Audrey Plaza Shines in Coppola's Chaotic New Film—And That’s Just One of Her Must-See Projects
Thinking about whether to catch the controversial new Francis Ford Coppola epic Megalopolis? I saw it on opening night, and here are two words to help you decide: Aubrey Plaza. In her role as a scheming television financial reporter, she elevates the concept of a "supporting actress," delivering a standout performance. Plaza practically steals the show with a jaw-dropping third-act twist that had the opening-night crowd at Hollywood’s iconic Chinese Theatre erupting in unanimous applause. (Given that this is the venue for the annual Academy Awards, I wouldn’t be surprised to see her return next April as a nominee.)
As a devoted fan of Coppola, I was inclined to enjoy Megalopolis, a two-hour-and-10-minute odyssey centered on a visionary urban planner who develops an unbreakable new building material and dreams of reshaping a city reminiscent of New York. His ambitions face fierce opposition from corrupt bureaucrats and schemers, including Wow Platinum, played by Aubrey Plaza, who is his soon-to-be ex-lover. While the story meanders (any movie subtitled “A Fable” is bound to be a touch self-indulgent), and the actors break into song or spout Shakespeare unexpectedly, my suspension of disbelief was stretched thin—except for the moments Plaza dominated the screen.
As the bold and brassy Wow Platinum, Plaza injects infectious energy into every scene, making her joy in the role utterly contagious. She winks at the audience, exaggerates her expressive eyes in mock disbelief, swoons over Adam Driver’s leading man charm, and delivers her performance with a flair reminiscent of Joan Crawford in Hollywood’s Golden Age. Plaza commands attention with her magnetic presence, striding through scenes with the grace of a show pony. Even though Wow is selfish and temperamental, Plaza’s nuanced portrayal reveals a broken-hearted survivor underneath, making her performance nothing short of wow-worthy. Her only competition for stealing the show comes from Shia LaBeouf, who plays a sly and transformative rogue politician. Together, they share an unforgettable sex scene—wildly acrobatic and hilariously absurd—that further solidifies Plaza’s scene-stealing brilliance.
Not sure you're up for sitting through a preachy swan song from one of cinema’s greatest directors? Then I highly recommend checking out My Old Ass, a new indie film from Megan Park starring Aubrey Plaza. Plaza takes on the unique role of a 20-years-older version of an 18-year-old high school graduate (played by Maisy Stella). The twist? The younger woman accidentally summons her older self during a wild night with her high school friends involving mushrooms—one last hurrah before heading off to college in the big city.
While the movie incorporates magical realism, its soul lies in the deeply realistic, emotional exchanges between Plaza and her younger counterpart. The story weaves relatable life lessons about regret, family love, and inner strength, blending elements of teen comedy with heartfelt drama. It’s a delightful mix of laughs, tears, and magical charm.
Plaza’s performance here even inspired me to explore her other current roles, including Disney+’s Agatha All Along, where she portrays a clever and mischievous villain in the Marvel universe. Though the series delves into supernatural plotlines, I’m hooked mainly on Plaza’s witty and trouble-making witch, who squares off against Kathryn Hahn's lead.
So, if you missed Aubrey Plaza’s early breakout moments—whether skipping Parks and Recreation, zoning out during Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, or overlooking her scene-stealing role in The White Lotus Season 2—don’t make the same mistake now. Plaza is on fire, delivering captivating performances across movies and streaming series, even if the projects themselves aren’t always flawless. She’s a 10 out of 10 every time.
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