An actor with a deep, distinctive voice who makes each of his characters powerful, Ralph Ineson has been around for decades. But the actor is gaining plenty of appreciation for a performance of epic proportions, as Galactus in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Behind layers of motion capture for the planet-devouring force lies a powerful voice with utter disregard for all human beings, except for one. As Galactus predates humans, you need an actor with an ancient touch to his voice, and Ineson is just the right fit. Ineson shared in his recent interviews that he modified his voice according to the character, which involved speaking his lines as though they would come from deep inside the stomach, echoing the sounds of catastrophes.
Ineson is not new to this process of adapting his vocals to the specific requirements of his characters. He used the depth and resonance of his voice to play the titular role in The Green Knight, opposite Dev Patel. The tree-like being looks like a primaeval entity, so Ineson brought a touch of gravitas to his voice to match the character's assertiveness. The Green Knight’s voice and appearance make it easy to buy him as a force of nature, who is often commanding and enigmatic and sometimes even a tad playful. The sound effects also help bring out the fantastical aspect of the Green Knight and help make him a visceral presence. Despite Ineson's relatively limited screen time for a mostly mysterious character, he leaves an indelible impact with his instantly recognisable voice.
Speaking of limited screen time, Ineson is a master at making the most of it. Remember him as Amycus Carrow in the Harry Potter franchise? A cruel and intimidating deputy professor under Severus Snape, Carrow forces Hogwarts students to practice an unforgivable curse on others. Unlike Galactus, Carrow is rather simple-minded and downright evil. The character's cruel deeds and Ineson's performance in the role help ensure that he stands out as a vile example of the Death Eater's impact on Hogwarts.
Ineson is also known for his work in Robert Eggers’ horror film The Witch. In the film, he plays William, a man with an unwavering commitment to his religion and faith, despite the struggles of his family. Initially, he appears as an authoritative figure who takes his family to the wilderness, disregarding the dangers lying in the woods. However, as a series of ominous events drives his family into an impending doom, William’s voice starts to shake, conveying signs of angst. His voice also lends itself well to the period setting with dialogues containing archaic words that require a distinctive cadence. The film relies more on psychological dread than jump scares, and Ineson's performance adds to the foreboding atmosphere and tension. The touch of authenticity he brings to the role immerses you in the film’s unsettling milieu and never lets you out of it.