Before Finding Fame In The Last Of Us: Kaitlyn Dever's Stellar Crime Drama Role

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

4.8

Share

Uncovering Dever's Breakthrough Crime Drama Role

Kaitlyn Dever's breakout performance came in the Netflix limited series Unbelievable, a true-crime drama based on a real-life case of a sexual assault survivor. The series follows Marie Adler (Dever), a teenager whose rape report is initially dismissed by law enforcement due to inconsistencies and doubt. The plot unravels the complexities of the justice system, police investigation techniques, and the lasting trauma of sexual assault. Dever's portrayal of Marie is central to the narrative; she is not simply a victim, but a resilient young woman navigating the deeply flawed system and grappling with its devastating effects.

• Year of Release and Platform: 2019, Netflix
• Critical Acclaim: Unbelievable received widespread critical acclaim, praised for its sensitive portrayal of a difficult subject and its strong performances. It earned numerous awards and nominations, including Emmy Awards for Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (for Toni Collette).
• Genre: True crime, psychological drama

Dever's Performance and its Critical Reception

Dever's performance in Unbelievable was nothing short of breathtaking. Her portrayal of Marie is nuanced and layered, showcasing a remarkable emotional range. She effectively conveys Marie's vulnerability, confusion, and anger with a raw honesty that resonated deeply with viewers. Her ability to show both the strength and fragility of her character made the role truly unforgettable.

• Awards and Nominations: While the show itself won numerous accolades, Dever’s performance earned significant recognition, contributing to her increasing reputation for powerful and nuanced portrayals.
• Positive Reviews: The New York Times lauded Dever's performance, calling it "heartbreaking and utterly convincing." Variety praised her "subtle yet powerful" acting, highlighting her ability to convey a wide spectrum of emotions with minimal dialogue.
• Preparation for Future Roles: Unbelievable undeniably prepared Dever for the emotionally challenging roles she would later take on. The role demanded a deep understanding of trauma, resilience, and the complexities of the human psyche – skills she would put to excellent use in subsequent projects, including her role in The Last of Us.

The Impact on Kaitlyn Dever's Career Trajectory

Unbelievable served as a pivotal moment in Kaitlyn Dever's career trajectory. The role demonstrated her exceptional talent for portraying complex, emotionally resonant characters, firmly establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the acting world. This wasn't just a crime drama role; it was a launchpad.

• Subsequent Notable Roles: Following Unbelievable, Dever continued to secure high-profile roles showcasing diverse characters and narrative styles, further solidifying her position as a versatile and sought-after actress.
• Evolution of Acting Style: While her early roles might have focused more on comedic timing or lighter dramatic roles, Unbelievable marked a shift towards more intense and mature characters, demonstrating her impressive growth and capacity. The sophistication and emotional depth she brought to Marie directly contributed to the ability to play more complex characters later.
• Types of Characters: Before Unbelievable, Dever often appeared in more light-hearted or teen-centric roles. Afterwards, her roles exhibited a significantly increased focus on morally ambiguous characters and emotional depth. The Kaitlyn Dever crime drama role solidified her potential for more serious, emotionally challenging work.

Comparing the Crime Drama Role to her Last of Us Performance

The emotional depth Kaitlyn Dever brought to Marie in Unbelievable shares striking similarities with her performance as a hardened survivor in The Last of Us. Both roles demand vulnerability, resilience, and the ability to portray a character battling trauma and navigating incredibly difficult circumstances. The skills honed portraying Marie – specifically her nuanced portrayal of trauma and survival – directly translated to her performance in The Last of Us.

• Character's Emotional Arcs: Both Marie and her Last of Us character grapple with significant emotional trauma, forcing both to make difficult decisions and navigate their grief.
• Similarities in Challenges: Both characters faced immense challenges from hostile and unjust systems. The struggles are different, but the survival instinct is a common thread.
• Vulnerability and Strength: Dever's ability to portray vulnerability and inner strength simultaneously is a consistent element in both performances. This consistency showcases her mastery of her craft.

Conclusion

Kaitlyn Dever's role in the Netflix crime drama Unbelievable wasn't just a significant performance; it was a career-defining moment. It showcased her remarkable talent for portraying complex, emotionally resonant characters, highlighting her abilities long before her Last of Us fame. This Kaitlyn Dever crime drama role revealed an actress capable of delivering powerful performances that resonate deeply with audiences.

Explore Kaitlyn Dever's incredible range by watching her stellar performance in Unbelievable. Discover the talent that made her a star, even before The Last of Us. Learn more about Kaitlyn Dever crime drama roles and witness the journey of this remarkable actress.