Monica Barbaro’s performance as Joan Baez in A Complete Unknown has generated significant buzz, eliciting praise from both fans and critics for its depth and authenticity. The film, which focuses on the 1960s folk music scene, also stars Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan. Although Chalamet is recognized as one of Hollywood's rising stars, it is Barbaro who seems to steal the spotlight, showcasing her undeniable talent and charisma.
Set during the turbulent years of the early 1960s, A Complete Unknown delves deep not just about Dylan’s life, but also Baez’s role as both his muse and fellow artist. Many fans have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to express their admiration for Barbaro, with one saying, “Monica Barbaro just obliterates him off the screen anytime they’re together.” Another fan added, “You can tell Monica has got star power,” highlighting her compelling presence whenever she shares the screen with Chalamet.
Barbaro’s portrayal of Joan Baez is lauded for capturing the essence of the legendary folk singer-songwriter. Fans are particularly taken by her live singing performances throughout the film, including haunting renditions of Baez's hits. Notably, her performance of “It Ain’t Me Babe” alongside Chalamet was described as electric, evidencing her ability to bring life and emotion to the character. The film does not merely paint Baez as reactive to Dylan’s talent but as someone who firmly stands her ground, dedicated to her artistry and activism.
Barbara's stellar embodiment of Baez has even received commendation from the lady herself. Speaking with the Marin Independent Journal, Baez expressed, “I loved what she did in the film. If I didn’t think she was good at it, I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it,” commending Barbaro’s hard work and dedication to portraying her character accurately. Baez recognized Barbaro for capturing her gestures and essence, going on to say, “She worked so hard. Kudos to her for taking the role on.”
Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet's performance as Dylan has also attracted attention. The young actor's portrayal is complicated, embodying Dylan's duality as both revered and controversial. He once mentioned the lengthy five-year process of creating the film, which allowed him to perfect the nuances of Dylan's voice and style. Apart from his singing, Chalamet embodied the essence of the folk superstar through his physicality and emotional depictions.
Despite the accolades, critiques do surface about the film's narrative pacing, with some viewers feeling certain emotional storylines were underdeveloped. A reviewer pointed out, “While Chalamet’s emotionally charged performance has been widely praised, it’s Barbaro’s performance as Baez that's emerged as the hidden gem.” The film’s approach to storytelling sometimes detaches the audience from the core of Dylan's character, depicting him at times as two-dimensional.
Barbaro’s attention to detail mirrored Baez's iconic style. Audiences have noted her wardrobe choices, reminiscent of the era, and her dedication to tackling the musical aspect of her role, elevates her performance beyond mere imitation. While she expressed uncertainty about her vocal abilities before the film, her resulting performances reverberated with authenticity.
A recent trend has been to acknowledge how the portrayal of such figures connects with modern audiences. With A Complete Unknown receiving eight nominations for the 2025 Oscars, it’s clear the film is not just another biopic. It conveys the timelessness of its subjects, bridging generational gaps. Chalamet's acceptance speech at the Screen Actors Guild Awards — where he stated, “I want to be one of the greats” — combined with Barbaro's recognition of Baez, creates exciting dialogue about artistic legacy and social impact.
Available for streaming on Apple TV+, A Complete Unknown stands as both tribute and critique of its subjects. The film invites audiences to look beyond the iconic images of Dylan and Baez, presenting them as complex figures driven by passionate artistic endeavors. With the film’s successful run and positive reception, Monica Barbaro continues to solidify her status as a leading talent to watch as she rises through the ranks of Hollywood.