9 Best Movies of Hong Chau

Hong Chau was born to Vietnamese parents in a refugee camp in Thailand, after they fled Vietnam in the late 1970s. The Vietnamese Catholic church in New Orleans sponsored her family to move to America.

Hong grew up in New Orleans, studied film at Boston University, and then started her acting career. She first appeared in a TV series called "Finding My America" in 2006. Her film career took off in 2014 and she played a role in "The Whale" in 2023, which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Here are some other notable films featuring Hong Chau.

1. The Menu

In the horror-comedy "The Menu" (2022), Hong Chau takes on the role of Elsa, the maître d'hôtel, serving guests on a private island owned by a celebrity chef, Julian Slowik, portrayed by Ralph Finnes.

Directed by Mark Mylod, the film revolves around a couple, Tyler Ledford and Margot Mills, who join other guests, including a critic named Lillian Bloom, for an exclusive dining experience.

As the evening unfolds, terrifying events ensue, including revelations of secrets via laser-printed images on tortillas, a suicide, and a bizarre game led by the increasingly unstable Slowik.

2. The Whale

In "The Whale" (2022), Hong Chau gives a captivating performance as Liz, a nurse and only friend to Charlie, a fat and introverted online English writing instructor who avoids using webcams because he is ashamed of his appearance.

Liz encourages Charlie to seek medical help, but he refuses due to cost. His one wish is to reconnect with his daughter, Ellie. However, his health deteriorates and the main cause is his obesity. Chau was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 95th Academy Awards for her role.

3. Inherent Vice

"Inherent Vice" (2014), a period neo-noir mystery comedy film, features Hong Chau alongside stars like Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, and Reese Witherspoon.

The story, based on Thomas Pynchon's 2009 novel, follows Larry "Doc" Sportello, a drug-using private detective, as he navigates through the criminal underbelly of Los Angeles, investigating interconnected cases that tie back to his ex-girlfriend and her new, wealthy lover, Michael Z. "Mickey" Wolfmann.

Chau's character, Jade, warns Doc about the Golden Fang, a drug-smuggling organization.

4. Asteroid City

"Asteroid City" (2023), a comedy-drama by Wes Anderson, introduces viewers to a retro-futuristic 1950s setting.

A TV host narrates the drama that unfolds in Asteroid City, penned by the famed playwright Conrad Earp, and involves a youth astronomy convention, scientific competition, and an unexpected visit from a UFO, which thrusts the city into chaos and national spotlight. Hong Chau plays Polly, the wife of director Schubert Green.

5. Downsizing

The sci-fi drama "Downsizing," directed by Alexander Payne, explores a solution to overpopulation through a procedure that shrinks humans to five inches tall, thereby reducing their environmental impact.

Starring Matt Damon and Hong Chau, the story follows Paul Safrânek, who undergoes the procedure solo after his wife has second thoughts, leading to their divorce.

Paul’s life takes a turn after meeting Ngoc Lan Tran, a Vietnamese activist played by Chau, who had been downsized against her will and amputated. Together, they forge a unique bond and relationship.

6. Driveways

"Driveways," released in 2019, is a drama directed by Andrew Ahn. The plot centers on a woman named Kathy, portrayed by Hong Chau, who visits her late sister April's house to sort and sell her possessions. While staying there, Kathy’s son, Cody, befriends Del, an elderly widower from next door.

Kathy and Cody initially stay in the house with sleeping bags but move to a motel due to a power outage. When Kathy discovers April owed the power company $900, challenges arise. Despite an awkward first meeting, Cody and Del form a close bond as the story unfolds.

7. Showing Up

"Showing Up," a comedy-drama released in 2022 and directed by Kelly Reichardt, made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, contending for the Palme d'Or.

It tells the story of Lizzy, a sculptor and art administration assistant to her mother, who faces multiple obstacles as she prepares a piece for an exhibition. On her day off, her cat injures a pigeon, leading her neighbor Jo to hold her accountable.

Further complications arise when her sculpture accidentally catches fire, and her brother Sean, who struggles with mental health issues, goes missing just before her exhibition opening.

8. Duck Butter

"Duck Butter" (2018), an American independent film directed by Miguel Arteta, explores the life of Nima, an actress on the brink of a substantial career move.

Nima seeks to understand her role by engaging in discussions with directors, Mark and Jay, and visiting a bar with a friend. There, he meets Sergio, an enigmatic girl, and they spend the night together.

Sergio suggests an experiment: spending 24 continuous hours together, having sex hourly, to fast-track intimacy. Initially hesitant, Nima agrees to Sergio’s plan after losing her movie role. Their night together involves art creation, sexual exploration, and profound conversations.

The film features Hong Chau as Glow, a friend of Sergio’s, and part of another lesbian couple.

9. American Woman

"American Woman" (2019), starring Hong Chau, is adapted from Susan Choi’s 2003 novel and loosely based on the experiences of Wendy Yoshimura.

In this movie, Chau plays Jenny Shimada, a 25-year-old former radical who undertakes the care of three fugitives, one of whom is the infamous heiress of a wealthy newspaper magnate who has joined a revolutionary movement.

Jenny, responsible for orchestrating various anti-government actions, navigates the complexities and dangers of harboring individuals who are not only on the run but also dedicated to a violently subversive ideology. The rich granddaughter’s alignment with the revolutionary beliefs of her captors gains notable public attention.

Check out some movies featuring Hong Chau, recently praised for her performance in "The Whale" (2023). If you're new to her work, these films are a great way to become familiar with and appreciate her acting talent. Don't wait - plan to watch one this week!