5 Damson Idris Movies and TV Shows to Watch That Showcase His Range as an Actor

A still from an interview (Image via youtube/@ Jimmy Kimmel Live)
A still from an interview (Image via youtube/@ Jimmy Kimmel Live)

Damson Idris has become one of the most seasoned performers working today. He was born in London and has built a career that spans genres and continents. His acting displays both versatility and depth. Every role proves he can deal with different characters with ease. From science fiction thrillers to crime dramas, he brings something unique to each project.

His work has earned him a growing fan base and critical acclaim. The British actor started with minor roles but quickly moved to leading parts. He has worked with huge stars like Kate Beckinsale and Anthony Mackie.

His ability to disappear into characters makes him stand out. Whether he portrays a military officer or a drug dealer, he commits entirely. Damson Idris never holds back on screen. His choices display intelligence and courage. He selects projects that challenge his artistic boundaries. This article examines five of his most renowned works, which showcase his talent and range.


Farming, Outside the Wire, and three other Damson Idris movies and shows to watch

1) Snowfall

A still from the show (Image via Apple TV)
A still from the show (Image via Apple TV)

Damson Idris shone through as Franklin Saint in this FX crime drama. The series ran for six seasons. It is set in 1980s Los Angeles, and it explores the crack cocaine epidemic.

Franklin starts as a young street entrepreneur. He sells marijuana in the beginning. Then he finds cocaine, and everything transforms. His journey from convenience store clerk to drug kingpin is a compelling one. Idris brings rawness to a character who makes complex choices. Viewers witness Franklin's ambition and its eventual downfall. The series follows his rise and tragic end.

By the last episode, he loses everything. He turned into his father, alone and broken. Idris worked hard to perfect his American accent. He studied with rapper WC to nail the South Central LA dialect. Critics praised his performance throughout all previous seasons. This role established him as a compelling actor.

The show is available on Amazon Prime for viewers to watch.


2) Farming

A still from the movie (Image via Apple TV)
A still from the movie (Image via Apple TV)

This challenging movie displays Damson Idris in his most daring role. He portrays Enitan, a Nigerian boy sent to live with a white British family. The practice was called farming. His parents hoped for a better life for him. Instead, he struggles to find his place and establish his identity.

As a teenager, he joined the white gang. The change is difficult to watch. Idris makes viewers believe every moment of this character's rage and confusion. The director, Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje, based the narrative on his own life. The movie does not shy away from utmost honesty. Idris won Best Actor at the Edinburgh Film Festival for this role. His acting is unflinching and raw. It demonstrates that he can effectively handle the most complex topics.

The movie is available on Amazon Prime for viewers to watch.


3) Outside the Wire

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Damson Idris portrays Lieutenant Thomas Harp in this Netflix science fiction action movie. The story is set in 2036 and depicts a future war zone. Harp is a drone pilot who disobeys orders.

He makes a decision that kills two Marines but protects thirty-eight others. As punishment, he gets sent to the battlefield. There, he works with Captain Leo, portrayed by Anthony Mackie.

Leo is actually an android supersoldier. Their mission is to stop a nuclear attack. Harp must confront the actual cost of war. Idris displays the character's growth and uncertainty. He acts opposite a seasoned star and holds his own. The movie gave him a chance to perform action scenes and explore moral questions. He brings humanity to a high-tech thriller.

The movie is available on Netflix for viewers to watch.


4) The Commuter

A still from the movie (Image via Apple TV)
A still from the movie (Image via Apple TV)

In this action thriller, Damson Idris portrays Agent Denys. The movie stars Liam Neeson as an insurance agent stuck in a conspiracy. The premise of the movie takes place on a train. A mysterious woman offers him money to look for a passenger. Things quickly turned dangerous and violent. Idris featured as an FBI agent investigating the situation.

His role is smaller and crucial. He provides the outside perspective. Agent Denys represents an order trying to break through chaos. Idris portrays the part with calm authority. Even in limited screen time, he makes a unique impression. The roles display his potential to support a huge assembly.


5) Black Mirror: Smithereens

A still from the show (Image via Apple TV)
A still from the show (Image via Apple TV)

Damson Idris appears in the episode of the acclaimed anthology series. He portrays the role of Jade, an intern at a social media firm. The episode explores the impact of technology on society. A man takes an employee hostage and demands to speak with the company's founder. Jaden becomes part of the crisis response. The story questions how much social media takes over others' lives.

Idris brings a lot of intelligence to the role. He displays a young professional caught in an impossible situation. Though it is just one episode, it adds another layer to his diverse filmmography.


Damson Idris continues to choose roles that subvert boundaries, showcasing his growth as an actor.

Edited by Tanisha Aggarwal