Sam Riley
Biography
Sam Riley is widely recognized for his compelling portrayal of Ian Curtis in the film *Control*, a biographical account of the lead singer of the iconic 1970s post-punk band, Joy Division. His remarkable performance earned him the British Independent Film Award for "Most Promising Newcomer" and a Kermode Award for Best Actor in 2007. Before his acclaimed role as Curtis, Riley portrayed Mark E. Smith, the frontman of The Fall, in Michael Winterbottom's *24 Hour Party People*, although his scenes ultimately did not make it to the final version of the film.
In September 2007, Riley took on a new challenge by being cast in *Franklyn*, a British science fiction film directed by Gerald McMorrow. His career continued to flourish as he landed a lead role in *13*, an English-language adaptation of the French thriller *13 Tzameti*. Most recently, he has been seen in a remake of *Brighton Rock*, where he plays Pinkie Brown alongside renowned actress Helen Mirren. With a diverse range of roles and a growing filmography, Riley continues to establish himself as a prominent figure in the film industry.
Filmography
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Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
2019 • Diaval
Suite Française
2015 • Benoit Labarie
Sometimes Always Never
2019 • Peter
Brighton Rock (2010)
2010 • Pinkie
The Dark Valley
2014 • Greider
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
2016 • Fitzwilliam Darcy
Rebecca (2020)
2020 • Jack Favell
Byzantium
2013 • Darvell
Maleficent
2014 • Diaval
Happy New Year, Colin Burstead
2018 • David Burstead
Franklyn
2008 • Milo
Islands
2025 • Tom
Firebrand
2024 • Thomas Seymour
Control (2007)
2007 • Ian Curtis
Radioactive
2020 • Pierre Curie
The Vault (2021)
2021 • James
Free Fire
2017 • Stevo
She Is Love
2023 • Idris
13
2010 • Vince
On the Road
2012 • Sal Paradise / Jack Kerouac
Widow Clicquot
2024 • Louis Bohne
Mint
2026 • Dylan