Performer to Watch: Kate Mara

After highlighting the great performance of Corey Stoll in the Netflix original series House of Cards, I do not know how I forgot to write about Kate Mara as well!  While Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are the veterans in the series these upstart performances almost outshine them, Spacey's performance is hard to outshine.  Let's talk about Ms. Mara, and give her, her due.

Kate Mara has had a long career of memorable guest roles in television series; she has had one shot roles in series like Everwood, Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit, Cold Case, and many more.  Mara has also had some lengthy story arcs in series like Nip/Tuck, Jack & Bobby, and 24.  Kate Mara's first and most memorable performance for me was in the first season of the "mini-series" American Horror Story.  Mara's performance in Horror Story as a student spurned is brilliant yet psychotic; she captures all the layers of a complicated role.  The performance in Horror Story was the perfect lead in to her portrayal as Zoe Barnes in House of Cards; she is manipulative, yet naive, strong yet vulnerable.  Mara is one of the perfect foils to Kevin Spacey's Frank Underwood.

Mara has turned in one of the most memorable performances in television this year, and I am intrigued to see where House of Cards falls with the Emmy's because she deserves a Supporting Actress nomination.  All these factors, and small film roles in 127 Hours should catapult her into some great film roles in the future.  Look for her to be in an independent theatre near you soon!