In The World Is Not Enough, Elektra King agrees to reroute the oil pipeline to avoid desecrating holy ground. At first glance, it looks like an act of compassion, but it’s really another calculated move that advances her and Renard’s larger scheme. By presenting herself as thoughtful and principled, she earns Bond’s trust while quietly deflecting suspicion.

Bond falls for the performance until his instincts finally override her manipulation and he kills her in cold blood. Beneath her vulnerable exterior, Elektra is one of the most psychologically manipulative Bond girls and really, well, villains. She’s a compelling Bond villain because her intelligence and charisma are ultimately squandered on a deeply misguided power trip and revenge tour.