Five Essential Films

Dakota Johnson’s talents are on full display in these features, which range from envelope-pushing blockbusters to art house fare

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY Johnson’s breakthrough leading role came with this big-screen adaptation of EL James’ erotic novel, the first in a trilogy. The actress plays the naive Anastasia Steele, who falls for a mysterious businessman named Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan), who introduces her to the world of BDSM.

A BIGGER SPLASH

This drama from director Luca Guadagnino sees Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes as former lovers unexpectedly reunited on the Italian island of Pantelleria. Johnson plays Fiennes’ daughter, whose true nature is more than it seems as the film veers into psychological thriller territory.

SUSPIRIA

Johnson collaborated with Guadagnino (and co-star Swinton) a second time on his remake of the 1977 Italian horror classic from auteur Dario Argento. She plays an aspiring American dancer who joins a prestigious Berlin dance academy that serves as a cover for a coven of witches.

THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON

In Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz’s comic drama, Johnson plays a social worker tasked with tracking down a young man with Down syndrome (breakout Zack Gottsagen) who has escaped from his care facility and goes on the run to achieve his dream of becoming a wrestler.

OUR FRIEND

This drama, inspired by a true story (and an award-winning Esquire article), stars Jason Segel as an aimless man whose relationship with his college friend (Casey Affleck) and his cancer-stricken wife (Johnson) gives his life newfound meaning as he aids the couple through their family crisis.