Sophia Ali has the liveliness an adventure needs, even when its writing lets her down. We like the energy she brings to Uncharted, but the film gives her too few chances to turn a capable treasure hunter into someone surprising.
Fi1m perspective
In Uncharted (2022), Sophia Ali's Chloe Frazer makes the exchanges between Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg seem even flatter. Her liveliness suggests that an adventure with these people could be fun, if only the script would let their differences produce something funny. We were frustrated by how little the writing did with her energy. She is a reason to keep watching, but we would not recommend the film on her presence alone.
Moving from the recurring Dr. Dahlia Qadri in Grey's Anatomy (2017–2019) to a main role in The Wilds (2020–2022) gave her more room within an ensemble. As Fatin Jadmani, a wealthy, outspoken cellist among stranded teenagers, she has a character whose confidence matters to the group around her. India Sweets and Spices (2021) gives her Alia Kapur, a lead role in an Indian-American family comedy about class and generational expectations. The latter two roles give a young woman's independence room to cause difficulties for other people.
Uncharted asks for a more physical sort of assurance, and Ali's action work has charm. Her preparation included playing the source video games, though knowing the character cannot fix what the screenplay leaves out. Holland's physical commitment helps in much the same way: both actors give us some pleasure in an adventure that struggles to make its central partnership enjoyable. Tati Gabrielle, as Jo Braddock, also suggests a livelier film close at hand, leaving us with several performers we would happily see given better material.
None of that is a reason to keep her confined to action. The family friction in India Sweets and Spices offers a useful home for her sarcasm, and we would welcome more work that lets confidence become awkward for the people around her. Chloe need not be the limit of what casting directors ask from her. Another adventure is welcome, provided the conversations get as much attention as the stunts.
Biography
Sophia Ali, also credited as Sophia Taylor Ali, is an American actress. She made her screen debut in 2003 on the television series K Street and has since appeared in numerous television shows and films.
She is known for recurring roles as Dr Dahlia Qadri in Grey's Anatomy (2017–2020) and Fatin Jadmani in The Wilds (2020–2022). Ali portrayed Chloe Frazer in the 2022 film Uncharted and has also appeared in Truth or Dare (2018) and Everybody Wants Some!! (2016).
