From heartthrob to war drama, Elordi's style revolution takes spotlight at Berlinale
By Celebrity Editorial Staff
The 75th Berlin International Film Festival traded glamour for grit as Jacob Elordi unveiled his most challenging role yet at the premiere of The Narrow Road to the Deep North. The Australian actor, known for his charm and versatility, made a striking appearance in a subtle striped wool suit by Bottega Veneta. Paired with a sleek black shirt and Achille boots, Elordi's new look with sideburns complemented his dramatic transformation into Dorrigo, a World War II Australian POW survivor.
Against the historic backdrop of the Zoo Palast, where temperatures dipped but anticipation soared, Elordi's appearance marked a significant departure from his recent high-profile roles in Saltburn and Priscilla. The two episodes screened for the Berlinale audience demonstrated his remarkable range, particularly in scenes depicting the psychological toll of life in a POW camp. These harrowing moments, which had some viewers shielding their eyes, were balanced against the film's parallel narrative - a passionate, forbidden romance at the story's core.
During the post-screening Q&A, as reported by Variety, Elordi and co-star Odessa Young shared insights into their approach to the film's intimate scenes. "Between Odessa and I, we both sincerely love to act," Elordi revealed, describing how director Justin Kurzel's method of clearing the set created space for authentic moments. "When you're given that freedom... you get to just be."
The series arrives at a particularly resonant moment, and its reception at Berlin underscored cinema's complex relationship with current events. A tense exchange during the Q&A when the conversation shifted to modern conflicts highlighted the film's timely and poignant relevance.
Fresh from the success of Saltburn and Priscilla, where he memorably portrayed Elvis Presley, Elordi is now set to play Heathcliff opposite Margot Robbie in a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights. At the Berlin International Film Festival, his portrayal of Dorrigo Evans in The Narrow Road to the Deep North - a story of wartime trauma and enduring love - demonstrates his growing range as a dramatic actor.
The festival's enthusiastic reception of the film, even amid Berlin's winter chill, suggests that Elordi's shift toward more complex dramatic roles will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
