An Irish Star: Barry Keoghan's Greatest Works

You might recall seeing an Irish fellow in a movie called Saltburn, who scared the poo out of you. His name is Barry Keoghan. 

I have been an avid fan of Keoghan’s work for about two years now. When he and Sabrina Carpenter broke up, that is when I found him and thought, “He looks like an interesting fellow,” but turned out to be a very talented actor as well. Every time I watch his movies, I get sucked in because of his amazing performances. 

Keoghan’s new movie, Crime 101, recently hit theatres and the new Peaky Blinders movie is coming out March 20 on Netflix. I wanted to spotlight the man and legend, Barry Keoghan. You can check out staff writer Tanner Sullivan's review of Crime 101 here.

Keoghan is an Irish actor from Summerhill, Dublin. Keoghan started out his life a bit hard. He was in 12 foster care homes and, then, lived with his grandma until he got into acting. 

Keoghan’s family had drug and alcohol issues, which later occurred with him as well. He lost a few of his family, but he kept going which I found to be very uplifting and his story is one I find astonishing and amazing. His ability to open up and admit his faults and problems is why I admire him as well. Not just his handsome face or amazing acting skills, but his actions and being a genuine human being. 

Here are five roles I adore that Keoghan has starred in, including commercials, movies, short films, and TV shows, and why I love them and his performance. 

1. Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025)- Hurry Up Tomorrow is a psychological thriller made by the musical artist the Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) starring Keoghan and Jenna Ortega and is based on his album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. When I saw this movie in theaters, of course, I went for Keoghan, but I came out of it feeling different about all three of their performances and the Weeknd as an individual. Keoghan plays Lee, Abel’s manager and best friend. While Abel goes through his issues in the movie, Keoghan’s character is kicked out of his life and left in the dark. It makes me sad for Lee because all he wants to do is help. Every time Keoghan came on the screen, I was super excited. I thought for Barry, the performance was emotional and I felt everything from his character. 

2. Saltburn- This movie, directed by Emerald Fennell, is one of the most dark yet eye opening movies ever. It covers mental health, obsession and the mystery of people. Keoghan plays Oliver, alongside actor Jacob Elordi, known for his role in Euphoria and recently-released movie, Wuthering Heights, also directed by Fennell. Oliver is a lonely man, who becomes obsessed with Elordi’s character, Felix. It turns dark during the movie. There are a few scenes from Keoghan that you might recognize from the media, like the end of the movie when he is dancing naked to the song, “Murder on the Dancefloor” by Sofia Ellis-Bextor or when he drinks Felix’s bath water. Keoghan’s character opens my eyes on human nature and throughout the film I felt like I knew him as an actor better than before. 

3. Squarespace (2025 Superbowl Commercial)- In 2025, Keoghan did two superbowl commercials for Squarespace, but the one called “Barry and Mosley” was my favorite. What got me there was his handsome outfit as a classic Irishman, and his accent throughout. I thought it was funny as well because he was talking to a donkey. Basically Keoghan and the donkey, a.k.a. Mosley, are making a website for Mosley using Squarespace, which is just promoting the company. This was also filmed in Ireland with a similar set to Banshees which was the point of the commercial. 

4. For You (Short Film)- In the beginning of Keoghan’s career in the 2010s, he did a few short films. Not with anyone popular but he was more of the main character in these. For You is a relatable film about him and his girlfriend going to prom, but his girlfriend has some family issues and Keoghan is protective. In the film, something goes wrong in the limo and his girlfriend has a panic attack and he comes to the rescue. They do not end up going to prom but have a good time together. A feel good short film that would make girls jealous anywhere (yes me). He did a heartfelt job that made my heart swell. 

5. The Puffer- For his collaboration with Burberry, a designer clothes company, Keoghan did a short film commercial where he does acting practice promoting the jacket. I liked this because his humor shines here and I love that about him. Keoghan has done so many promotions for Burberry. 

Final Words on Keoghan’s Work

After reviewing Keoghan’s movies, I would rank them 5.5 stars because he puts everything into his work and is a true actor and artist. In Keoghan’s GQ Interview in 2024, he mentioned that he thinks people should just do acting and not get paid because it is an art not a job and I found that profound from him.