You ever see a movie and go, Wow, that actor stole the scene? That’s Carrie Preston for you. She’s one of those Hollywood treasures—someone who can make a supporting role unforgettable. You may recognize her from The Good Wife or Claws, but her film work? Criminally underrated.
So let’s reverse that. If you’re a film buff (which, come on, you are if you’re here), these five movies will teach you exactly why Carrie Preston is a force to be reckoned with. Whether she’s a bumbling but lovable stepmother, a tough attorney, or a woman trapped in a scheme, she contributes something unique to each performance.
Who is Carrie Preston?
Let’s turn back the clock for a minute. Before I get to her greatest films, here’s some background.
Carrie Preston is more than just an actress—she’s a Juilliard-educated actress who’s spent years honing her talent. She hails from Macon, Georgia, and cut her teeth on stage before storming film and television.
What Makes Her Stand Out?
She can make you laugh, cry, and hold the edge of your seat—every time—in one movie. She’s got an Emmy, has directed independent movies, and co-starred with Hollywood power players. Someway, she still doesn’t always get credit where credit is due.
We’re gonna rectify that situation—yes, we are. Below are the five Carrie Preston films you should totally watch.
1. To the Bone (2017)
We’ve all seen that family member—the one who tries to help but ends up making things worse. That’s Judy, the character Carrie Preston plays in To the Bone, a drama about eating disorders starring Lily Collins and Keanu Reeves.
Judy is Ellen’s (Lily Collins) stepmother, and let’s just say… she doesn’t always say the right things. But here’s what makes Preston’s performance so good: she doesn’t play Judy as a villain. Instead, she makes her painfully real. You might find yourself frustrated with her, maybe even rolling your eyes at her comments, but you also get her.
This film is raw, emotional, and sometimes hard to sit through—but Carrie Preston brings a valuable layer of authenticity.
2. The Holdovers (2023)
Picture this: A grumpy teacher, a rebellious student, and a handful of misfits stuck at a boarding school over the holidays. That’s The Holdovers in a nutshell. What starts as a seemingly simple story turns into something deeply moving.
Carrie Preston has a small but important role here. She doesn’t require much screen time to leave her mark. She adds warmth, subtlety, and emotional resonance to the film in a way that lingers long after the credits have rolled. Sometimes the most powerful performances are the quietest, and this is one of them.
3. Duplicity (2009)
Carrie Preston with a small but memorable turn in a high-speed, twisty thriller? Absolutely.
Duplicity is one of those films that holds you in suspense, and while Preston’s contribution isn’t the largest, she brings a measure of intrigue and realism to the table. If you enjoy urbane thrillers with snappy dialogue and unforeseen twists, this one’s for you.
4. Equity (2016)
Ever imagine what a high-stakes financial thriller would be like if women were in charge? Equity provides just that. This is not your standard Wall Street drama with cocky, power-grabbing men—this one puts the spotlight on ambitious women who are playing corporate power games.
Carrie Preston plays Erin Manning, a lawyer who gets tangled up in the complex world of finance, corruption, and betrayal. Her performance is razor-sharp—she’s confident, intelligent, and unapologetically herself. If you’re into smart, thought-provoking films with strong female leads, Equity is a must-watch.
5. That Evening Sun (2009)
Some films don’t require explosions or high-stakes action to hook you. That Evening Sun is one of them. It’s a beautifully shot, deeply emotional tale about an old farmer (played by Hal Holbrook) who comes home to discover his land is being occupied by a new family.
Carrie Preston is Ludie Choat, the wife of the man who has inherited the farm. This is where her talent truly shines—she doesn’t act; she becomes. Her performance is rich, full of quiet desperation and deep feeling. The movie overall is hauntingly lovely, and Preston is a big part of its emotional draw.
Honorable Mentions
Alright, getting it down to five was difficult. So, here are a couple of other performances worth mentioning:
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My Best Friend’s Girl (2008) – A romantic comedy where she gives a laugh-out-loud supporting performance.
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Vino Veritas (2013) – An offbeat indie about secrets and booze-soaked truths.
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Five Flights Up (2014) – A heartwarming drama with Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton, with Preston adding emotional depth.
Where to Watch These Movies
Curious as to where to catch these gems? Here’s a brief rundown:
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To the Bone – Streaming on Netflix
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The Holdovers – On Amazon Prime Video
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Duplicity – Hulu and rental platforms
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Equity – Apple TV, Amazon Prime
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That Evening Sun – On demand
Final Thoughts
There’s Hollywood’s A-list, then there are folks like Carrie Preston—actors who always deliver masterful performances yet don’t get the attention they deserve.
She’s a scene-stealer, a chameleon, an actress who strengthens every project that she’s involved in.
So, if you haven’t checked out her film work yet, now’s the time. Begin with these five films, and I promise you’ll leave with a new appreciation for her talent.
And hey, if you’ve already seen them, let’s chat—what’s your favorite Carrie Preston performance?
Check: Carrie Preston Best TV Shows
