Ella Purnell, though already somewhat recognizable to audiences before her breakout in film, really made a name for herself with her standout performance in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016). Now, while some might argue that Ella Purnell had a familiar face even earlier—thanks to her early start in the industry—it’s hard to deny that it was this role that truly brought her into the spotlight. Born in London in 1996, Ella Purnell actually began her journey in front of the camera as a baby model, though she never felt particularly drawn to that world as she got older. Instead, she channeled her energy into honing her craft, enrolling in music, acting, and dance classes at the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School and also taking part in programs at Young Actors’ Theatre Islington.
By the time she was just 12 years old, Ella Purnell had already landed a spot in the children’s chorus of a major production of Oliver! at London’s Theatre Royal, Drury Lane—an early sign of the talent that would carry her forward. From there, she started auditioning for film roles, and her big break came in 2010 when she was cast in the romantic drama Never Let Me Go. That same year marked the beginning of a steady rise, and soon after, Ella Purnell appeared in the thriller Intruders (2011), sharing the screen with Clive Owen. She continued building momentum with a memorable turn as a sharp-tongued high-schooler in the action-packed Kick-Ass 2 (2013).
A major milestone followed when Ella Purnell was chosen to portray the younger version of the iconic title character in Disney’s Maleficent (2014)—a role that showcased her ability to embody complex, layered characters even at a young age. Not one to slow down, she went on to co-star in the emotionally intense drama Wildlike (2016), further proving her range. And then, once again, Ella Purnell found herself at the center of attention with her pivotal role alongside Eva Green in Tim Burton’s visually stunning Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016)—a film that cemented her status as one of the most promising young talents of her generation.
So, when it comes to Ella Purnell’s film career, there are a few standout moments worth mentioning. If we look at her highest rated movie, that would definitely be Wildlike from 2014—a film that really showcased Ella Purnell’s range and emotional depth as an actress. Critics and audiences alike praised the performance, and it’s clear that Ella Purnell brought something truly special to the role. On the other end of the spectrum, her lowest rated film appears to be Intruders, which came out back in 2011. While the movie didn’t receive the best reviews, it’s still part of Ella Purnell’s early journey in Hollywood. Overall, Ella Purnell has grown a lot since then, and her evolution as a performer is pretty evident when you compare these two films. Definitely, Ella Purnell continues to make interesting choices in her career.