposite herself when her character time-travels back to her college days as Jane. This unusual scenario highlights Snook's acting range as she convincingly portrays two versions of the same character interacting with each other. Watch it on Amazon Prime Video.