Ashley Judd's Most Riveting Films: From 2024's Thriller 'Lazareth' To Her Iconic '90s Masterpieces

Ashley Judd remains one of Hollywood's most compelling and versatile actresses, seamlessly transitioning between high-stakes psychological thrillers and critically acclaimed independent dramas throughout her decades-long career. As of late 2024, her filmography continues to expand with recent releases and exciting new projects currently in development, proving her enduring presence in the industry. This deep dive explores her latest work, her most iconic roles that solidified her status as a '90s thriller queen, and the powerful performances that earned her critical praise. Ashley Judd’s career is a testament to her talent, spanning from intimate character studies like *Ruby in Paradise* to major box-office hits such as *Kiss the Girls* and *Double Jeopardy*. The current focus on her recent 2024 film *Lazareth* shows her continued commitment to challenging roles, cementing her legacy as a performer who is both a commercial draw and a critical darling.

Ashley Judd: Full Biography and Profile

Ashley Judd, born Ashley Tyler Ciminella, emerged from a famous country music family but forged a powerful and distinct career path in Hollywood. Her work is often characterized by playing strong, resilient, and complex female protagonists.

• Full Name: Ashley Tyler Ciminella
• Date of Birth: April 19, 1968
• Age (as of late 2024): 56
• Birth Place: Granada Hills, California, USA
• Parents: Naomi Judd (Country Singer/Activist) and Michael Ciminella
• Half-Sister: Wynonna Judd (Country Singer)
• Education: Attended the University of Kentucky (majored in French)
• Notable Accolades: Golden Globe nominations for *Norma Jean & Marilyn* (1996) and *Kiss the Girls* (1997).

The Latest Chapter: Ashley Judd's Films of 2024 and Beyond

Judd continues to seek out roles that are both challenging and topical, with her most recent work exploring themes of isolation, survival, and social drama. Her latest film, a post-apocalyptic thriller, showcases her skill in high-tension environments.

Lazareth (2024): The Post-Apocalyptic Thriller

One of Ashley Judd's most recent projects is the 2024 thriller, *Lazareth*. This film was released in select theaters and on demand on May 10, 2024, offering a fresh entry into her filmography.

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• Genre: Post-apocalyptic Thriller, Drama
• Role: Lee
• Director: Alec Tibaldi
• Plot: Judd plays Lee, an aunt who lives in a secluded cabin with her two orphaned nieces, Imogen (Katie Douglas) and Maeve (Sarah Pidgeon), in a post-pandemic world. Their isolated, survivalist existence is shattered when a mysterious stranger arrives, forcing Lee to confront the dangerous outside world she has tried so hard to escape.
• Significance: The film is a tight, character-driven survival story, a departure from the large-scale studio thrillers she is known for, allowing her to deliver a raw, intense performance.

Upcoming Drama: 21 Down (In Development)

Looking ahead, Judd is attached to star in the indie drama *21 Down*, a project that highlights her commitment to true-story, emotionally resonant material.

• Genre: Sports Drama, True Story
• Director: Sean McNamara
• Plot: The film is based on the true story of Caden Cox, a college football player with Down syndrome who made history by kicking an extra point in a 2021 college game. Judd is set to play a key role in this inspirational story.
• Status: The film is in the casting phase, with production expected to take place in Atlanta.

The Queen of the '90s Psychological Thriller

The late 1990s and early 2000s were dominated by Ashley Judd's box-office success in the psychological thriller genre. These films often saw her playing characters unjustly accused or forced to take matters into their own hands, securing her place as a major action and suspense star.

Double Jeopardy (1999)

Perhaps her most commercially successful thriller, *Double Jeopardy* is an essential Ashley Judd film.

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• Co-Stars: Tommy Lee Jones
• Plot: Judd plays Libby Parsons, a woman framed for the murder of her husband. After being released from prison, she learns that, due to the legal principle of "double jeopardy," she cannot be tried again for the same crime. She then sets out to find her husband, who is still alive, and reclaim her son.
• Impact: The film was a massive box-office hit, grossing over $177 million worldwide, and cemented Judd’s reputation as a top-tier action-thriller lead.

Kiss the Girls (1997)

Based on the novel by James Patterson, this film was a critical step in Judd’s thriller career, blending crime drama with intense suspense.

• Co-Stars: Morgan Freeman
• Role: Dr. Kate McTiernan
• Plot: Judd plays a medical intern who is kidnapped by a serial killer known as "Casanova." She manages to escape and teams up with detective Alex Cross (Freeman) to track down the killer and save the other victims.
• Accolades: Judd received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film for her performance.

High Crimes (2002)

A gripping legal and military thriller, *High Crimes* paired Judd with a formidable co-star in a complex mystery.

• Co-Stars: Morgan Freeman (reuniting after *Kiss the Girls*)
• Role: Claire Kubik
• Plot: Claire, a successful lawyer, discovers her husband's true identity as a former covert military operative accused of a massacre. She teams up with a cynical military lawyer (Freeman) to defend him in a high-stakes court-martial.

The Critically Acclaimed and Indie Gems

Beyond the mainstream success of her thrillers, Ashley Judd has consistently delivered powerful, nuanced performances in independent and critically lauded films, showcasing her dramatic range and acting depth. These films are essential viewing for appreciating her full artistic scope.

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Ruby in Paradise (1993)

This independent film is arguably the role that launched Ashley Judd's career and remains her most critically celebrated performance.

• Role: Ruby Lee Gissing
• Director: Victor Nuñez
• Plot: The film follows a young woman who leaves her Tennessee home for the beach resort town of Panama City, Florida, seeking a new life. It is a quiet, powerful character study of a woman finding her footing in the world.
• Accolades: Judd won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead, marking her arrival as a serious dramatic talent.

Bug (2006)

A disturbing and intense psychological horror-drama, *Bug* is a challenging and unforgettable film that showcases Judd’s willingness to take creative risks.

• Role: Agnes White
• Director: William Friedkin (of *The Exorcist* fame)
• Plot: Agnes, a lonely waitress hiding from her abusive ex-husband, becomes involved with a mysterious drifter. The two descend into a shared paranoia, believing their motel room is infested with insects planted by the government.
• Significance: Judd's intense, claustrophobic performance earned her significant critical praise for tackling the difficult material.

Come Early Morning (2006)

This quiet, Southern-set drama highlights Judd's ability to portray complex, flawed characters in a realistic setting.

• Role: Lucille
• Director: Joey Lauren Adams
• Plot: Lucille is a successful but emotionally guarded woman in a small Southern town who struggles with intimacy and a lifelong pattern of pushing people away. The film is a sensitive look at her journey toward emotional connection.