Aubrey Plaza’s Best Roles
Aubrey Plaza has built a career playing characters who are delightfully unconventional and wonderfully weird. She first captured mainstream attention with her iconic deadpan delivery and sarcastic charm, becoming a fan favorite for her ability to steal scenes with just a subtle eye-roll. Her unique comedic timing made her a standout presence in ensemble casts, where she often portrayed the outsider or the quirky confidante, roles that seemed tailor-made for her distinct personality and sharp wit.
As her career has evolved, Plaza has proven that her talents extend far beyond comedy. She has actively sought out complex and challenging roles in independent films and dramatic television series, showcasing a remarkable range and depth. From unhinged stalkers to determined criminals, she has demonstrated a fearless commitment to exploring the darker and more intricate aspects of the human psyche. This willingness to take risks has solidified her reputation as one of the most interesting and unpredictable actors working today, capable of delivering performances that are both hilarious and heart-wrenching.
‘Funny People’ (2009)
In this comedy-drama, Aubrey Plaza plays Daisy Danby, a stand-up comedian who becomes the love interest of a fellow aspiring comic named Ira. Her character is part of the Los Angeles comedy scene that the main characters navigate. Daisy is depicted as a confident and witty performer who is trying to make a name for herself in a competitive environment. She gets involved in a complicated romantic situation with Ira and his more successful roommate.
The story primarily focuses on a famous comedian who is diagnosed with a terminal illness and decides to mentor Ira. Daisy’s role is significant to Ira’s personal journey, representing a potential for happiness and normalcy amidst the chaotic and often cutthroat world of stand-up comedy. Her interactions with Ira provide some of the film’s more grounded and relatable moments, offering a glimpse into the personal lives of those chasing their dreams on stage.
‘Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates’ (2016)
Aubrey Plaza stars as Tatiana, a rebellious and wild party girl who, along with her best friend, cons two brothers into taking them on a free trip to Hawaii. After seeing an ad placed by two brothers looking for respectable dates for their sister’s wedding, Tatiana and her friend pretend to be well-mannered young women to score the vacation. Once they arrive in Hawaii, their true personalities emerge, leading to a series of chaotic and hilarious misadventures.
Tatiana is unapologetically bold and manipulative, yet she also reveals a more caring side as the story progresses. Her character is a force of nature, constantly creating mayhem and pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable behavior. She is a key driver of the film’s comedy, and her unpredictable actions consistently disrupt the otherwise picturesque wedding festivities, creating endless trouble for the two brothers who brought her there.
‘The Little Hours’ (2017)
In this medieval comedy, Aubrey Plaza portrays Sister Fernanda, a volatile and emotionally repressed nun living in a 14th-century convent. Her character is prone to violent outbursts and constantly chafes against the strict rules of her environment. The monotonous life at the convent is upended by the arrival of a handsome new servant who is pretending to be a deaf-mute to escape a vengeful lord.
Fernanda, along with two other nuns, finds herself drawn to the new servant, leading to a breakdown of order within the convent walls. The film follows their attempts to connect with him, which results in a series of bizarre and comedic situations fueled by repressed desires and frustration. Plaza’s performance captures the character’s intense angst and dark humor as she navigates her forbidden feelings in a world that demands piety and restraint.
‘Life After Beth’ (2014)
Aubrey Plaza takes on the title role of Beth Slocum, a young woman who mysteriously comes back to life after her untimely death. Her devoted boyfriend is overjoyed to have her back, but he soon discovers that the resurrected Beth is not quite the same. Initially, she is just happy to be reunited with him, but she begins to exhibit increasingly strange and zombie-like behaviors.
As Beth’s transformation progresses, she becomes more aggressive, unpredictable, and develops a taste for human flesh. Her boyfriend struggles to cope with her deteriorating condition while trying to hide her from the rest of the world. The film uses the zombie genre as a backdrop to explore the themes of letting go and the difficulties of moving on from a relationship that has run its course.
‘Happiest Season’ (2020)
In this holiday romantic comedy, Aubrey Plaza plays Riley, the ex-girlfriend of one of the main characters. She is a smart and compassionate doctor who finds herself reconnecting with her former partner when she and her new girlfriend come to town for Christmas. Riley provides a friendly and understanding ear for the new girlfriend, who is struggling with the fact that her partner has not yet come out to her conservative family.
Riley’s character is portrayed as mature and kind, offering wisdom and support without any ulterior motives. She shares her own past experiences of being in a secret relationship, which helps the protagonist feel less alone. Her presence adds a layer of emotional depth to the story, as she represents a past that was handled with difficulty but has since led to personal growth and stability.
‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ (2010)
Aubrey Plaza plays the delightfully foul-mouthed and perpetually annoyed Julie Powers. She is a friend of the main character’s sister and seems to have an encyclopedic knowledge of everyone’s social lives, which she uses to dispense cutting remarks and sarcastic commentary. Julie is constantly exasperated by the antics of the people around her, especially the titular character, Scott Pilgrim.
Throughout the film, Julie pops up at various locations, from coffee shops to concert venues, always ready with a cynical observation or a withering insult. Her role is primarily comedic, serving as a recurring source of negativity and deadpan humor that contrasts with the movie’s high-energy, video game-inspired action sequences. She is a memorable part of the film’s quirky ensemble cast.
‘Ingrid Goes West’ (2017)
Aubrey Plaza stars as Ingrid Thorburn, a mentally unstable young woman who becomes obsessed with a social media influencer. After a brief stay in a psychiatric hospital, Ingrid uses a small inheritance to move to Los Angeles with the goal of befriending the influencer she idolizes. She meticulously studies her target’s online profile and engineers a series of encounters to insert herself into the influencer’s seemingly perfect life.
The film explores the dark side of social media and the illusion of connection it can create. Ingrid’s desperation for acceptance leads her down a path of deception and increasingly dangerous behavior. Plaza’s performance is both unsettling and sympathetic, as she captures the profound loneliness and emptiness at the core of her character’s obsessive quest for a picture-perfect friendship.
‘Black Bear’ (2020)
In this psychological drama, Aubrey Plaza delivers a complex performance as Allison, a filmmaker who goes on a retreat to a remote lake house to overcome her writer’s block. The film is split into two distinct parts that play with narrative structure and reality. In the first half, Allison is a guest of a struggling couple, and her presence creates tension and emotional turmoil between them.
The second half of the film reframes the story, with Allison now playing an actress in a movie that mirrors the events of the first part, directed by her husband who is using manipulative tactics to elicit a raw performance from her. Plaza’s role is incredibly demanding as she navigates the shifting realities of the story, portraying a character who is both a manipulator and a victim, blurring the lines between art and life.
‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ (2012)
Aubrey Plaza plays Darius Britt, a cynical and disaffected magazine intern who volunteers for an unusual assignment. She responds to a classified ad from a man seeking a companion for a trip back in time. Along with two other reporters, she travels to a small coastal town to investigate the man, who they suspect might be mentally unstable.
Darius pretends to be an interested candidate for the time travel mission in order to get close to the man and write a story about him. However, as she spends more time with him, she begins to develop genuine feelings and starts to believe in his quest. Her journey forces her to confront her own cynicism and consider the possibility of finding magic and wonder in the unexpected.
‘Emily the Criminal’ (2022)
Aubrey Plaza takes on the role of Emily Benetto, a woman burdened with student debt and a minor criminal record that prevents her from securing a well-paying job. Desperate for money, she gets involved in a credit card fraud scheme. What starts as a one-time gig to make some quick cash soon escalates, pulling her deeper into the criminal underworld of Los Angeles.
Emily discovers she has a knack for the illicit work and begins to enjoy the thrill and financial freedom it provides. The film is a tense thriller that follows her transformation from a desperate victim of circumstance into a confident and capable criminal. Plaza’s performance showcases a grittier and more intense side of her acting abilities, as she portrays a character pushed to the edge who decides to fight back.
‘The White Lotus’ (2021– )
In the second season of the anthology series, Aubrey Plaza plays Harper Spiller, a sharp and somewhat cynical lawyer on vacation in Sicily with her husband and his wealthy, obnoxious friends. Harper finds herself at odds with the seemingly perfect and carefree dynamic of the other couple, and her suspicions about their sincerity and her own husband’s fidelity begin to create palpable tension.
Harper’s character serves as the audience’s surrogate, questioning the superficiality and moral emptiness of the ultra-rich. Her journey is one of paranoia, jealousy, and a search for authenticity in a world of curated perfection. Plaza masterfully portrays Harper’s internal struggle and her sharp, observational humor, making her one of the season’s most compelling and relatable characters.
‘Criminal Minds’ (2005– )
Aubrey Plaza guest-starred in a memorable multi-episode arc as Cat Adams, a formidable and psychopathic hitwoman. Her character is a brilliant and manipulative serial killer who engages in a deadly cat-and-mouse game with one of the Behavioral Analysis Unit’s profilers. She proves to be one of the most intelligent and dangerous adversaries the team has ever faced.
Cat Adams is known for her calm demeanor and her ability to psychologically torment her victims and the agents pursuing her. She develops a personal vendetta against Dr. Spencer Reid, leading to some of the series’ most intense and suspenseful confrontations. Plaza’s chilling portrayal of the cold and calculating killer showcased her versatility as an actress, allowing her to step into a role far removed from her comedic roots.
‘Legion’ (2017–2019)
In this mind-bending superhero series, Aubrey Plaza plays Lenny Busker, a character who is a close friend of the protagonist before being revealed as a powerful and malevolent entity. The role is incredibly multifaceted, as Lenny shifts between being a charismatic and drug-addled optimist to a terrifying psychic parasite known as the Shadow King. This villainous entity uses Lenny’s form to manipulate and control the main character.
Plaza’s performance is a standout, as she embodies multiple personalities and forms throughout the series. She brings a chaotic and unpredictable energy to the role, seamlessly transitioning between moments of dark humor and genuine menace. Her portrayal of Lenny is both mesmerizing and terrifying, making the character one of the most iconic and complex villains in recent television history.
‘Scott Pilgrim Takes Off’ (2023– )
Aubrey Plaza reprises her role as Julie Powers in this animated series, which reimagines the original story. In this version, Julie’s cynical and abrasive personality is given more depth and screen time. She remains the queen of snark and the brutally honest voice of reason among her group of friends, but the series also explores more of her personal life and motivations.
The animated format allows for an even more stylized and expressive take on the character. Julie is still quick with a cutting remark, but the series gives her a more central role in the narrative, allowing her to participate more directly in the unfolding events. Plaza’s voice performance perfectly captures the character’s signature deadpan delivery while also adding new layers to her personality.
‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)
Aubrey Plaza’s breakout role was as April Ludgate, the apathetic and sarcastic intern at the Pawnee Parks Department. Initially defined by her disinterest in her job and her love for all things dark and morbid, April quickly became a fan-favorite character. Her deadpan humor and cynical outlook provided a perfect contrast to the cheerful optimism of her boss, Leslie Knope.
Over the course of the series, April evolves from a moody intern into a more mature, albeit still quirky, individual. Her relationships, particularly her marriage to the lovable and goofy Andy Dwyer, bring out a softer and more caring side of her personality. She eventually finds a career path that she is passionate about, proving that even the most cynical heart can find purpose and happiness.
What is your favorite Aubrey Plaza performance?
