From Billy Hargrove To Director: 5 Shocking New Paths Dacre Montgomery Is Taking In 2025
Dacre Montgomery, the Australian actor who scorched the screen as the volatile Billy Hargrove in Netflix's *Stranger Things*, is not just a star on hiatus; he is quietly orchestrating a massive, surprising career pivot. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the 30-year-old is stepping away from the blockbuster Hollywood machine to focus on challenging, homegrown projects, including a major move into the director's chair. This shift is a deliberate, conscious choice that signals a new, more artistically ambitious chapter for one of the industry's most compelling young talents.
The transition from a high-profile role in a global phenomenon to helming a directorial debut and starring in independent Australian cinema has fueled significant curiosity among fans. Montgomery’s recent work and candid interviews reveal a commitment to storytelling that prioritizes psychological depth and confronting themes over mainstream fame, making his current trajectory one of the most fascinating to follow in the entertainment world.
Dacre Montgomery: Complete Biographical Profile
Dacre Montgomery, born Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey, has a rich, multicultural background that influenced his path into acting. His early life was immersed in the film industry, setting the stage for his eventual rise to international fame.
- Full Name: Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey
- Date of Birth: November 22, 1994
- Place of Birth: Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Age (as of 2025): 30
- Nationality: Australian
- Parents: Scott Montgomery-Harvey (New Zealander, worked in film) and Judith Barrett-Lennard (Canadian, worked in film)
- Education: Graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
- Notable Roles: Billy Hargrove (*Stranger Things*), Jason Scott / Red Ranger (*Power Rangers*), Steve Binder (*Elvis*)
- Current Partner: Liv Pollock (Australian Model)
The Five-Year Hiatus and Artistic Reawakening
Following his explosive, career-defining run as Billy Hargrove on *Stranger Things*, Dacre Montgomery took a surprising step back from the Hollywood spotlight. In recent interviews, he candidly discussed this "five-year hiatus" from major studio projects, explaining his decision to choose smaller, more intimate, and challenging roles over the relentless pursuit of fame.
His time on the global stage, while successful, led him to reassess his artistic motivations. Montgomery expressed a desire to be "scared by art" and to challenge audiences with "difficult" material, a stark contrast to the commercial demands of a franchise like *Stranger Things*. This period of reflection has culminated in a series of projects that are deeply personal, often filmed in his native Australia, and focused on complex psychological narratives. This intentional slow-down is not a retreat, but a strategic move to build a more sustainable and fulfilling career as a versatile actor and filmmaker.
Directorial Debut: *The Engagement Party* and the Issue of Consent
Perhaps the most significant development in Montgomery’s career is his move behind the camera. He is making his feature-length directorial debut with the film *The Engagement Party*, a project that he also stars in and co-wrote. This is a massive step that solidifies his commitment to controlling his own creative narrative.
The film, which has begun production in Western Australia (WA), is described as a psychological thriller that navigates the complex and sensitive issue of consent. This choice of subject matter immediately positions Montgomery’s directorial voice as one that is willing to tackle heavy, contemporary themes. The project is a true homegrown effort, featuring a talented Australian cast including Lily Sullivan (known for *Evil Dead Rise*). Working with producers like Nick Batzias and Virginia Whitwell, and writer Jory Anast, Montgomery is leveraging his newfound creative freedom to explore narratives that resonate with cultural and emotional weight.
Upcoming Thrillers: A Deep Dive into the Dark Side
Montgomery's acting slate for 2025 is dominated by high-concept thrillers and dramatic roles that showcase his range beyond the charismatic villain of Billy Hargrove. These projects represent the kind of "scary" and challenging art he sought during his hiatus:
- *Went Up The Hill* (2024/2025): Premiering at TIFF 2024, this haunting film features Montgomery alongside Vicky Krieps. The film explores a mysterious and emotional family dynamic, with Montgomery’s character, Jack, returning to his estranged mother's home after her death. Interviews with Krieps and Montgomery revealed the depth of the characters and the emotional commitment required for the roles, marking it as a critical piece in his dramatic portfolio.
- *DEAD MAN'S WIRE* (2025): Set to be a major thriller release, this film will see Montgomery co-starring with another powerhouse actor, Bill Skarsgård. While plot details are tightly guarded, the pairing of these two actors in a crime/thriller genre suggests a dark, intense cinematic experience that will appeal to fans of psychological suspense.
- *WHAT WE HIDE* (2025): Another upcoming film for 2025, *WHAT WE HIDE* features Montgomery alongside Mckenna Grace. The title itself hints at a narrative focused on secrets and inner turmoil, fitting perfectly with his stated intention to pursue roles that explore the darker, more complex aspects of the human psyche.
Life Beyond Hollywood: Liv Pollock and Australian Roots
Despite his global fame, Montgomery has remained grounded through his long-term relationship and a strong connection to his Australian roots. He has been dating Australian model Liv Pollock for over six years, a relationship that began in their shared hometown of Perth, Western Australia.
Pollock, who is a successful model in her own right, has been a constant source of support for the actor. Their relationship is often cited in news updates, with the couple recently spotted apartment hunting in Sydney, suggesting a commitment to maintaining a home base in Australia while Montgomery pursues his international projects. This focus on personal stability and connection to his origins—where his parents, Scott Montgomery-Harvey and Judith Barrett-Lennard, also worked in the film industry—provides a crucial foundation for his bold career choices. His dedication to developing films in WA and his continued residence in Australia underscore his commitment to fostering the local film community that raised him, moving him from a Hollywood export to a celebrated homegrown auteur.
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