If you’ve been paying attention to British television over the last few years, you’ve likely seen Marli Siu. She has this way of commanding the screen without ever looking like she’s trying too hard. Whether she’s playing a tech-savvy rebel in a spy thriller or a Catholic schoolgirl on a chaotic trip to Edinburgh, Siu brings a grounded, raw energy that makes her one of the most exciting Scottish talents working today. Honestly, her filmography is a masterclass in range.
Since her breakout, the conversation around marli siu movies and tv shows has shifted from "who is that?" to "what is she doing next?"
Born in 1993 and raised in Forres, Scotland, Siu’s background is a mix of Scottish and Hong Kong heritage. This duality isn't just a biographical note; it seems to inform the versatile, empathetic way she inhabits her characters. She didn't just stumble into acting, either. She earned a first-class honors degree from Edinburgh Napier University and put in the work at the National Youth Theatre. By the time she hit the mainstream, she was already a seasoned pro.
The Big Breakthrough: From Zombies to BAFTA Wins
Most people first noticed Marli Siu in the 2017 cult hit Anna and the Apocalypse. If you haven't seen it, imagine a high school musical mashed together with a zombie uprising during Christmas. It sounds insane because it is. Siu played Lisa, and her performance of the song "It’s That Time of Year" basically stole the entire movie. It was the moment the industry realized she could sing, act, and handle high-concept genre shifts all at once.
Then came 2019, which was a massive year for her.
She starred in Run, a gritty, Springsteen-esque drama set in a Scottish fishing town. It wasn't a blockbuster, but it was a critical darling. Siu played Kelly, and her performance was so nuanced and heartbreakingly real that she won a Scottish BAFTA for Best Actress. That’s not a small feat. Around the same time, she appeared in Our Ladies, a film about a group of highland schoolgirls who go wild in the big city. She played Kylah, the talented singer of the group. Watching these two films back-to-back shows you everything you need to know about her: she can do "crushing realism" and "rebellious joy" with equal ease.
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Exploring the World of Alex Rider and Beyond
If you’re more of a TV person, you definitely know her as Kyra Vashenko-Chao from the Alex Rider series. Kyra wasn't actually in the original Anthony Horowitz books, which is kind of wild when you think about how essential she became to the show. She’s the cynical, brilliant hacker who acts as a perfect foil to Alex’s more straightforward heroics.
Working on a massive Amazon Studios production like Alex Rider (which ran from 2020 to 2024) gave Siu a global platform. Fans loved her chemistry with Otto Farrant. She managed to make a "teen genius" character feel like a real person with baggage, rather than just a plot device to open locked doors.
Following that success, she jumped into Everything I Know About Love (2022). This was the BBC’s adaptation of Dolly Alderton’s bestselling memoir. Siu played Nell, one of the core four friends navigating the messy, often painful transition of their twenties in London. It was a completely different vibe—more internal, more focused on the dynamics of female friendship. It proved she didn't need stunts or genre tropes to hold an audience's attention.
Looking Forward: Marli Siu in 2024 and 2026
The momentum hasn't slowed down. In 2024, she appeared in Apartment 7A, a psychological thriller that served as a prequel to the legendary Rosemary’s Baby. Playing Annie Leung, she stepped into a world of 1960s New York occult horror, proving once again that she isn't afraid of dark material.
But what’s coming next?
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For those tracking marli siu movies and tv shows into 2026, the big project on the horizon is Wicker. Directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, this film is being described as a bit of an "off-beat" folk-horror or psychological drama. She’s also listed for the BBC project Twenty Twenty Six, where she plays Mia So. This is expected to be a high-profile production under the direction of John Morton.
It’s clear she’s prioritizing quality over quantity. Instead of taking every generic role offered, she seems to be picking projects that have a specific voice—be it indie Scottish dramas or high-concept horror.
A Career Built on Stage and Screen
While we mostly talk about her screen work, it’s worth noting her stage pedigree. You don't get nominated for an Ian Charleson Award (for Much Ado About Nothing) or lead a National Theatre production like The Ocean at the End of the Lane without some serious technical skill.
Recently, she’s been involved in The Cherry Orchard at the Donmar Warehouse, playing Varya. Theatre critics often point out her "quiet intensity." It’s that same quality that makes her close-ups in movies so effective. She doesn't have to shout to be the most interesting person in the room.
Why Marli Siu Still Matters to the Industry
Hollywood and the UK film industry are currently obsessed with "authenticity," but Marli Siu actually delivers it. She represents a new wave of British talent that feels genuinely modern. She isn't a "posh" actor from the usual pipeline; she’s someone who came up through Scottish theatre and earned her stripes in small, difficult roles.
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Basically, her career path is a blueprint for how to build longevity. She has:
- A genre-defining cult hit (Anna and the Apocalypse)
- Critical prestige and awards (Run)
- Commercial TV success (Alex Rider)
- High-end dramatic adaptations (Everything I Know About Love)
There aren't many actors in their early thirties who can boast that kind of balanced portfolio.
Where to Start Watching
If you're new to her work, don't just dive into the middle. You've gotta see the evolution.
Start with Our Ladies if you want something fun and loud. It’s a great entry point. Then, move to Run to see why the critics are so obsessed with her. If you’re a fan of spy thrillers, Alex Rider is a no-brainer—her character arc over the three seasons is actually one of the highlights of the show.
For the horror fans, Anna and the Apocalypse is required viewing, especially around the holidays. It’s weird, it’s bloody, and she’s fantastic in it.
Final Thoughts for Fans
Keep an eye on the 2026 releases. Wicker and Twenty Twenty Six are likely to push her into even more "prestige" territory. The most interesting thing about Marli Siu isn't just what she's done, it's the fact that she hasn't been pigeonholed yet. She can be the lead, the best friend, the villain, or the musical star.
Actionable Insights:
- Watch "Run" first: It is her most critically acclaimed performance and defines her acting style.
- Follow BBC's 2026 slate: Twenty Twenty Six is poised to be her next big television breakout.
- Check out the stage recordings: If you can find National Theatre Live recordings of The Ocean at the End of the Lane, watch them to see her range beyond the camera.
- Stream "Apartment 7A": It's her most recent major film role and shows her ability to handle psychological horror.