Interview: ‘Emily the Criminal’ Stars Aubrey Plaza and Theo Rossi on Why Making the Film Was a No-Brainer

Aubrey Plaza is someone that will always have a special place in my heart. After all, she helped to really kick off the site. If you recall, she was one of the first big interviews when Awards Radar launched, nearly two years ago. You can see my conversation with her here, but even beyond that, she’s just an exciting and deeply underrated actress. Back at the Sundance Film Festival, I was quite fond of her latest turn in the crime drama, Emily the Criminal. With the movie now hitting theaters, I was recently given the opportunity to talk to her again, alongside co-star Theo Rossi. Today, that discussion comes your way.

Below, you can see my chat with Plaza and Rossi. We spend a fair amount of time talking about my dog, which is a throwback to my first conversation with Plaza (plus, Rossi is an animal lover). Obviously, Emily the Criminal is covered as well, with my main focus being on how they know they’ve come across a project they know they need to commit to. I’ve been fond of this film since Sundance, so with it finally hitting theaters, I’m excited for you all to see it, as Plaza is worthy of awards consideration…

In my review of Emily the Criminal back at the Sundance Film Festival (found here), I had this to say:

Aubrey Plaza is an actress that I wish more directors saw dramatic potential in. She’s already established herself as a talented comedic performer, but Plaza has also aced serious material before. Her droll nature just works on both levels. So, getting the lead in a crime drama/thriller like Emily the Criminal was always going to have caught my eye. Playing as one of the more anticipated titles at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, it manages to give Plaza one of her best showcases to date. Pulpy and dark, but also always concerned with observing her character, it’s an enjoyable, if often nasty, pice of business.

Aubrey Plaza has never been as much of a badass as she is in Emily the Criminal. She makes the title character someone both out of their element and easily adaptable. You root for her and worry for her, but never doubt that she’s going to figure out something. Plaza gives Emily flaws, but also a compelling nature that prevents you from ever taking your eyes off of her. Theo Rossi provides some layers to what otherwise might have been a stock character. They even have some nice chemistry in their rare lighter moments. 

Here now is my interview with Emily the Criminal stars Aubrey Plaza and Theo Rossi. Enjoy:

Emily the Criminal is in theaters now!