Anna Kendrick’s 10 Best Performances
Anna Kendrick has proven herself to be one of Hollywood’s most versatile and captivating actresses since her film debut in 2003’s “Camp”. From her breakout role in “Up in the Air” to her memorable performances in the “Pitch Perfect” franchise, Kendrick has consistently brought depth and charm to every character she portrays. In her latest endeavor, she not only stars in but also directs “Woman of the Hour,” a gripping film available on Netflix that showcases her remarkable storytelling abilities and unique vision of the true crime story. Here is our list of Anna Kendrick’s 10 best performances.
1. “Camp”
“Camp” is a 2003 musical comedy-drama that follows a group of teenagers at a summer musical theater camp as they navigate teenage struggles. Anna Kendrick plays the role of Fritzi, a talented and ambitious young performer who grapples with her own insecurities while vying for the spotlight and attention. Kendrick’s performance showcases her early talent and passion for musical theater, setting the stage for her future success in the industry.
2. “Twilight” Franchise
The “Twilight” franchise is a series of five movies based on the book series by Stephenie Meyer, focusing on the romantic relationship between a human, Bella Swan, and a vampire, Edward Cullen. The franchise was a major pop culture phenomenon in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Anna Kendrick plays Jessica Stanley, a high school classmate and friend of Bella. This bolstered Kendrick’s film career and gave her a look at big major commercial successes.
3. “Up in the Air”
“Up in the Air” is a 2009 film directed by Jason Reitman who is best known for directing “Juno” and “Saturday Night”. The film stars George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, a corporate “downsizer” who travels extensively for work and struggles with personal connections. Kendrick plays Natalie Keener, a young, ambitious employee who challenges Ryan’s way of life and introduces a more efficient approach to their work. Kendrick’s role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, showing her growth in the film industry.
4. “50/50”
“50/50” is a 2011 dramedy directed by Jonathan Levine, based on the true story of Will Reiser, who co-wrote the screenplay. The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Adam, a young man diagnosed with cancer, and explores his journey through treatment and the impact of his illness on relationships and life. Anna Kendrick plays Katherine, a young therapist assigned to help Adam navigate his diagnosis. The film earned critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes.
5. “Pitch Perfect” Franchise
The “Pitch Perfect” franchise is a series of musical comedies that began with the first film in 2012, directed by Jason Moore. It follows the story of the Barden Bellas, an all-female a cappella group, as they navigate finding their identity. The films are known for their catchy musical performances, humor, and strong ensemble cast. Anna Kendrick stars as Beca Mitchell, a talented but reluctant member of the Bellas who brings a fresh perspective to the group. This was seen as Kendrick’s global breakout and solidified her status as a leading actress in Hollywood. “Cups”, a song from the first film reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100.
Kendrick’s role in Pitch Perfect significantly boosted her career, showcasing her musical talent and comedic timing. The films solidified her status as a leading actress in Hollywood and led to further opportunities in both film and music.
6. “Into the Woods”
“Into the Woods” is a 2014 musical fantasy film directed by Rob Marshall, based on the Broadway musical by Stephen Sondheim. The story intertwines various fairy tales, including those of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack and the Beanstalk, exploring themes of desire, consequences, and the complexities of adult life. Anna Kendrick plays Cinderella and received acclaim for her performance. The film was named one of the best films of 2014.
7. “The Accountant”
“The Accountant” is a 2016 action thriller directed by Gavin O’Connor, starring Ben Affleck as Christian Wolff, a highly skilled accountant with autism who works for dangerous criminal organizations. Anna Kendrick plays Dana Cummings, a junior accountant who becomes entangled in Christian’s world when she discovers discrepancies in financial records. While a sequel titled “The Accountant 2” is in development, Anna Kendrick will not reprise her role as Dana.
8. “Trolls” Franchise
The “Trolls”franchise is an animated series that began with the film “Trolls” in 2016, directed by Mike Mitchell. The story follows the colorful, joyful Trolls who live in a vibrant world and their quest to rescue their friends from the gloomy Bergens, who want to capture them for their happiness. Anna Kendrick voices Poppy, the optimistic and adventurous leader of the Trolls. Kendrick’s performance includes several musical numbers. The franchise includes “Trolls”, “Trolls World Tour”, and “Trolls Band Together”, further expanding the colorful universe.
9. “A Simple Favor”
“A Simple Favor” is a 2018 mystery thriller directed by Paul Feig, based on the novel by Darcey Bell. The film follows Stephanie, a mommy blogger played by Anna Kendrick, who befriends the glamorous and enigmatic Emily, portrayed by Blake Lively. When Emily suddenly goes missing, Stephanie becomes embroiled in a web of secrets and lies as she seeks to uncover the truth. A sequel recently wrapped production and is expected to expand on the twisty universe of the first.
10. “Alice, Darling”
“Alice, Darling” is a 2022 psychological thriller directed by Mary Nighy. The film follows Alice, played by Anna Kendrick, who finds herself in a psychologically abusive relationship. As she grapples with her partner’s controlling behavior, Alice embarks on a trip with friends to escape and regain her sense of self. Kendrick’s performance received widespread acclaim, with many critics praising her ability to convey the complexity of her character’s emotional turmoil. This role is often cited as Kendrick’s greatest role of her career and showed a different side to the actress.
Anna Kendrick has grown significantly as an actress since her role in Camp in 2003, and we cannot wait to see what she does next. Woman of the Hour showcases a different side of Kendrick as she makes her directorial debut. The film is a remarkable accomplishment and demonstrates great promise for the emerging filmmaker. Woman of the Hour is now streaming on Netflix.
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