Aubrey Plaza, best known for her dry humor and memorable performances, is not just making waves with her comedic talent but is increasingly venturing deep and dark with her roles. The upcoming year of 2024 has already been significant for Plaza, showcasing her dynamic range as she delves both dramatically and comedically.
One of the highlights of Plaza’s year is her role as Rio, also known as Death, in the much-anticipated series Agatha All Along, which marks her entrance to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Based on the character Agatha Harkness, this series has attracted attention for its emotional depth, and Plaza’s portrayal of Death adds to its gripping narrative. Fans have noted the darker themes this character embodies, which reflects a shift from her well-known comedic roles such as those seen in Parks & Recreation.
Another key project for Plaza is the unconventional coming-of-age film My Old Ass, where she portrays the older version of the central character, Elliot. This film, which premiered on Prime Video on November 7, 2024, has already climbed to number three on charts, illustrating Plaza's impact on the project. The storyline revolves around Elliot summoning her future self for guidance, with Plaza's character offering advice based on life’s lessons about aging and responsibility. The film masterfully juxtaposes humor and tragic realizations, culminating in poignant twists.
Plaza's venture doesn’t end there. She also appeared alongside legends like Francis Ford Coppola, contributing her talents to the film Megalopolis. These roles serve as reminders of her versatility and ability to traverse various genres, from comedy to serious drama.
Of significant note is Plaza’s role as Emily in the thriller Emily the Criminal, released in 2022, which allowed her to fully embrace the darker side of her acting chops. This film distinguishes itself from her lighter roles by exploring themes of desperation and crime, showcasing Emily's rapid descent from being weighed down by student loan debt to engaging with criminal enterprises through credit card fraud. Despite the morally ambiguous aspects of her character, Plaza’s authentic portrayal makes Emily relatable, even as she engages in questionable actions.
The film has received acclaim, holding a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its compelling story and challenging characters. The response has been enthusiastic enough to inspire plans for a television spinoff, where Plaza will be involved as executive producer, though not reprising her role as Emily.
Even as her upcoming projects, such as Animal Friends and the animated film The Ark and the Aardvark, skew lighter, there are calls from fans and critics alike for Plaza to explore more projects dealing with dark, thought-provoking themes reminiscent of her recent forays. There's excitement surrounding her potential return as Death, following the fond reception of her MCU debut, and speculation persists on how Plaza’s future characters might evolve.
Reflecting on her fashion choices, Plaza has also recently drawn attention for her distinctive style on the red carpet at events like the 2024 Gotham Film Awards. While reactions can be mixed, with some expressing dissatisfaction, others celebrate her unique aesthetic. This blend of personal life and career successes only adds more layers to Plaza’s engaging public persona.
What sets Aubrey Plaza apart is her ability to oscillate between genres, melding comedic elements with somber themes seamlessly. From Parks & Recreation to her current dramatic roles, Plaza's talent to adapt and shine has created significant buzz around her abilities as she embarks on new projects. Fans eagerly anticipate what she will do next and the distinct perspectives she will bring to her characters.
With all signs pointing to Plaza continuing to expand her filmography with challenging, original content, audiences are left pondering the possibilities of her career. 2024 has emerged as a pivotal year, not just for the actress but also for the film and television medium, as more nuanced stories come to the foreground.