2025, the year that Josh O’Connor continued to pass an all-important test for any actor who aspires to true greatness. 

And no, I’m not referencing The Mastermind, his most acclaimed work of the last 12 months.

I’m in fact referring to the lesser Rebuilding and The History of Sound.

Legions of actors — and non-actors — are capable of greatness, depending on the material (like his History of Sound co-star, Paul Mescal). But a select few are consistently great, no matter the material. 

And Josh O’Connor wrangles greatness out of the forgettable mediocrity that is Rebuilding and The History of Sound.

---

His next test, which I call the Limitless test:

Can he elevate what would otherwise be a standard movie, ala Bradley Cooper in Limitless.