Julia Roberts is one of Hollywood's most beloved stars, but her filmography isn't just romantic comedies. In the mid-1990s, between Pretty Woman and My Best Friend's Wedding, she took on darker roles—including a psychological thriller, a Gothic horror, and a historical epic. Among them, one stands out as her personal favorite: The Pelican Brief, the John Grisham adaptation that paired her with Denzel Washington.
A Legal Thriller That Defined an Era
In 1993, Grisham adaptations were box-office gold, drawing A-list casts and adult audiences hungry for smart, suspenseful stories. The Pelican Brief follows law student Darby Shaw (Roberts), who uncovers a conspiracy behind the assassination of two Supreme Court justices. She teams up with investigative reporter Gray Grantham (Washington) to expose the truth—and stay alive. Directed by Alan Pakula, the master of paranoid thrillers like All the President's Men, the film crackles with tension and intelligence.
Roberts' Dramatic Breakthrough
Roberts has said The Pelican Brief was a favorite because it marked her return to acting after a two-year break. She brought her signature warmth to Darby, making the character both plucky and vulnerable. Unlike some of her other dramatic roles that suppressed her natural charm, here she lets it shine—even as she navigates a web of corruption. This balance made Darby one of Grisham's most heroic protagonists and a worthy successor to Pakula's earlier truth-seekers like Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.
Chemistry That Deserved More
It's a shame Roberts and Washington haven't reunited on screen in over three decades. Their chemistry in The Pelican Brief is electric—subtle, romantic without a kiss, and grounded in mutual respect. Washington brings his usual intensity, but Roberts' effervescence softens him, while she rises to his dramatic weight in the film's most tense moments. Their partnership carries the film's dense plot and two-hour runtime effortlessly.
For fans of smart thrillers, The Pelican Brief remains a must-watch. It's a reminder of an era when mid-budget adult dramas ruled theaters—and of Roberts' crucial step toward her Oscar-winning turn in Erin Brockovich. If you haven't seen it in a while, it's time to revisit this gripping conspiracy tale. For more underrated thrillers, check out Ridley Scott's 2013 Thriller 'The Counselor' Deserves a Second Look in 2026 or 10 Unrelentingly Disturbing Thrillers That Grip You From the First Frame.
