In a move that has captivated fans and critics alike, Netflix has officially released its much-anticipated biographical drama Grace & Grit: The Keira Knightley Story. This deeply personal and artistically bold portrayal of one of Britain’s most iconic actresses has already begun making waves across the streaming platform, offering audiences a revealing look into the life, career, and quiet resilience of Keira Knightley.
The biopic, directed by Academy Award nominee Sarah Gavron, is a sweeping narrative that spans Knightley’s early years in southwest London to her meteoric rise as a global cinematic presence. From her breakout role in Bend It Like Beckham to her unforgettable performances in Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, and The Imitation Game, the film captures both the glamour and the pressure that defined her formative years in the spotlight.
Unlike many celebrity biopics, Grace & Grit refuses to merely celebrate the highs of fame. Instead, it offers a more nuanced, grounded look at Knightley’s internal world—her battles with self-doubt, her struggle to maintain privacy, and the toll of constantly performing not just on screen but in real life. Archival footage, dramatic recreations, and never-before-seen interviews with family and close collaborators lend the film an intimate, confessional tone that feels both raw and respectful.
The role of Keira herself is played with astonishing depth by British actress Florence Pugh, whose layered performance channels Knightley’s trademark poise and vulnerability without falling into mimicry. Critics are already hailing Pugh’s portrayal as one of the finest of her career, noting her ability to embody the quiet strength that defines Knightley’s legacy.
Perhaps most compelling is the film’s exploration of Knightley’s activism and voice outside of cinema. From speaking out on gender inequality in Hollywood to championing global humanitarian causes, Grace & Grit dedicates a significant portion of its narrative to her evolution as a thoughtful, deliberate public figure who consistently uses her platform for greater impact.
The storytelling is masterfully woven with a score by acclaimed composer Dario Marianelli, whose prior collaborations with Knightley lend an added emotional texture to the viewing experience. His music gently underscores the highs and lows of Knightley’s journey, from red carpet triumphs to quiet moments of self-reflection.
Much of the film’s impact comes from its unflinching portrayal of vulnerability. It doesn’t shy away from the pressures of body image, mental health, and motherhood in the public eye. One particularly powerful sequence shows Knightley during the filming of Colette, speaking candidly about reclaiming her identity as an artist and woman, post-motherhood, after feeling “silenced” by Hollywood’s expectations.
Behind-the-scenes anecdotes provide lightness and humanity throughout. From her unexpected friendship with Johnny Depp to the playful tension during the filming of Love Actually, these moments offer a rare glimpse into the person behind the performances. Former co-stars and directors, including Joe Wright and Richard Curtis, lend their voices to create a chorus of admiration and insight that rounds out the narrative beautifully.
Knightley herself was involved in the production as an executive consultant, ensuring accuracy and emotional truth at every step. While she does not appear on screen until the closing moments, her voice, presence, and perspective are deeply embedded in the film’s DNA. The final scene—Knightley narrating a personal letter to her daughters—has been described as “devastatingly moving” by early viewers.
Netflix has timed the release of Grace & Grit to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Pirates of the Caribbean, a nod to the franchise that catapulted Knightley into global stardom. The streaming platform has also launched a curated “Keira Knightley Collection,” making it easy for fans to revisit her most iconic roles alongside the new biopic.
With its powerful performances, meticulous craftsmanship, and emotionally resonant storytelling, Grace & Grit is poised to become one of the most talked-about biopics of the year. For longtime admirers and newcomers alike, it offers a rare, multi-dimensional portrait of a woman who has quietly shaped modern cinema with elegance, resolve, and unmistakable grit.
Grace & Grit: The Keira Knightley Story is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.
