Fun
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Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
If you feel like Lakeith Stanfield pops up in everything you watch lately, you’re not entirely wrong; the 26-year-old actor made his big-screen debut in Short Term 12 opposite Brie Larson in 2013 and he hasn’t stopped working since. He snatched up bit roles in flicks like The Purge: Anarchy and Ava DuVernay‘s award-winning Selma, Dope, and perhaps experienced his true breakout as Snoop Dogg in 2015’s Straight Outta Compton. In the last year alone, Stanfield’s appeared in Snowden, Jordan Peele‘s critical hit Get Out, Netflix‘s The Incredible Jessica James and War Machine, and as of this weekend, Death Note and indie triumph Crown Heights. So yes, you’re not wrong – Stanfield is everywhere – and we couldn’t be happier about it.
An education in Stanfield’s stand-out talents should begin with Short Term 12; the riveting indie drama from Destin Daniel Cretton that depicts a group of troubled teenagers co-existing in the eponymous group home. While Larson was (rightfully) praised for her heart-wrenching performance, Stanfield’s Marcus – a young man turning 18 and fearing what will happen when he’s forced to leave Short Term 12 – is a masterclass in emotion. Marcus is introduced to us as the leader of the group, as he’s seemingly been there the longest, but as we get to know him better, the pain hiding beneath his hardened, occasionally jovial exterior surfaces. The look in Stanfield’s eyes when he examines his newly-shaved head – a style he’d been afraid to sport since being beat as a child for fear of his head being “lumpy” from the blows – is enough to completely tear you apart. Every moment of his screen time is completely compelling, but that look alone could have gotten him cast in all these projects.
Stanfield isn’t just dominating the big screen, either; he’s certainly become something of a streaming darling with War Machine, The Incredible Jessica James, and Death Note under his belt, but his most memorable turn comes in his turn as Darius on Donald Glover‘s FX series Atlanta. Glover’s front-and-center Earn certainly tells a helluva story, but the bizarre, whimsical Darius manages to elevate the show to a whole new place. Stanfield’s Darius acts as both comic relief and a provoker of thought with every appearance, and even with limited screen time, he leaves a massive impression.
There are few actors currently working who are able to summon the natural emotion that Stanfield so effortlessly lets cross his face when called for. His range is hardly matched in actors his age or older; Stanfield can strike comedic beats and pull at your heartstrings at the drop of a hat, and his movements and line delivery never feel contrived. Stanfield possesses an understated command of every scene he’s in; it’s why he’s so easily become a scene-stealer in every bit role he’s taken on and now earned his spot center stage.
To say Stanfield is unstoppable might be an understatement; in addition to the aforementioned projects, he’ll next be seen in fantasy sci-fi Sorry to Bother You opposite Tessa Thompson and Armie Hammer and drama Come Sunday along A-listers like Jason Segel, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Martin Sheen. His continued unique taste in projects will undoubtedly set him apart from the rest for years to come, and frankly, it will come as no surprise if he crosses the stage at the Academy Awards in the next few years. The actor is a rare gift, and when talent like that is seen on screen, attention must be paid. Don’t be surprised when Lakeith Stanfield is a household name – it was always inevitable.
