10 Noma Dumezweni movies and TV shows you shouldn’t miss

From the West End to the global stage, Noma Dumezweni has evolved into a force to be reckoned with in film and television. With a background in theatre, most notably as the original Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Noma Dumezweni has progressively made the shift to screen work that is as relevant as it is varied. Whether she's compelling audiences in gritty dramas, adding nuance to mythical realms, or lighting a courtroom with measured brilliance, her acting stays with you.

What distinguishes Noma Dumezweni is that she's able to draw attention without ever upstaging the narrative; her characters are lived-in, multifaceted, and always emotionally rooted. In recent years, Noma Dumezweni has achieved broader recognition through big productions across platforms such as HBO, Netflix, and Apple TV+. From grappling with questions of justice and loss in Best Interests to the quiet authority in Disney's The Little Mermaid, she continues to grow with every performance.

This list delves into 10 of her greatest performances on film and television alike that demonstrate her range, presence, and storytelling ability. Whether you’re a longtime admirer or a newcomer to her work, these titles are essential viewing to truly appreciate one of the most compelling actors of her generation.

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10 Noma Dumezweni movies and TV shows you shouldn’t miss

1. The Undoing (2020)

In The Undoing on HBO, Noma Dumezweni leaves an indelible mark as Haley Fitzgerald, the chilly but brilliant defense lawyer. Her presence injects a new dynamic into the starry ensemble cast, including Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. Dumezweni's poised, knife-sharp monologues and courtroom skills soon established her as a fan favorite. Critics were impressed by how she held the screen with refinement and understated ferocity. Her character caused online controversy over ethics and manipulation within high-end legal social circles. The character's fashion sense and strict demeanor turned Haley into a breakout star, earning Dumezweni award nominations and exposing her to a global audience.

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2. The Watcher (2022)

In Netflix thriller series The Watcher, Dumezweni stars as Theodora Birch, a strange but endearing private investigator. She skillfully combines charm, deception, and emotional subtlety, quickly becoming the most discussed character in the show. Her plot twist surprises the audience emotionally, making many fans cry. Her empathetic acting earned high praise for bringing emotional depth to otherwise thriller-drenched storytelling. Dumezweni’s work sparked fan theories and social media buzz, with some even calling for a spin-off. The performance confirmed her ability to command attention even in ensemble casts and genre-bending narratives.

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3. Murderbot (2025)

In Apple TV+’s Murderbot, Noma Dumezweni portrays Dr. Ayda Mensah, the empathetic leader of a scientific survey team navigating a perilous planetary mission. Her character becomes a moral compass, fostering a nuanced relationship with the titular security android, Murderbot, who secretly grapples with newfound autonomy. Dumezweni’s performance adds depth to the series, highlighting themes of trust and humanity amidst a backdrop of corporate oversight and existential dilemmas. The series, which combines sci-fi action and dark comedy, debuted on May 16, 2025, and has been appreciated for its fresh storytelling and engaging character relationships.

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4. Doctor Who (2008–2009)

Prior to her international breakout, Noma Dumezweni was in Doctor Who as Captain Erisa Magambo, a UNIT officer who works with the Doctor at pivotal interdimensional crises. Albeit she had less screen time, she impressed with her authoritative bearing and realistic presence against the show's fantastical atmosphere. Her early appearances during the David Tennant era are still remembered by long-time viewers. The no-nonsense personality of the character and her emotional stability contributed to substance in intense plots. These characters were also among the first instances where audiences witnessed her ability to take over prominent sci-fi and fantasy worlds with subtle charm.

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5. Best Interests (2023)

In Best Interests, Noma Dumezweni plays the no-nonsense barrister Hannah Bennett, tasked with representing a hospital in a controversial right-to-die case. The four-part BBC drama starring Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen revolves around the ethical battle over the life of a terminally ill child. Dumezweni’s portrayal is calm, precise, and deeply impactful, bringing clarity to a highly sensitive and emotionally charged situation. Her scenes in the courtroom are some of the show's most suspenseful, and they highlight her trademark command and nuance. The series received broad praise for its unflinching dramatization of family bereavement and moral complexity, and Dumezweni was a key part of its intensity.

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6. The Little Mermaid (2023)

In Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Dumezweni portrays Queen Selina, a new character created for the live-action version. As Prince Eric’s adoptive mother, her character brings regal elegance and emotional nuance. She’s more than just a royal figure. Selina is a protective, open-hearted woman who questions long-standing prejudices. Dumezweni’s portrayal was praised for bringing a grounded warmth and cultural depth to the fantasy film. Her casting also expanded the representation as Disney broadened the story to depict various different maternal points of view. It's among her most public-facing mainstream roles to this point, and an impactful performance that resonated with family audiences around the world.

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7. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

Directed from a real-life inspiring story, this Netflix drama features Dumezweni as Edith Sikelo, a mentor teacher coaching a Malawian boy to create a wind turbine to help his famine-stricken village. Small though her role is, it is symbolically significant, reflecting the power of education and female guidance. The measured authority and optimistic demeanor of Dumezweni suit the film's emotional center. Chiwetel Ejiofor directed and starred in the film, which received praise for its authenticity and emotional strength. Her addition to the cast lent depth and served to underscore the educational foundation of this inspiring African story.

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8. Retribution (2023)

In this action-packed thriller featuring Liam Neeson, Noma Dumezweni plays Angela Brickmann, a tough intelligence agent trapped in an action-packed hostage drama. As Neeson propels the action, Noma Dumezweni provides intrigue and political gravity to the story. Her detached, level-headed performance makes her one of the film's more interesting presences. Although the film did not lead box office lists, her role was singled out by critics as a standout. It was a rare departure into action for Dumezweni and showed that her versatility goes beyond dramatic and courtroom roles. Her scenes add strategic tension and heighten the film's narrative stakes.

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9. Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

In Mary Poppins Returns, Miss Penny Farthing, the devoted bank manager's secretary to Colin Firth, is played by Noma Dumezweni. Her appearance is fleeting, but she leaves a lasting impression with her crisp diction and comedic sense. Her character sets the film's fantastical atmosphere alongside a more practical, bureaucratic sensibility and helps drive the contrast between order and imagination that organizes the narrative. Dumezweni’s background in theatre shines through, lending authenticity and elegance to even the most minor role. Fans appreciated how she enriched the ensemble with subtle expressions and character depth, making her presence felt in a star-studded cast. A charming cameo worth noticing.

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10. Out of Darkness (2024)

In atmospheric horror-thriller Out of Darkness, Noma Dumezweni plays the unsettling part of the tribe's spiritual leader 45,000 years ago. The film is about a group of early humans trying to survive in a hostile new environment and stalked by an unknown force. Noma's character only speaks a fictional proto-language, but she expresses wisdom, fear, and resolve with great richness through expression and gesture alone. Her performance adds gravitas to the group’s survival journey, elevating the minimalist dialogue with emotional intensity. The film received praise for its originality and stark visuals, with Noma Dumezweni’s role standing out as a haunting anchor.

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Noma Dumezweni continues to redefine the meaning of being a versatile actress in the entertainment industry today. Whether anchoring gripping court dramas or bringing emotional depth to sci-fi epics, her performances always ring out with authenticity and depth. Each performance she accepts, be it big or small, gives her expanding legacy an added layer. From stage to screen, Noma Dumezweni shows that talent, nuance, and presence can cut across genre and format. As her career continues to grow on international platforms, it is the ideal time to watch these essential films and series that highlight her remarkable range and her brilliance in storytelling.