Sam Riley is a British actor, known for his versatility and his portrayals of complex characters. He emerged on the international scene with Anton Corbijn's biographical film *Control* (2007), masterfully portraying Ian Curtis, the tormented leader of Joy Division. This role defined his style, characterized by introspective characters, often with a melancholic or rebellious streak.

Among his prominent roles feature the young and cynical Pinkie Brown in *Brighton Rock* (2010), Sal Paradise in the adaptation of *On the Road* (2012), and Diaval, Maleficent's faithful raven, in the Disney productions *Maleficent* (2014) and its sequel, which demonstrated his versatility in large-budget productions. Riley is recognized for his intense presence and the ability to infuse depth into ambiguous and charismatic characters, making them memorable.