Aubrey Plaza might primarily be recognized for her distinctive dry humor, particularly showcased in her role in Parks & Recreation. However, 2024 has proven to be a significant year for her, particularly with her foray into darker narratives. One standout film is Emily the Criminal, a gripping thriller that highlights Plaza’s versatile acting range. This year also saw her in Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis and making her Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) debut as Rio, also known as Death, in Agatha All Along. The latter series, which centers around the enigmatic character Agatha Harkness, features emotional undertones accentuated by Plaza’s performance.
In addition to intense roles, Plaza has taken on intriguing projects such as My Old Ass, where she plays an older version of the main character, Elliot. In this unorthodox coming-of-age story, the 39-year-old Plaza’s character guides her younger self through the complexities of adulthood, imparting crucial life lessons that lead to a surprising twist by the film’s conclusion.
Aubrey Plaza Starred in 2022’s Emily The Criminal – A Must-Watch Thriller
A TV Show Spinoff Is in Development
Despite her recent dark roles often featuring humorous undertones, Emily the Criminal stands out as a pure crime thriller. Unlike her previous performances in notable series like Legion and The White Lotus, this film allows Plaza to truly delve into a grittier side of her craft. Directed by John Patton Ford, the film has garnered an impressive 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing its ability to create a compelling narrative despite the morally ambiguous characters, including Plaza’s Emily.
Emily’s struggle as a desperate job-seeker drowning in student debt lends credence to her character, providing audience relatability that is quickly overshadowed as she spirals into a life of crime. The film navigates the treacherous waters of credit card fraud and the criminal underworld, showcasing how desperation can lead one to abandon morals. Plaza’s powerful performance anchors the film’s success and makes the viewer invested in Emily’s plight.
The film’s acclaim has paved the way for an upcoming TV spinoff, though Plaza will not reprise her role as Emily. Instead, she will serve as an executive producer, ensuring her vision continues to shape the narrative.
Aubrey Plaza Isn’t Attached to Upcoming Dark Projects, But She Should Be
Plaza is Attached to Several Titles in Development
Following a remarkable 2024, Aubrey Plaza is set to remain busy with various new projects. She will feature in the live-action/animated family film Animal Friends, alongside the animated feature The Ark and the Aardvark, as well as Ethan Coen’s comedy Honey Don’t!. Additionally, she is involved as a writer and executive producer for the upcoming animated series Kevin on Prime Video. While it’s encouraging to see Plaza engaged in numerous projects, it’s noteworthy that none will delve into darker themes akin to her previous roles.
There is a lingering hope among fans and critics alike for Plaza to explore more characters that reflect the intense drama of Emily the Criminal and My Old Ass. Although future projects, including the Ethan Coen comedy, may not emphasize dark narratives, her potential return as Death in subsequent MCU films points to a growing interest in multi-faceted roles. Ultimately, it would be increasingly intriguing to see Plaza tackling original concepts and narratives steeped in thrillers, dramas, and possibly horror.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes
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