Why Aubrey Plaza is STRANGE. But Amazing. From Parks & Rec, to Legion, to Megalopolis.

Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBackFocus Aubrey Plaza has captivated audiences with her iconic sarcastic, deadpan persona ever since her breakthrough role as April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation. But there’s far more to her than just a low-energy, sardonic quip. In this video essay, we dive deep into the fascinating career of Aubrey Plaza, exploring her evolution as an actress—from her indie breakthrough in Safety Not Guaranteed to her stunning performances in dark psychological dramas like Black Bear and Emily the Criminal. We’ll discuss how Plaza expertly plays with her image, blending her deadpan humor with more complex, multidimensional roles, and how she continues to surprise audiences with her range. We trace her journey from her days interning at Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, to stealing scenes in indie hits like Ingrid Goes West and The To-Do List, all the way to her Emmy-nominated performance in The White Lotus and her scene-stealing role in Marvel’s Agatha All Along. Plaza is not just a one-note sarcastic actress—she’s a master of ambiguity, shifting effortlessly between roles that allow her to turn her comedic strengths into deeply layered and unsettling performances. Join us as we dissect her career trajectory, from her early comedic roles to her darker, more unpredictable performances in Legion and Francis Ford Coppola’s upcoming epic Megalopolis. We also explore how Plaza’s real-life persona on talk shows—awkward, weird, and endlessly charming—feeds into her public image as Hollywood’s most puzzling actress. With clips, interviews, and insights, this deep dive reveals why Aubrey Plaza is one of the most exciting actresses working today. 0:00 - Introduction to Aubrey Plaza. 1:29 - Improv at Upright Citizens Brigade. Funny People. 3:00 - Parks and Recreation, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. 4:52 - 3 versions of Aubrey? Portlandia, Aaron 6:37 - Safety Not Guaranteed. 7:28 - The To Do List. MTV Movie Awards and Interviews. 9:49 - Dirty Grandpa. 10:59 - Ingrid Goes West. 12:47 - Legion. 14:55 - Black Bear, Emily the Criminal. 17:10 - The White Lotus. 18:23 - Megalopolis, Agatha All Along.