Netflix has added Zellweger starred in some of her most notable movies, including starring roles in Jerry Maguire and Nurse Betty. However, it was Bridget Jones's Diary that elevated her to the level of fame that she has been enjoying ever since.

Over the course of Renée Zellweger's acclaimed career, the actor has played various types of characters. In Bridget Jones's Diary, she is an awkward and creative woman hopelessly in love with her boss. In the movie musical Chicago she plays Roxie Hart, a far more sinister and conniving woman. In Judy, Zellweger plays a much different kind of character. The actress takes on a role that is dynamic, difficult, and historically important. Zellweger could have fumbled her performance of this character, but luckily, critics agree that she brought comion and care to the part.

The Judy Garland Biopic Starring Renée Zellweger Is Now Available On Netflix

What Is Judy About

Zellweger's 2019 music biopic movie, Judy, is well worth a watch. The movie stars Zellweger as Judy Garland in the years after rising to fame for her role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Now in her 40s, Garland travels to London to perform sold-out shows while beginning a whirlwind romance with her soon-to-be fifth husband, Mickey Deans. Alongside Zellweger, Judy's cast includes stars like Finn Wittrock, Jessie Buckley, Michael Gambon, Bella Ramsey, and Phil Dunster. The film is musical, romantic, and heartbreaking. Even those who know nothing about Garland will be stunned by Zellweger's performance.

In 2020, Zellweger won the Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of Judy Garland.

Judy was both a financial and critical success. On a budget of $10 million, the movie grossed $46 million. It has a Certified Fresh 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics stating that Zellweger completely embodied Garland. Audiences also enjoyed the film, giving it an even higher 85%. In 2020, Zellweger won the Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of Judy Garland, the second Academy Award that the actress has earned (and the first since her previous award for 2003's Cold Mountain). As a result, Judy stands out as one of the most acclaimed movies in Zellweger's repertoire.

Judy Led To Renée Zellweger's Second Oscars Win, But Was It Her Best Role To Date?

Judy Is One Of Zellweger's Most Underrated Roles

Dorothy looking sad in Jerry Maguire (1996) Renée Zellweger as Dorothy Boyd

Considering that Zellweger won an Oscar for Judy, the performance may be one of her very best. It's always hard to determine such an objective perspective, especially given the range of Zellweger's roles. Some audiences may love her portrayal of Garland but argue that her performance in Chicago is much more impressive. Bridget Jones's Diary also has a nostalgia factor going for it. However, when it comes to roles that have received the most critical praise, Judy stands out. Zellweger does not just play the role but transforms into a completely different human being from a totally different era.

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Despite being Zellweger's best role to date, it could be argued that Judy is also one of her most underrated performances. Judy definitely did not get the same traction as Bridget Jones's Diary, and it has been a few years since the movie's initial release. Many audiences may not know about the movie at all. This makes the arrival of Judy on Netflix an exciting development. Now, viewers finally have the chance to see Renée Zellweger in all her glory in Judy.

judy poster

Your Rating

Judy
PG-13
Biography
Drama
History
Release Date
September 27, 2019
Runtime
118 minutes
Director
Rupert Goold

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Directed by Rupert Goold, Judy is a 2019 biopic about The Wizard of Oz star Judy Garland. The film takes place in the winter of 1968 when she headlined several sold-out concerts. Judy starred Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland, who won an Oscar for her performance at the 2020 Academy Awards.

Writers
Tom Edge