You know, people often talk about how there just aren’t enough substantial leading roles for women in Hollywood—like, it’s a constant theme in film discussions. But honestly, when you look at the work of Don Roos, that argument kind of falls apart. Don Roos has consistently proven that compelling, complex female characters can be the heart of a story. Over the years, Don Roos has written and directed some truly standout performances from powerhouse actresses like Michelle Pfeiffer, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Sharon Stone, Whoopi Goldberg, and Christina Ricci, just to name a few. It’s clear that Don Roos doesn’t just give women screen time—he gives them depth, agency, and voice. Now, that’s not to say Don Roos ignores male characters; he certainly crafts well-rounded men too. But if you really examine his body of work, the driving force—the emotional core—often revolves around strong, nuanced women. And that’s exactly what makes Don Roos stand out in today’s cinematic landscape.
When it comes to Don Roos’s body of work, fans and critics alike often point to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018) as his standout achievement—widely regarded as Don Roos’s highest rated film. It’s a heartfelt, beautifully crafted story that really showcases Don Roos’s talent for emotional storytelling and nuanced character development. On the other end of the spectrum, Diabolique (1996) tends to receive less favorable reviews, making it Don Roos’s lowest rated movie to date. While it had its moments and certainly stirred some discussion at the time, it didn’t quite resonate the same way with audiences or critics. So, when you look at Don Roos’s filmography as a whole, there’s a clear contrast between these two titles—one shining bright as a fan favorite, and the other, well, not quite hitting the same mark. Still, both films offer insight into Don Roos’s evolving style and creative journey over the years.