John Waters’ ‘Serial Mom,’ Sandra Bernhard, Adam Sandler: The Sparks That Lit The Fuse Of ‘Emily The Criminal’ Star Aubrey Plaza

The Film That Lit My Fuse is a Deadline video series that aims to provide an antidote to headlines about industry uncertainty by swinging the conversation back to the creative ambitions, formative influences and inspirations of some of today’s great screen artists.

Today’s subject is Aubrey Plaza, an actress who has drawn acclaim for her work in the title role of the indie breakout Emily the Criminal, and who has shown her versatility starring in the second season of the Netflix series White Lotus. She is also a gifted comic actress who began in the improv group Upright Citizens Brigade, leading to the starring role as April Ludgate on the NBC sitcoms Parks and Recreation. Plaza’s also one of the best late night talk show guests of her era,. But the focus now is drama, and you can’t take your eyes off of her as she warms to the lawless life in Emily the Criminal. Watch as she takes us through the influences that informed her eclectic and varied career.