If you liked Aubrey Plaza's Darker 2024 projects, check out her crime thriller from 2 years ago

Aubrey Plaza is best known for her dry wit and comedic performances in titles such as Parks and Recreationbut its 2024 releases are a great reminder to check out a dark thriller titled Emily the Criminal. 2024 was a big year for Plaza. Not only did she appear in the Francis Ford Coppola film Megalopolisbut she also portrayed Rio (aka Death) in Agatha all the timemarking his MCU debut. The Agatha Harkness-based show was one of Disney+'s most exciting releases, with Rio's presence as Death adding a dark element to the MCU entry.

Plaza also appeared in My old ass like the older version of the main character for an unorthodox coming-of-age tale. After a young Elliot summons the 39-year-old version of herself, Plaza's My old ass the character tries to guide her younger self in the right direction, while also teaching lessons about aging and adulthood. Put My old assIn the end, the older Elliot also learns some lessons, causing a tragic turn of events. If you've been impressed by Plaza's recent dramatic roles, we have another film for you.

Aubrey Plaza Stars in 2022's Emily The Criminal – Why It's Worth Watching

A TV show spinoff is in development

Even with Aubrey Plaza's recent “dark” roles, they have incorporated comedic elements. However, there is a 2022 crime thriller starring Plaza that allowed the actress to truly explore her darkness. Unlike his performances tied to existing franchises or series, such as Legion, The White Lotusor even Agatha all the time, Emily the Criminal really gives Plaza a chance to embrace her dark side without delving into his proven comedic talent. John Patton Ford's film has a 94% approval rating Rotten tomatoes and manages to create an intriguing thriller, despite the unpleasant appearance of the characters, including Emily.

Still, Emily's role as a downtrodden job seeker suffering from student loan debt creates a sliver of believability before the character's life goes off the rails. With credit card fraud schemes and a threatening criminal underworld, Plaza finds its main character leaving morals behind to get what he needs. It may be a different role for Plaza, but the actress is a critical reason why Emily the Criminal works so well. In fact, the film's success led to the development of a spin-off TV show. Emily the Criminal. Although Plaza will not return as Emily, she will still be involved as an executive producer.

Aubrey Plaza Isn't Attached to Upcoming Dark Projects, But She Should Be

Plaza is linked to several titles in development

After a remarkable 2024, Aubrey Plaza will remain busy with several upcoming projects. In addition to being part of the star-studded cast of the live-action/animated comedy Animal FriendsPlaza is attached to the animated film The Ark and the Aardvarks and Ethan Coen's comedy Honey, no! She is also the writer of Prime's upcoming animated show titled Kevinof which she is also executive producer. While it's no surprise to see Plaza loaded with projects, the confirmed titles don't include darker roles.

Of course, not all of her upcoming projects might not be pure comedies, especially the Ethan Coen project, but it would be exciting to see Plaza land more roles that lean more into the vibes of Emily the Criminal and My old ass. Plaza could return as Death in future MCU projects based on the reception surrounding her debut in the franchise. That said, seeing Plaza stuck with original concepts and stories rooted in genres like thrillers, dramas, and even horror would be more intriguing.

Source: Rotten tomatoes