The 2023 film that Paul Mescal didn't expect people to like.

Paul Mescal, the Irish actor known for his breakout role in the BBC series Normal People, found himself unexpectedly facing harsh criticism for his performance in the 2023 film Foe. The movie, directed by Garth Davis, marked one of the more polarizing projects in Mescal’s career so far. While he has steadily built a reputation through critically acclaimed roles, most recently earning an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of a young father in Aftersun, Foe did not receive the same level of praise from critics or audiences. Set in a near-future world, Foe follows Junior, played by Mescal, and his wife Hen, portrayed by Saoirse Ronan, whose tranquil life is disrupted by the news that Junior has been selected for a mission aboard a space station in Earth's orbit. As the narrative unfolds, it gradually reveals that their relationship might not have been as stable as it seemed. The film was released amid growing interest in stories exploring human relationships with evolving technology and the uncertainties of the future. However, its reception was overwhelmingly negative. Critics panned nearly every aspect of the film, including its screenplay and narrative structure. Joe Williams of Far Out described it as “deeply disappointing and occasionally confusing,” highlighting that while Mescal’s performance was among the few elements receiving praise, the overall experience left much to be desired. The film failed to resonate with viewers who expected a compelling exploration of its themes, leaving many questioning whether the vision behind the project was effectively translated onto the screen. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Mescal acknowledged that the poor reception initially surprised him. He admitted that he had hoped for a different response but came to understand that such missteps are part of the nature of acting. “I’m beginning to accept that I want to work on films that will provoke very strong opinions from people, sometimes so intense that I feel like screaming,” he said. “It hurts when Foe is discussed in a certain context, but this is just part of the job. If I’m lucky enough to have a long career, I want to choose roles that divide audiences. That means the material itself is challenging.” Garth Davis, director of Foe and previously known for the acclaimed drama Lion, openly spoke about his intentions for the film. Based on a novel by Iain Reid, the story aimed to explore humanity’s changing relationship with technology and the existential uncertainties faced by society. Although many felt the film fell short of conveying these ideas convincingly, the subject matter remains highly relevant today. Despite the controversy surrounding Foe, Mescal quickly returned to more successful projects. Following the release of Foe, he appeared in Gladiator II, which, although not universally praised by critics, earned over $462 million worldwide. In 2025, he took on prominent roles in The History of Sound, directed by Oliver Hermanus, and Hamnet, directed by Chloe Zhao. These projects further solidified his position as one of the most sought-after actors of his generation. Reflecting on the making of Foe, Mescal stated, “I have absolutely no doubts about the process of filming that movie.” Given his current standing in the film industry, such a perspective does not come as a surprise. His willingness to take risks and engage with complex narratives continues to define his career trajectory, even in the face of occasional setbacks.