Australian-born actress Samara Weaving has emerged as one of this generation’s most compelling genre talents, blending fierce physicality with sharp comic timing across horror, thriller and dark comedy. Her breakthrough came with the 2019 surprise hit Ready or Not.
Since then, she has moved fluidly between intense genre fare and genre-bending roles — from chaotic slashers like The Babysitter to psychological thrillers such as Borderline — while continuing to lead high-profile horror projects and expand her cinematic reach.
Ready or Not (2019)
This darkly inventive horror-comedy became Samara Weaving’s defining breakout. In Ready or Not, she plays Grace, a bride whose new wealthy in-laws force her into a deadly game of hide-and-seek on her wedding night. Weaving’s performance marries physical intensity with sharp comedic timing, making Grace both relatable and unforgettable amid chaotic carnage.
The film grossed over $57 million worldwide on a modest budget and rapidly turned Weaving into a genre icon, proving she could carry a major theatrical release and anchor a fresh take on horror tropes.
The Babysitter (2017)
One of Weaving’s earliest breakthroughs in international film, The Babysitter introduced her to global audiences as Bee — a sweet-faced babysitter who moonlights as the leader of a satanic cult. Her portrayal was magnetic: sultry, sinister and endlessly charismatic.
The film became a Netflix hit and showcased Weaving’s gift for blending genre savvy with bold, memorable energy. This role helped position her as a rising star in horror-comedy and opened doors for more genre-bending projects.
Mayhem (2017)
In this high-octane horror-comedy, Weaving stars opposite Steven Yeun as Melanie — an office employee swept into a violent outbreak after everyone in her workplace becomes mindlessly aggressive. Mayhem allowed her to lean into extreme physicality and absurd humor while grounding her performance with emotional stakes.
The film further showcased her versatility: she wasn’t just screaming or fighting, she was anchoring a story about rage, corporate malaise and unexpected alliance. Her turn reinforced her affinity for creative, genre-driven narratives.
Guns Akimbo (2019)
This kinetic action comedy paired Weaving with Daniel Radcliffe in a neon-soaked thrill ride where social media meets ultra-violent underground games. As Nix, Weaving emanated anarchic energy, shifting effortlessly between chaos and lethal precision.
Though the film split critics, her performance was widely praised for its fearlessness and flair. It broadened her appeal beyond horror — showcasing her strength in unconventional, stylistically electric fare and further establishing her as an unpredictable talent willing to take risks.
Scream VI (2023)
Joining the iconic Scream franchise — one of the most durable slasher series in American film history — was a notable milestone in Weaving’s career. Though her role isn’t the lead, appearing in Scream VI connected her to mainstream horror legacy cinema in a new way.
The film went on to become one of the franchise’s strongest performers at the box office, and being part of such a cultural touchstone reinforced her scream-queen status while expanding her presence in big-budget genre filmmaking.
The Valet (2022)
Stepping outside the horror and action spaces, The Valet offered Weaving a chance to shine in a character-driven romantic comedy. Playing a celebrity entangled in a fake-relationship ruse to manage a PR crisis, she delivered charm and vulnerability alongside sharp humor.
This role demonstrated her ability to carry lighter material with the same confidence she brings to intense genre films, broadening her range and showing she can anchor mainstream, character-focused stories as effortlessly as she dominates chaos.
Chevalier (2023)
In this period drama based on the life of composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier, Weaving took on a dramatic role that highlighted emotional subtlety and depth. Her portrayal of Marie-Josephine balanced grace and nuance in a story about artistry, race and societal boundaries in 18th-century Europe. This performance showed her dramatic range outside genre cinema and added a prestigious, critically respected project to her filmography.
Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (2021)
Joining the G.I. Joe universe as Scarlett, Weaving entered the realm of major studio action franchises. Snake Eyes positioned her in a high-budget, internationally released blockbuster built for wide appeal.
Her role, blending combat prowess and emotional complexity, allowed her to expand her cinematic footprint and demonstrated that her talents translate to globally marketed films with extensive physical storytelling.
Azrael (2024)
Azrael marked one of the most distinctive challenges in Weaving’s recent filmography. Premiering at festivals such as South by Southwest and distributed internationally by IFC Films and Shudder, the film unfolds in a silent world where the protagonist (played by Weaving) is hunted by an extremist community after escaping a dangerous situation.
The near-total absence of dialogue required a highly physical and expressive performance, turning every gesture into a key storytelling tool. Critics noted that her interpretation carried the film, conveying a wide range of emotions without words — emphasizing that her gaze and physical presence were essential in every scene.
This role highlighted her versatility and willingness to take on complex characters in extreme environments, further strengthening her position as one of the leading figures in contemporary genre cinema.
Babylon (2022)
In the ambitious period production Babylon, directed by Damien Chazelle and centered on Hollywood’s excesses and the transition from silent films to talkies, Weaving plays a supporting role within a large ensemble cast.
While not a central character, her presence in this prestigious project alongside major film stars positioned her within a broader narrative about the film industry itself.
Being associated with a film that competed during awards season and emphasized Hollywood’s own history helped diversify her profile beyond horror and action. According to some critics and career analyses, the film demonstrated that her range can also extend to dramatic roles within more traditional cinema.
Ash vs Evil Dead (2015–2018)
Before becoming a prominent figure in genre cinema, Samara Weaving made recurring appearances in Ash vs Evil Dead, portraying Heather in several episodes of the cult series.
The show, a television continuation of the classic horror franchise Evil Dead, allowed Weaving to integrate early into a universe with a devoted horror fanbase, blending gore, comedy, and extreme practical effects.
Although her role was not leading, it was key in introducing her energy and physical presence to American horror productions and in shaping her early reputation as an effective performer in stories with strong elements of dark humor — a foundation she would later build upon in films such as Ready or Not and Scream VI.
Eenie Meanie (2025)
Eenie Meanie is a 2025 action-comedy thriller released on Hulu, in which Weaving plays Edie Meaney, a getaway driver and criminal balancing intelligence, humor, and survival instincts. Starring alongside actors such as Andy Garcia and Steve Zahn, the film operates in the space of action thriller with elements of crime comedy.
This role represented an expansion of her repertoire beyond traditional horror into a story where pace, adrenaline, and crime dynamics are central. Specialized critics highlighted how her charisma and energy bring a fresh twist to the genre, demonstrating that she can lead not only horror films but also action and comedy narratives with equal impact.
Last Moment of Clarity (2020)
In this atmospheric thriller, Weaving plays a woman drawn into a dangerous search for her lover’s presumed identity. While not as widely seen as some of her other films, this role highlighted her ability to anchor mood-driven, mysterious material — characters defined less by spectacle than by emotional tension. It showcased a quieter side of her craft and added complexity to a career often associated with bigger genre set pieces.