Oliver Maltman

Oliver Maltman, born smack-dab in the heart of London back in ’76, is one of those actors whose face you definitely recognize, even if the name doesn’t immediately ring a bell. He’s got that sort of everyman energy, you know? Not flashy, but he just slots into these British films and suddenly you’re watching him and thinking, “Oh, this guy’s good.” He pops up in Mike Leigh’s “Another Year,” which, if you haven’t seen it, is basically a master class in subtle, quietly devastating storytelling. Maltman doesn’t chew scenery—he just kind of lives in the moment, making the everyday feel honest and raw. He’s also in “Happy-Go-Lucky,” another Leigh gem, where the vibe is lighter but still pretty sharp. Maltman’s characters always feel like people you could bump into at the pub or on the Tube. Then there’s “Maleficent,” which is a whole different animal—big-budget fantasy, Angelina Jolie with horns, and here’s Maltman holding his own in that wild, CGI-laden world. Dude’s got range, is what I’m saying. What’s cool is that he writes, too, so he’s not just reciting other people’s words; he’s crafting his own stories. There’s something very grounded about the way he approaches roles, and it makes sense when you realize he’s spent years in the thick of UK theatre and indie film. He’s not chasing the Hollywood machine—he’s building a body of work that’s all about real, complicated people. If you’re into movies that feel lived-in rather than airbrushed, keep an eye on Maltman. He’s low-key brilliant.