New Zealand-born actress Rose McIver has steadily grown throughout her career, moving from minor supporting roles to starring in a wide variety of series and films. She has demonstrated an incredible ability to portray a wide range of characters, from nostalgic action heroes to Rom-com protagonistsshowing versatility and skill beyond his years. Considered early in her career as one of acting's brightest young talents, McIver has cemented her status as someone who can lead a long-running series or play the lead in a blockbuster film.
McIver's Her most prominent role was her portrayal of medical resident-turned-zombie Olivia “Liv” Moore on the hit series Zombieshowing the ability to mix horror and comedy in a way that few can. She is one of a list of Power Rangers actors who have starred in several acclaimed works, such as her role as Heather in the sci-fi drama Next exitwhere he showed his ability to convey a more nuanced and mature performance. Her growing work and continued success in the business show a creative talent and dedication that makes her elevate any project she is involved with.
10
Flowers in the Attic 2: Petals in the Wind (2014)
As Cathy Dollanganger
Based on VC Andrews' 1980 novel and the second in the Dollanganger series, the Lifetime film Petals in the wind is a continuation of the previous adaptation, Flowers in the attic. The film's plot follows the surviving Dollanganger siblings, Cathy (McIver), Chris and Carrie, a decade after they escaped their traumatic attic past. Cathy – and her siblings – After many attempts to move on and forget their problems, they decide they need to get revenge on their mother to overcome his demons and finally free himself from the shackles of his upbringing.
McIver gives an incredible performance as Cathy, bringing numerous layered qualities to the character that add depth to the plot and the chemistry between family members. Her portrayal shows anger, resilience and vulnerability, a mixture that is difficult to pull off and even harder to show in a variety of combinations, but she does so with consummate ease. Although the film received mixed reviews from critics and fans, McIver's portrayal was definitely a highlight of the film that was faithful to and, at times, elevated the narrative of the original novel.
9
Maddigan's Quest (2006)
Like garland
Maddigan's mission is a popular New Zealand fantasy-based series adapted from an original concept by esteemed children's author Margaret Mahy. The series takes place in a post-apocalyptic future and follows the 'Maddigan's Fantasia' circus troupe who leave their amazing home to make money and also fix your city's energy source. McIver plays 14-year-old Garldand – the last member of the Maddigan family line – who embarks as one of the group's main stars in a series that mixes science fiction, drama and fantasy to create an engaging show.
In one of her first leading roles, McIver brought an imposing, engaging presence to Garland that established her as an acting talent capable of leading a popular series. McIver shows excellent range, able to convey poignant moments in one scene and fantasy-laden action sequences in the nextin a show that showcased adventures in both the outside world and the character's connections. Although it was predominantly aimed at a younger audience Maddigan's mission it was an excellent base for McIver to develop his art, showing his versatility and development throughout the series.
8
The Little Bones (2009)
Like Lindsey Salmon
Peter Jackson- The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit director – turned his creative mind to the supernatural drama The beautiful bones in 2009, an adaptation of Alice Sebold's 2002 novel of the same name. The film's plot follows the haunting story of Susie Salmon a young woman who was brutally murdered and now cares for her killer and her family from beyond the grave. McIver plays Susie's younger sister, Lindsey, who plays a pivotal role in the film, being the first to suspect the killer and providing much of the film's emotion and tension.
The film has exceptionally talented creatives both in front of and behind the camera, with Jackson's direction adding a special quality that helps elevate the film's supernatural elements. McIver delivers an exceptional portrayal of a sister who is both heartbroken and resilient and leads the search for justice for her sister, providing one of her first true performances. Although the film has been criticized for its contrasting themes of both supernatural mystery and family drama, these elements are exactly what McIver gets right, as she finds the perfect balance of both.
7
Daffodils (2019)
Like Rose
Daffodils
Daffodils is a 2019 film that tells a bittersweet love story intertwined with enchanting reinterpretations of popular and iconic New Zealand songs.
- Release date
-
March 21, 2019
- Execution time
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93 minutes
- Cast
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Rose McIver, George Mason, Kimbra, Katie Wolfe, Tandi Wright, Mark Mitchinson, Jodie Hillock, Alice May Connolly, Abby Damen, Emma Draper, Hannah Tevita
- Director
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David Stubbs
- Writers
-
Rochelle Brilliant
In one of the first films that allowed McIver to showcase his range of remarkable talents, Daffodils is a musical drama directed by David Stubbs that has Rose McIver and George Mason starring as the two romantic leads. The film is inspired by a true story and is based on the award-winning New Zealand play which sees an indie musician retell the love story of his mother (McIver) and his father. The film is a tour de force of music and emotion, highlighting themes of love and loss whilst interjecting iconic Kiwi songs by Crowded House, Bic Runga and Dave Dobbyn.
The musical does not unfold like a traditional love story, but in a disjointed and fragmented truth of a genuine relationship told through the versions of two different people, the musicians and their deceased parents. McIver potentially delivers the most bittersweet and mature performance of his careerr as a young woman madly in love, while also showing the authentic ups and downs of marriage and performing admirably in the musical sequences. McIver's role once again showcases his ability to emotionally anchor a story and provide plenty of smiles, laughs and emotions throughout the film.
6
Power RangersRPM (2009)
As Summer M. Landsdown
The extremely underrated Power Rangers RPM is the seventeenth season of the series Power Rangers TV series, which is an adaptation of Engine Sentai Go-onger (a Japanese Super Sentai series). McIver stars as the Yellow Power Ranger, Summer M. Landsdown, Ia dystopian future where a computer virus called Venjix takes control of the world's computing system and hopes to enslave humanity. The beloved series offers entertainment and nostalgia for older viewers, with the usual mix of sci-fi and ranger action to create an easy-to-watch series.
Rose McIver's Top 10 Movies and TV Shows: |
IMDb rating: |
---|---|
Flowers in the Attic 2: Petals in the Wind (2014) |
6.0/10 |
Maddigan's mission (2006) |
6.9/10 |
The beautiful bones (2009) |
6.6/10 |
Daffodils (2019) |
5.8/10 |
Power Rangers rotations (2009) |
6.6/10 |
A Christmas Prince (2017) |
5.8/10 |
I woke up (2020-2022) |
6.7/10 |
Next exit (2022) |
5.6/10 |
Ghosts (2021 – present) |
7.9/10 |
Zombie (2015-2019) |
7.8/10 |
McIver's role as the Yellow Ranger is criminally ignored, delivering an impeccable performance in one of the most underrated series of his career. With films like Daffodils showcasing McIver's vocal abilities, series such as Power Rangers rotations reveal their physicality and ability to perform combat sequences and acrobatics. While on the surface it would be easy to dismiss this as a series that is past its best, McIver's honest and compassionate portrayal adds a grittier, more mature feel to the show, creating a compelling piece of TV that is genuinely fun to watch. .
5
A Christmas Prince (2017)
As Amber Moore
A Christmas Prince centers on Amber, a reporter who sneaks into the home of a royal family disguised as a guardian. Although she originally intended to just tell a story about the royal family, she ends up falling in love with the prince. Rose McIver stars as Amber alongside Ben Lamb as Prince Richard.
- Release date
-
November 17, 2017
- Execution time
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1h32m
- Cast
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Rose McIver, Ben Lamb
- Director
-
Alex Zamm
Alex Zamm's romantic comedy, A Christmas Princeis, as the name suggests, a love story about a member of a royal family set during the festive period. McIver plays ambitious journalist Amber Moore, who is sent to the fictional European country of Aldovia to uncover the story of a handsome prince in line to the throne after the death of his father. McIver hits all the right notes, with the film playing up many classic romantic comedy tropes such as misunderstandings, mistaken identities and love between two people from different worlds who cannot be.
While the film could be considered yet another bland romantic comedy that offers little in terms of story or characters, A Christmas Prince it deviates from the usual pitfalls to create a charming and intriguing love story. McIver and Ben Lamb (The Prince) share a remarkable chemistry that adds an authentic quality to the storyand even though it's set in a fairytale land with esteemed royalty, it still feels everyday and relatable. The film was popular enough to spawn two sequels that continue its romantic journey, largely on McIver's captivating portrayal of a journalist-turned-princess.
4
I woke up (2020-2022)
As Adrienne
I woke up is an acclaimed comedy series that focuses on cartoonist Keef Knight (Lamorne Morris), whose life changes drastically after he is involved in a racially motivated confrontation with local police officers. Co-created by Keith Knight and Marshall Todd, Keef becomes more 'woke' with the environment and other social issues, causing a drastic change in how he lives his life, while also beginning a new relationship with free-spirited artist Adrienne. (McIver). The show, although superficially a comedy, takes a scathing look at society as a whole and some of the systemic issues that are examined and investigated in the show.
While reviews were generally mixed for Woke, what some didn't like about the contrast in tones and genres is what makes it such a standout work that it actually has something to say and says it well. McIver's role as Adrienne isn't the series' most impactful, but she consistently brings a relatable and captivating quality to her time on screen, adding moments of empathy and lightness to some of the heavier sequences. It's a smaller but pivotal role that shows McIver is capable of translating well into a supporting role and could be the standout in a crowded cast.
3
Next Exit (2022)
Like Heather
Next exit
Next Exit follows two strangers who embark on a cross-country road trip to take part in a scientific study that promises proof of life after death. The film, directed by Mali Elfman, stars Katie Parker and Rahul Kohli as protagonists who struggle with their personal traumas and existential questions. As they travel together, they form an unexpected bond as they confront their past and fight for redemption.
- Release date
-
June 10, 2022
- Execution time
-
103 minutes
- Cast
-
Karen Gillan, Rahul Kohli, Rose McIver, Diva Zappa, Tongayi Chirisa, Katie Parker
- Director
-
Mali Elfman
- Writers
-
Mali Elfman
Next exit is a science fiction comedy-drama written and directed by the talented Mali Elfman in her directorial debut, a work she completed and refined nearly a decade before it hit the screen. The film's plot follows two strangers Rose and Teddy who travel across the country to carry out a remarkable study and experience about life, death and what comes after. The journey of the two protagonists is captivating and passionate to watch, as the viewer is taken along, discovering elements at the same point as the characters.
Elfman's dedication and fine-tuning of the script are evident as the story is perfectly polished and the characters experience complete development throughout the runtime. McIver takes on the role of Rose's sister Heatherwith a subtle and emotional performance that shows someone at their most vulnerable. His chemistry with co-stars Katie Parker and Rahul Kohli is incredible as they share touching but limited moments and explore their own complex emotions that showcase McIver's ability to convey many emotions convincingly in a short period.
2
Ghosts (2021–present)
As Samantha
Ghosts (USA)
Ghosts (USA) is a comedy series centered on a young couple who inherit an old mansion only to discover that it is inhabited by eclectic spirits from different historical periods, mixing humor and history as they navigate life among the dead.
- Release date
-
October 7, 2021
- Cast
-
Rose McIver, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Brandon Scott Jones, Danielle Pinnock, Richie Moriarty, Asher Grodman, Rebecca Wisocky, Devan Chandler Long, Roman Zaragoza, Sheila Carrasco, John Hartman, Betsy Sodaro
- Seasons
-
2
Ghosts is CBS's American adaptation of the popular British series with the same name, which hoped to recapture the same magic and humor of the original show. The series' plot follows newlyweds Samantha (Rose McIver) and her husband Jay as they randomly inherit a dilapidated mansion that is haunted by a collection of eclectic ghosts from various time periods. Samantha, after 'dying' for three minutes on the property due to an accident, ends up with the ability to see and communicate with ghosts, which leads to a series of misunderstandings, adventures and exciting stories.
Although McIver is best known for her fantasy work and romantic lead roles, her comedic timing and humorous delivery are very underrated, as she is very funny as Samantha. Playing a character who can see ghostly figures that no one else can is difficult to pull offbut McIver nails it with an exasperated but relatable portrayal that adds warmth and laughter to a series that is exceptionally well written and produced. The show and McIver were widely acclaimed, with the show quickly becoming a fan favorite and being ordered for three more series, with potentially more on the way.
1
Zombie (2015-2019)
As Olivia “Liv” Moore
Without a doubt McIver's most acclaimed and celebrated work Zombieis a supernatural drama series adapted from Chris Roberson and Michael Allred's DC comic book series of the same name. McIver stars as the main character, medical resident Olivia “Liv” Moore, who turns into a zombie who uses his new 'condition' to help solve crimesable to eat the murder victim's brain to regain his memories and abilities. The show is as crazy and unpredictable as it sounds, mixing elements from almost every genre, from horror, crime, sci-fi, comedy, and procedural dramas.
McIver delivers the most extraordinary performance of his career; As the series blends genres, McIver combines elements and aspects of various personas and personalities, effortlessly embodying a wide range of characters throughout the series. The show is a satirical look at society and is also self-aware of its own creationcrafting an exceptional comedy that also realizes all of its other characteristics to create one of the most unique programs in recent years. Rose McIverhis humor, creativity, and captivating presence are on display in his best work of his career thus far.