If you were anywhere near a television in the mid-2000s, you knew Emilie de Ravin. She was the face of one of the most iconic "cliffhanger" moments in TV history. You know the one—the wide-eyed Australian girl on a mysterious island, screaming about her baby being taken. It’s been decades since Lost first aired, yet Emilie de Ravin movies and shows continue to be a staple for anyone who loves a good mix of gritty indie drama and high-concept fantasy.
Honestly, it’s rare for an actor to jump from a cult sci-fi hit to a massive network drama and then into a Rian Johnson noir film without missing a beat. Most people just associate her with Belle or Claire, but her filmography is actually a wild ride through different genres. From playing a heroin addict in a high school basement to facing off against mutants in the desert, she’s done a bit of everything.
The Big Two: Lost and Once Upon a Time
You can’t talk about her career without starting with the "Islands and Fairytales" era. For six seasons, Emilie played Claire Littleton on Lost. It was a heavy role. She had to carry the emotional weight of being a pregnant survivor in a plane crash, and later, the "Crazy Claire" arc that divided fans. What most people forget is that she actually wasn't a series regular in Season 5 because of a holding contract, but her return in the final season was one of the most anticipated moments for the "Losties" fandom.
Then came Once Upon a Time. Switching from a plane crash to a literal storybook was a genius move. As Belle, she gave us a version of the character that was much more "Bookworm with a Backbone" than the standard Disney princess. Her chemistry with Robert Carlyle’s Rumplestiltskin (the "Rumbelle" ship) basically kept the internet alive for years. It’s the kind of performance that solidifies a legacy in the convention circuit, which she still frequents today—she's actually scheduled for a massive fan event in Paris in late 2025.
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The Indie Gem: Why Brick is Her Best Work
If you haven't seen Brick, go fix that immediately. This was Rian Johnson’s directorial debut (long before he was doing Knives Out or Star Wars), and it’s a masterpiece of neo-noir. Emilie plays Emily Kostich.
It’s a short role but the entire plot hinges on her. She plays a high schooler caught in a very dark world of drugs and secrets. Her performance is haunting. Interestingly, her American accent was so spot-on in this film that many critics at the time thought she was a Californian local and were shocked to find out she was actually from Victoria, Australia. It showed a grit that Lost only scratched the surface of.
The Horror and The Heartbreak
In 2006, she took a detour into the "Splat Pack" era of horror with the remake of The Hills Have Eyes. It was brutal. Playing Brenda Carter, she had to endure some of the most intense scenes of that decade’s horror revival. It wasn't just a "scream queen" role; it required a level of physical stamina that proved she wasn't just a delicate "princess" archetype.
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Then there’s Remember Me (2010). People usually talk about this movie because of Robert Pattinson and that ending (which we won't spoil, but wow, talk about a choice), but Emilie’s performance as Ally Craig is the soul of the film. She played a girl dealing with immense trauma and grief, and she made it feel grounded rather than melodramatic.
A Quick Rundown of Must-Watch Credits:
- Roswell (1999–2002): She played Tess Harding, the alien/human hybrid everyone loved to hate. This was her big break after moving to LA at just 18.
- The Submarine Kid (2015): A more recent indie project where she played Alice. It’s a bit of a hidden gem if you like atmospheric, moody dramas.
- Public Enemies (2009): She had a smaller role here as a bank teller, but working under Michael Mann is a major "prestige" badge for any actor.
- A Lover Scorned (2019): Also known as Deep End, this saw her returning to a more thriller-focused role for Lifetime, showing she can still carry a lead with ease.
What’s She Up To Now?
As of 2024 and 2025, Emilie has leaned into the "legacy" of her most famous work while picking projects that interest her personally. She appeared in the documentary Getting Lost, which premiered in September 2024 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the show. It’s a great watch if you want to see the cast reflect on how much that show changed their lives.
She's also been active in the Hallmark world with projects like The Reluctant Royal, where she plays Prudence. It’s a total 180 from the desert mutants and heroin-addicted teens of her earlier career, but that’s the beauty of her filmography. She can do the "cozy" stuff just as well as the "dark" stuff.
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you’re looking to dive back into the world of Emilie de Ravin movies and shows, don’t just stick to the hits.
- Watch "Brick" First: It’s available on most VOD platforms. It will change how you view her acting range completely.
- Check out the "Getting Lost" Documentary: It’s a 2024 release and provides a lot of behind-the-scenes context on her time as Claire.
- Track her 2026 Convention Schedule: If you're a Once Upon a Time fan, she’s frequently headlining events in Europe and the US, providing a rare chance to hear her talk about the "Rumbelle" years in person.
She’s one of those actors who has managed to stay relevant without being overexposed. Whether she's an alien, a princess, or a survivor, Emilie de Ravin always brings a specific, quiet intensity to the screen that is hard to replicate.