by Summer is a time for fun, popcorn flicks, and relaxing at the beach. However, it can also be a great opportunity to delve into some hidden cinematic gems that may have slipped under the radar. While many flock to the latest blockbusters, there are always interesting independent and art house films worth discovering. If you’re a fan of actor Tom Hiddleston and want to see a different side to his talents beyond his iconic role as Loki in the Marvel films, here are a few underrated films in his filmography to add to your summer watchlist.
High-Rise (2015) – Directed by Ben Wheatley, this dystopian thriller is based on the novel of the same name by J.G. Ballard. Set in a luxurious high-rise apartment building, the film depicts what happens as the building and society within it start to crumble and descend into chaos. Hiddleston plays Dr. Robert Laing, a new tenant who moves into the high-rise and gets drawn deeper into the increasingly strange events unfolding around him. As conditions deteriorate and class tensions rise, the residents revert to primitive behaviors. Hiddleston is perfectly cast as the anxious outsider sucked into the building’s unraveling social order. With its unsettling atmosphere and commentary on class warfare, High-Rise makes you feel increasingly uncomfortable as you watch society break down before your eyes. While not an easy or fun watch, it’s a thought-provoking film that stays with you long after viewing. Hiddleston brings nuance to his character caught in the middle of it all.
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) – Directed and written by Jim Jarmusch, this unique vampire film is a slow burn but offers rewards for those who appreciate character-driven stories over action. Hiddleston stars alongside Tilda Swinton as Adam, a depressed musician who has existed as a vampire for centuries. He reunites with his lover Eve (Swinton) in Tangier, but both struggle to find meaning and pleasure in their immortal lives. As the world around them descends further into chaos, they ponder giving up on eternity. Hiddleston and Swinton have amazing chemistry together and bring melancholy to their world-weary characters. The film offers a refreshingly realistic take on the vampire genre through its focus on the emotional toll of endless life. While not for those craving action-packed thrills, Only Lovers Left Alive is a moody character study well worth the investment of time.
The Deep Blue Sea (2011) – Directed by Terence Davies, this British drama is a heartbreaking story centered around passion and its destructive power. Set in post-World War 2 London, Hiddleston plays pilot Freddie Page, a reckless charmer who sweeps married woman Hester Collyer (Rachel Weisz) off her feet with his charm. They embark on a torrid affair that upends both their lives. However, Freddie struggles with mental health issues and his reckless actions have devastating consequences for both of them. Hiddleston and Weisz give raw, emotionally compelling performances as two people swept up in a passionate but unsustainable romance. The film is a character study of how far people will go for love and obsession, and the collateral damage left in the wake of such a volatile relationship. While emotionally difficult to watch at times, The Deep Blue Sea is a beautifully made drama that will stay with you.
Archipelago (2010) – Written and directed by Joanna Hogg, this intimate family drama received little attention but is well worth discovering. Set over the course of a summer, the film centers around the Frost family and tensions that arise when son Edward (Hiddleston) returns home after some time away to visit his mother (Kate Fahy) and siblings. Old wounds are reopened and past conflicts resurface as the dysfunctional family dynamics play out. Hiddleston excels at portraying the reserved surface and hidden depths within his character. The film is less about plot and more a character study and snapshot of this family in crisis. Archipelago offers a quietly powerful depiction of a fractured family unit that some may relate to. While slow-paced, it rewards those who immerse themselves in the intimate family portrait.
Midnight in Paris (2011) – Woody Allen’s romantic fantasy-comedy about a man (Owen Wilson) who mysteriously travels back to 1920s Paris each night at midnight is just plain delightful. Hiddleston has a memorable supporting role as F. Scott Fitzgerald, the troubled literary legend of that era. Hiddleston perfectly captures Fitzgerald’s charm, wit, and underlying fragility. In just a few scenes, he leaves an impression and helps bring that period of Parisian expatriates to life. While a small part, Hiddleston makes the most of it and fits right into Allen’s whimsical vision. Even if just looking to relax and be entertained, Midnight in Paris is a great summer watch that will leave you with a smile on your face at the end. It also showcases Hiddleston’s talent for character acting and commitment to bringing real historical figures to life on screen.
I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017) – In this dark comedy-thriller directed by Macon Blair, Hiddleston takes on a very different role than audiences may be used to. He plays Ruth, a quiet and awkward man who agrees to help his neighbor (Melanie Lynskey) track down the thieves who robbed her house. What starts as a mission for justice soon spirals into far darker places. Hiddleston commits fully to the awkward, uncomfortable nature of his character. He finds humor in Ruth’s social ineptitude while also bringing pathos to his lonely, meek nature. As the film descends into black comedy and violence, Hiddleston stays committed to Ruth’s everyman. It’s a bold performance that subverts expectations and shows Hiddleston’s willingness to take risks in exploring new types of roles off the beaten path. While very different in tone than his other films, I Don’t Feel at Home is an entertaining left turn that proved Hiddleston is no one-trick pony as an actor.
Only God Forgives (2013) – Director Nicolas Winding Refn is known for his stylized, violent films and this Thailand-set crime thriller is no exception. Hiddleston plays Billy, an English expat who runs a boxing club as a front for his family’s criminal enterprise. When his mother arrives seeking vengeance for his brother’s death, Billy is drawn back into the dark underworld he was trying to escape. Like many Refn films, Only God Forgives is a slow-burning, moody character study as much as a thriller. It divides audiences but for those willing to immerse themselves in Refn’s dreamlike, hypnotic world, it’s a visually stunning experience. Hiddleston disappears into Billy, a cold, mysterious figure haunted by his past. The film asks the audience to read between the lines to understand Billy, making Hiddleston’s internalized performance all the more compelling to decode. Only God Forgives is definitely not for all tastes but it’s an unforgettable film elevated by Hiddleston’s committed lead turn.
These are just a few of the many underseen films in Tom Hiddleston’s filmography worth discovering this summer season beyond his most famous blockbuster work. From independent dramas to offbeat genre films, Hiddleston has proven himself a talented character actor willing to take on diverse roles across many genres and budgets. While some require patience, all showcase his incredible commitment to bringing unique, complex characters to life on screen. So next time you’re looking for something different than the usual summer fare, check out one of these hidden gems starring Tom Hiddleston. You may just find a new appreciation for his acting talents outside of the MCU.
