Sir Patrick Stewart, who passed away on October 29 at the age of 86 after a brief battle with Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia, left behind a legacy that spans Shakespeare, Star Trek, and the X-Men. But among his most unforgettable performances is one that traded his trademark warmth for cold-blooded menace: the 2015 thriller Green Room, now streaming on Netflix.
In Green Room, Stewart plays Darcy Banker, the ruthless leader of a white supremacist gang in the Pacific Northwest. The film, directed by Jeremy Saulnier, follows a struggling punk band—featuring the late Anton Yelchin, Joe Cole, Alia Shawkat, and Callum Turner—who accidentally witness a murder at a neo-Nazi bar. They barricade themselves in the green room, and what follows is a brutal, claustrophobic battle for survival.
Stewart's performance is a masterclass in understated evil. He doesn't snarl or cackle; instead, he exudes a chilling, businesslike efficiency. His calm, soft-spoken commands—like the infamous line, "Is he still breathing? ... Let him bleed"—are far more terrifying than any outburst. It's a stark contrast to the beloved heroes he played in Star Trek and X-Men, and it proves his incredible range as an actor.
Saulnier's direction is relentless, with violence that is unflinchingly realistic and stomach-churning. The film's 95-minute runtime is a whirlwind of tension and dread, and Stewart's presence gives it a dark, magnetic center. It's no wonder the movie has become a cult classic since its release.
Stewart himself admitted that the role scared him. "It scared the shit out of me," he said of reading the script. That fear translated into a performance that is both terrifying and compelling, and it's one of the reasons Green Room is considered one of the best American films of the 21st century.
For fans of Stewart's work, Green Room is a must-watch. It's a stark reminder that even the most beloved actors can surprise us with their darkness. And with the film now on Netflix, it's the perfect time to revisit this hidden gem.
In the wake of Stewart's passing, fans have been honoring his memory in various ways, from tributes in Star Trek Online to revisiting his iconic roles. But Green Room stands out as a testament to his versatility and his willingness to take risks.
So, while you may be tempted to rewatch his finest Professor X moments, consider giving Green Room a chance. It's a thriller that will leave you breathless and remind you why Stewart was one of the greatest actors of his generation.
