Sofia Carson shares the screen with Taron Egerton in Carry On. The action thriller of 2024, helmed by Jaume Collet-Serra, centers on TSA agent Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton) as he must cooperate with a perilous blackmail scheme at LAX.
However, it is Carson’s depiction of Nora Parisi, the airport’s operations director and Ethan’s partner, that helps add another layer of acting and depth to the film.
What distinguishes her role? Carson’s Nora is not sitting idle for someone to save her. She’s strong, inventive, and won’t be anybody’s alternative option. The character is portrayed as the usual damsel in distress, yet Carson advocates for Nora to be someone who rescues herself.
This nuanced change transforms Nora into a vibrant, empowered figure that lingers with the audience long after the credits end.
If Carry On left a mark, then it's time to explore more of Sofia Carson's projects. From her part in Descendants to her heartfelt portrayal in Purple Hearts, and even her uplifting appearance in Feel the Beat, Carson continually demonstrates she is fully capable of mastering each role. Carry On is merely the start—there’s plenty more to adore about Sofia Carson.
Descendants, Purple Hearts, and 3 other best Sofia Carson movies and shows
1) Descendants
If there’s a single role that made Sofia Carson popular, it’s Evie in Descendants. The 2015 Disney Channel film turns traditional fairy tales upside down, centering on the offspring of famous Disney villains. Mal (Dove Cameron), Evie (Carson), Carlos (Cameron Boyce), and Jay (Booboo Stewart) arrive in Auradon, a mystical realm where their evil parents are held captive.
What is their mission? To take a strong magic wand and liberate their parents.
Although the storyline is exciting, it’s Sofia Carson’s representation of Evie that really shines. Initially, Evie may appear to be the typical princess-obsessed individual, fixated on beauty and style. However, Carson contributes significantly more than that.
Throughout her emotional journey, Evie evolves from a shallow girl into a person who appreciates friendship, loyalty, and self-respect. A highly impactful scene in the movie? Evie’s rendition of “If Only” highlights Carson’s impressive vocals while showcasing her emotional vulnerability.
If Carry On captured hearts with Sofia Carson’s talent, audiences will adore her even more in Descendants. Both characters are resilient, demonstrating that Carson can portray complex, challenging roles that linger in the audience's mind long after the film ends.
2) Purple Hearts
In this 2022 Netflix drama, Sofia Carson portrays Cassie, a hopeful musician facing the challenges of diabetes while working to support herself. To make ends meet, she engages in a phony marriage with Luke (Nicholas Galitzine), a Marine, for monetary gain. However, as the narrative develops, the boundaries between their fabricated love and genuine emotions begin to fade.
What gives Carson’s depiction such strength? It’s the fragility she offers to Cassie, a character confronting both physical and emotional struggles. Cassie’s strong facade conceals a greater sorrow, and Carson perfectly captures the interplay of resilience and vulnerability.
Her portrayal in the film's pivotal scenes—such as when she expresses her emotions through the song "Come Back Home"—is both powerful and memorable, showcasing her range.
Fans who appreciated Sofia Carson in Carry On will discover plenty to admire in Purple Hearts. Similar to Nora, Cassie encounters significant obstacles, yet rather than exciting adventures, the focus shifts to emotional complexity and personal development.
Both roles highlight Carson's talent for transforming intricate characters into relatable figures, establishing her as one of the most engaging actors to observe.
3) Feel the Beat
Sofia Carson’s character in Feel the Beat is a total contrast to her other performances. In this role, she portrays April, a Broadway dancer who reaches her lowest point following an unsuccessful audition.
She goes back to her quaint hometown, where she’s begrudgingly assigned to mentor a team of quirky kids for a dance contest. It’s a timeless tale of an underdog that takes a touching turn.
What distinguishes Carson in this position is her enthusiasm. April begins feeling weary, yet as she bonds with the children, Carson infuses her performance with genuine warmth and sincerity.
Her connection with the young dancers is undeniable, and she excels in both comedy and drama equally well. The dance routines? Sheer enchantment.
Fans who liked Sofia Carson in Carry On will value her talent in depicting a resilient, ambitious woman in Feel the Beat. Both characters encounter obstacles, yet it’s their emotional growth that distinguishes them.
4) Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists
Sofia Carson dazzles in Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, a continuation of the beloved Pretty Little Liars franchise. Carson portrays Ava Jalali, a stylish and tech-savvy individual who is intelligent, inventive, and driven to achieve her goals. Yet beneath her refined surface exists a fragility as Ava weaves through a maze of secrets, deception, and perilous risks.
Carson genuinely makes Ava come alive with complexity and subtlety. Ava might seem self-assured and composed, yet Carson uncovers her character's internal conflicts, particularly regarding her self-worth and the stress of fulfilling demands.
The enigma linked to the show's main murder enhances the tension in her already intricate path.
If fans appreciated Sofia Carson's passionate yet sensitive performance as Nora in Carry On, they'll discover a comparable experience with Ava.
Both characters are facing challenging circumstances, demonstrating resilience and emotional development. Carson's talent for combining strength and vulnerability makes her remarkable in Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists.
5) Songbird
Sofia Carson gives a powerful performance in Songbird, a dystopian thriller taking place amid a fictional pandemic in 2024. She plays the role of Sara, an artist isolated in her apartment, striving to maintain her safety while apart from her boyfriend, Nico (KJ Apa), an immune courier maneuvering through a turbulent, oppressive environment.
The movie's concept is dark and gripping, while Carson's interpretation of Sara brings a vital pulse to the narrative.
Carson portrays Sara’s fear and strength with remarkable authenticity. Her chemistry with Apa is evident even with the physical separation of their characters, fostering an emotional bond that propels the film forward. In times of silent sorrow and glimmers of optimism, Carson's portrayal immerses the audience in Sara's reality.
For admirers of Carson's tenacity and spirit in Carry On, Songbird presents a unique style of perseverance. Sara's subtle courage and Carson's profound emotions render her performance indelible.
Sofia Carson continues to prove her versatility, shining in roles that showcase strength, heart, and depth. Whether it’s action, drama, or feel-good moments, her performances leave a lasting impression worth exploring.