Toni Collette stars in the new Netflix film “Stowaway” (debuting April 22nd) and Bleecker Street’s “Dream Horse” (in theaters May 21st). I had the chance to meet the Oscar nominee outside of a Broadway show a few years ago (when people could still do that… and when Broadway shows still existed). Collette has had a very successful film career. Here are some of the highlights:
“THE SIXTH SENSE” (1999) I caught-up on the M. Night Shyamalan classic a few years ago and, yes, was surprised by how the ending plays out. Collette’s performance was also very strong, along with young Haley Joel Osment and Bruce Willis.
“LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE” (2006) What an ensemble! Collette joined Steve Carell, Alan Arkin, Greg Kinnear, Paul Dano and Abigail Breslin in a breakthrough role. Not a perfect movie but easy to admire.
STOP-MOTION ANIMATION – Collette has lent her voice to “Mary and Max” and Laika’s Oscar nominated “The Boxtrolls”.
“HITCHCOCK” (2012) Another terrific ensemble in a (mostly) fun movie, with Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Danny Huston, Jessica Biel and Michael Stuhlbarg.
“THE WAY, WAY BACK” (2013) I feel like I keep repeating myself! Collette reunited with Carell for this indie dramedy also featuring Liam James, a memorable Sam Rockwell, Allison Janney, AnnaSophia Robb, Maya Rudolph, Amanda Peet and Rob Corddry.
“ENOUGH SAID” (2013) Collette’s second Fox Searchlight film of the year starred Julia Louis-Dreyfus and the late James Gandolfini. Was on my Top 10 of ‘13 list.
“A LONG WAY DOWN” (2014) Not many people saw this movie, which paired Collette with Pierce Brosnan, Aaron Paul and Imogen Poots (and Rosamund Pike showed-up in a minor role). It’s one of those movies that suffers from an identity crisis.
“HEARTS BEAT LOUD” (2018) The music is the strength of this indie with Collette, Nick Offerman, Blythe Danner, Ted Danson and a breakthrough Kiersey Clemons.
“HEREDITARY” (2018) I’m not the biggest fan of this A24 horror thriller, but there’s no denying that Collette goes all-in with her performance.
“KNIVES OUT” (2019) Collette keeps picking great ensembles. This is still one of my favorite films of the past five years.
“VELVET BUZZSAW” (2020) “Nightcrawler” director Dan Gilroy’s difficult to forget art movie with Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo. The first of two Collette Netflix releases last year.
“I’M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS” (2020) Collette’s role of “Mother” has plenty of range in Charlie Kaufman’s quirky, offbeat, wild drama.