<p>Vimentin is a cytoskeletal intermediate filament protein that governs the form and function of mesenchymal cells, although the mechanistic details have been poorly understood. Here we highlight recent findings that reveal the diverse role of vimentin in dynamically organizing intracellular architecture and enhancing mechanical resilience. The exceptional deformability of vimentin can now be understood from its high-resolution three-dimensional structure resolved using cryo-electron microscopy. Vimentin also organizes the motion and positioning of numerous organelles, including mitochondria and the nucleus. Furthermore, it synergizes with the actin cytoskeleton to protect cells from extreme mechanical deformations. Finally, vimentin expression in epithelial–mesenchymal transitions has a functional role in tumour invasion analogous to embryonic development and wound healing. These recent developments emphasize the importance of understanding the multifaceted roles of vimentin intermediate filaments in human health and disease.</p>