10 Underrated Kate Mara Movies That Deserve More Credit

1. "Shooter" (2007)
Kate Mara's in this Mark Wahlberg-led action thriller, and yes, it's a Wahlberg movie but Mara's character, Sarah, is more than just eye candy. She's the widow of Wahlberg's fallen comrade, living all alone until conspiracy chaos whirls through her life.

Mara delivers a measured performance, see, subtly revealing a woman grappling with grief while surrounded by bullets and explosions.

2. "Transsiberian" (2008)
Picture this: Kate Mara, trapped in a nail-biting, frozen tundra thriller. Set on a train from China to Russia. She plays Abby, a naive young woman in a journey tangled with lies, drugs, and—brace yourself—murder. Riding along with her is her boyfriend, and boy, do they dive deep into the underbelly of criminal activities.

Think "Murder on the Orient Express" but make it modern and sprinkle some Kate Mara on top. Cold? You bet. Forgettable? Not a chance.

3. "Stone of Destiny" (2008)
This one's like history class but on steroids. Mara's character, Kay, joins a group of nationalist students who attempt to reclaim the Stone of Scone from England.

A heist movie disguised as a period drama, or perhaps the other way around. Kay's not there just for the ride; she plays a pivotal role in the plot, offering emotional and strategic support.

4. "Peep World" (2010)
A family drama-comedy, the two genres where anything and everything goes wrong. Imagine your average family Thanksgiving; now make it tenfold more chaotic.

Mara's Meg is part of a family where everyone's under scrutiny after her brother writes a revealing novel about them. Her role is complex and multilayered; she's the glue attempting to hold the fractious family together.

5. "10 Years" (2011)
High school reunions, the pinnacle of cringe and nostalgia. Mara portrays Elise, the love interest of Channing Tatum's character. Now hold on, this isn't your run-of-the-mill rom-com.

The film explores how people change—or don't—over a decade. Elise and her high school sweetheart rekindle their past feelings, but not without complications. They're both carrying a decade of baggage, see?

Mara's performance adds depth to what could've been a stereotypical role. It's not just about the 'what was,' but also the 'what could've been.'

6. "Deadfall" (2012)
Welcome to a snow-blanketed thriller where Mara is a deputy sheriff. She doesn't just uphold the law; she's wrestling with her family's perception of her career choice. Add to that the baggage of dealing with a duo of casino robbers.

She's caught in a web, a nasty blizzard of crime and familial expectation. The ambiance is thick, heavy like a winter coat, and Mara's character adds yet another layer.

7. "Man Down" (2015)
The post-apocalyptic landscape, where humans are sparse but ethical dilemmas are abundant. Mara's character, Natalie, serves as the emotional anchor to Shia LaBeouf's character. He's a Marine, you see, grappling with PTSD and a crumbling world.

And here's the kicker: his quest isn't just survival; he's also searching for his estranged wife and child. Natalie exists in memories and flashbacks, giving the audience glimpses of 'Before.'

8. "Captive" (2015)
Mara portrays Ashley Smith, a single mother held hostage in her apartment by an escaped convict. It's gritty and suspenseful, the entire plot unfolding almost in real-time. She attempts to persuade her captor to change his ways, leveraging her understanding of human frailty.

So why isn't it mainstream? Maybe because it dives into themes that are just a bit too heavy for casual viewer, but hey, not every story is meant to be a blockbuster, right?

9. "Morgan" (2016)
In a secluded lab, scientists create Morgan, an artificially engineered human. And who's responsible for evaluating the risks? None other than Kate Mara's character, Lee Weathers.

Think of it as a mix of "Ex Machina" and "Blade Runner," but with a twist. Lee has her own secrets, which unravel as the tension escalates. It's sci-fi with a dash of cerebral drama.

10. "Brokeback Mountain" (2005)
Oh, you thought this was all Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal? Time to recalibrate. Mara might be in a supporting role, but don't sleep on her. She's Alma Jr., the daughter of Ledger's character.

While the main plot dives headfirst into a complicated love affair between two cowboys, Kate's subplot shouldn't be overlooked. Her character is a window into the dysfunctional home life Alma Sr. and Ennis lead. The generational struggles, my friend, they are real.