Tom Holland Is More Than Just Spider-Man: 3 Movies That Prove It

Tom Holland has established a strong reputation in Hollywood as one of the most outstanding actors to play Spider-Man. His performances across the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Sony’s Spider-Man films have been exceptional, leaving fans excited for the next chapter of their favorite comic book hero in the upcoming fourth Spider-Man movie. It’s no wonder that Holland is often associated with Spider-Man, but his award-winning (BAFTA) talent extends beyond this iconic role. His versatility as an actor ensures he will never be limited or stereotyped; he has the ability to convincingly portray any character he chooses.

The 2023 Apple TV+ series, “The Crowded Room,” showcases the broad range of Holland’s acting abilities. This psychological crime drama, based on the true story of Billy Milligan, was met with varying reactions from viewers (with a critical score of only 33% on Rotten Tomatoes contrasting sharply with a more favorable 92% audience rating). Despite differing opinions regarding the script and tempo, everyone seemed to agree that Holland delivered an exceptional performance as Danny Sullivan. A young man who was eventually diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, Holland’s nuanced portrayal of such a complex character, including playing multiple personalities, earned him a 2024 Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Actor in a Limited Series.

The Cramped Room served as a testament to Holland’s ability to excel in any role he undertakes, a trait that fans have long appreciated through his diverse acting portfolio beyond the Spider-Man series. Here are three standout performances by Holland that demonstrate his versatility outside of Marvel.

Cherry

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’d like to share my thoughts about “Cherry,” a gripping crime drama from 2021 that was brought to life by directors Joe and Anthony Russo. In this movie, I played the role of Cherry, a former army medic struggling with PTSD who found myself entangled in a dangerous web of drugs and criminal activities.

The narrative of “Cherry” unfolds across different stages of my life, starting from college days, where I made the decision to leave school and join the military. The story then takes us through my time in Iraq, followed by the tumultuous period post-war, marked by a deepening opioid addiction.

At the heart of this film is the evolving relationship between me and my college sweetheart Emily (portrayed by Ciara Bravo). As our bond strengthens, we face challenges that lead me to resort to bank robberies as a desperate measure to fund our escalating drug habit.

In this role, Holland showcased his acting talents in ways that surpassed what viewers might have expected from the young actor. The character of Cherry experiences intense highs and lows before reaching a breaking point. Holland portrays every aspect of Cherry’s narrative authentically, making it heart-wrenching to watch the college student spiral into addiction, grapple with PTSD, and sink into extreme despair as he and Emily fuel their habits. The story takes a turn for the worse before eventually reaching a hopeful destination, and Holland effectively conveys Cherry’s journey from start to finish.

The Devil All the Time

The movie titled “The Devil All the Time” was adapted from Donald Ray Pollock’s book of the same name and helmed by director Antonio Campos, who collaborated with his brother Paulo on the screenplay for the 2020 Netflix release. This Southern Gothic narrative spans various characters from the post-World War II era to the 1960s. The stories of these individuals intriguingly intertwine, leading them down ominous and frequently shocking paths with dismal, often unanticipated endings. The film boasts a high-profile ensemble cast featuring Bill Skarsgård, Robert Pattinson, Sebastian Stan, Riley Keough, Jason Clarke, and Eliza Scanlen.

In a new portrayal, Timothée Chalamet takes on the character of Arvin Russell, a young adult, in the film adaptation. Arvin is the son of Willard, played by Skarsgård, who undergoes a significant transformation following his service in World War II, leaving an indelible impact that never fully recovers. Each actor in the cast gives a commendable performance, yet Chalamet’s role leaves a lasting impression. It is his performance as Arvin that stays with viewers when reflecting on The Devil All the Time, making audiences eager to re-engage with such a heavy narrative multiple times.

Edge of Winter

Back in 2016, I was just a teenager when I found myself starring alongside Joel Kinnaman in the gripping psychological thriller “Edge of Winter.” It was an incredible experience, as I had to go head-to-head with a seasoned actor like Kinnaman, and I’m proud to say I held my own. Rob Connolly, who co-wrote the film with Kyle Mann, directed this masterpiece. The story revolves around a divorced father (played by Kinnaman) who decides to take his two sons – me and Percy Hynes White – to his cabin in the wilderness. However, a winter storm strands us there, forcing us to confront my dad’s volatile behavior, which spirals out of control once he learns that his ex-wife and our stepfather were planning to move our family to another country. This revelation sets off a chain reaction of violence and desperation that becomes increasingly unpredictable.

In the role of Bradley Baker, the elder sibling, Holland delivers a convincing performance as a teenager grappling with intricate emotions towards his father, all while growing more and more anxious about Kinnaman’s psychotic character. White impressively complements Holland as the younger brother, Caleb, and together they intensify the emotional tension of a heart-wrenching film. Debuting shortly after filming for Spider-Man: Homecoming, Edge of Winter served as a platform to highlight Holland’s natural talent for bringing characters to life and forging immediate emotional bonds with the audience.

1. You can stream Cherry on Apple TV+; The Devil All the Time is streaming on Netflix, and you can watch Edge of Winter for free on Tubi.

2. Stream Cherry on Apple TV+, enjoy The Devil All the Time on Netflix, or catch Edge of Winter for nothing on Tubi.

3. Cherry is ready to stream on Apple TV+, The Devil All the Time can be found streaming on Netflix, and Edge of Winter is available for free streaming on Tubi.

4. You’ll find Cherry streaming on Apple TV+, The Devil All the Time is up on Netflix, and you can stream Edge of Winter for free on Tubi.

5. On Apple TV+, you can stream Cherry; The Devil All the Time is streaming now on Netflix, and if you’re looking for something free, check out Edge of Winter on Tubi.

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2025-01-30 20:40