Anna Kendrick: 10 Lesser-Known Roles That Showcase Her Versatility and Talent

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Warning: This article discusses topics of abusive relationships and violence.

Anna Kendrick is a versatile actress whose talent spans across a myriad of genres, yet many of her most exceptional roles have flown under the radar. Best known for her iconic performances as Jessica in the Twilight saga and Beca in the Pitch Perfect series, Kendrick has built a reputation as a comedic and musical dynamo. However, her dramatic prowess cannot be understated, showcasing her depth and versatility as an actress.

Kendrick’s impressive filmography includes everything from children’s animation to science fiction, yet some of her finest work exists in films that did not receive the recognition they deserved at their time of release or even later on. Despite appearing in some of the most notable movies of the last few decades, it’s often her lesser-known roles that truly highlight her formidable presence in Hollywood, marking her as a significant talent from the early stages of her career to the present day.

Anna Kendrick: Net Worth, Age, Height & Everything You Need To Know

A multifaceted actor and singer, Anna Kendrick boasts a substantial net worth, significantly bolstered by blockbuster franchises like Pitch Perfect and Twilight.

### 10. Alice, Darling (2023) – Role: Alice

“Alice, Darling” garnered solid reviews upon release, praised for its sensitive portrayal of psychological abuse. In this drama/thriller directed by Mary Nighy, Kendrick’s role as Alice is profoundly compelling, demonstrating her ability to imbue her characters with nuance and authenticity. One particularly tense scene, the dinner party, exemplifies her skill in affecting the film’s tone. What makes Kendrick’s performance in “Alice, Darling” especially remarkable is her personal connection to the narrative.

In an interview with The Standard, Kendrick opened up about her past experiences in a toxic relationship, adding a layer of depth to her portrayal of Alice. The film follows Alice’s journey as she gains clarity on her abusive relationship with her boyfriend Charlie, aided by her two best friends. Director Mary Nighy’s vision translated beautifully on screen, with Kendrick delivering a standout performance in this poignant story of friendship and self-discovery.

### 9. Stowaway (2021) – Role: Zoe Levenson

In “Stowaway,” Kendrick plays Zoe Levenson, the doctor aboard the MTS-42 spaceship on a mission to Mars. Her role is crucial to the film’s moral and ethical dilemmas, contributing significantly to its gripping conclusion. Zoe’s optimistic and caring nature contrasts starkly with her more pragmatic crew members, highlighting Kendrick’s ability to portray complex personalities. Particularly notable is how she navigates Zoe’s internal conflict during pivotal moments in the film, such as her ultimate sacrifice.

Directed by Joe Penna, “Stowaway” presents a scenario where an unintended passenger forces the crew into making life-and-death decisions due to limited resources. Kendrick’s portrayal adds emotional weight to this high-stakes narrative, showcasing her range as an actress capable of handling intricate psychological dramas.

### 8. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010) – Role: Stacey Pilgrim

In “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World,” Kendrick shines as Stacey Pilgrim, Scott’s sarcastic yet supportive sister. Her witty performance adds a layer of humor and realism to the film’s quirky narrative. Stacey’s interactions with Scott (played by Michael Cera) are some of the film’s most memorable moments, embodying a quintessential sibling dynamic that resonates with audiences.

Reprising her role for Netflix’s adaptation “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off,” Kendrick seamlessly steps back into Stacey’s character, proving her enduring impact on this cult favorite. Her collaboration with director Edgar Wright on this project also marks the beginning of their long-term professional relationship, which further enhanced her performance in this beloved franchise.

### 7. The Voices (2014) – Role: Lisa

In “The Voices,” a dark comedy thriller directed by Marjane Satrapi, Kendrick plays Lisa, one of Jerry’s (Ryan Reynolds) ill-fated love interests. Lisa’s innocent charm and heartfelt concern for Jerry make her a sympathetic character, even amidst the film’s darkly comedic elements. Her performance balances humor and horror adeptly, especially during key scenes like comforting Jerry after his traumatic memories resurface.

Kendrick’s portrayal brings depth to Lisa, making her tragic fate all the more poignant. The film’s unique blend of humor and horror underscores Kendrick’s versatility as she navigates through unsettling yet touching moments.

### 6. Life After Beth (2014) – Role: Erica Wexler

“Life After Beth” redefines zombie lore with a comedic twist, featuring Kendrick as Erica Wexler. Although not a central character, Erica’s warmth and relatability stand out in a world overrun by the undead. Her role is pivotal in helping Zach move on from his undead girlfriend Beth, showcasing Kendrick’s ability to convey empathy and support convincingly.

Despite limited screen time, Kendrick’s performance contributes significantly to the film’s emotional depth and comedic undertones. Erica’s interactions provide moments of levity and humanity amidst the chaos, making her an essential part of this dark comedy.

### 5. Into The Woods (2014) – Role: Cinderella

As Cinderella in “Into The Woods,” Kendrick reimagines the classic fairy tale character with depth and strength. Her portrayal subverts traditional Disney princess tropes, particularly in moments where she makes bold choices like leaving her unfaithful Prince. This nuanced performance earned Kendrick critical acclaim and the Satellite Award for Best Cast – Motion Picture in 2015.

Kendrick’s chemistry with co-star Chris Pine and her stellar musical performances further elevate her role. She brings a fresh perspective to Cinderella, making the character more three-dimensional and relatable while excelling in both acting and singing throughout the film.

### 4. What To Expect When You’re Expecting (2012) – Role: Rosie Brennan

In “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” Kendrick plays Rosie Brennan, who faces an unexpected pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage. Her portrayal is deeply emotional and relatable, capturing the complexities of grappling with sudden motherhood and loss. Rosie’s storyline stands out among the ensemble cast, thanks to Kendrick’s heartfelt performance.

Her chemistry with Chace Crawford as Marco adds another layer to Rosie’s narrative, portraying a nuanced relationship that evolves through shared hardships. Kendrick’s ability to convey vulnerability and strength makes Rosie’s journey one of the most memorable parts of this star-studded film.

### 3. Happy Christmas (2014) – Role: Jenny

In “Happy Christmas,” directed by Joe Swanberg, Kendrick plays Jenny, an unpredictable young woman who disrupts her brother Jeff’s household during Christmas. The film’s improvisational style allowed Kendrick to showcase her comedic talents and deliver a spontaneous performance that was both hilarious and endearing.

Jenny’s dynamic with her sister-in-law Kelly creates an engaging narrative about personal growth and family dynamics. Kendrick’s ability to improvise effectively made Jenny a standout character in this innovative indie film.

### 2. A Simple Favor (2018) – Role: Stephanie Smothers

In “A Simple Favor,” Kendrick stars as Stephanie Smothers, a vlogger who becomes entangled in the mysterious disappearance of her friend Emily (Blake Lively). The dark comedy-thriller highlights Kendrick’s ability to navigate suspenseful narratives while maintaining a compelling character arc.

Stephanie’s transformation from a naive mother to a determined amateur detective is riveting, with Kendrick delivering a performance that keeps audiences on edge. Her chemistry with Lively adds depth to their complex friendship, making “A Simple Favor” a standout film in Kendrick’s career.

### 1. 50/50 (2011) – Role: Katherine McKay

“50/50” features Kendrick as Katherine McKay, a novice therapist helping Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) cope with cancer. This role earned Kendrick her highest Rotten Tomatoes score for good reason – her performance is both sincere and impactful.

Katherine’s journey from inexperienced therapist to a source of genuine support for Adam is portrayed with grace and realism. The chemistry between Kendrick and Gordon-Levitt enhances their characters’ bond, making their interactions some of the most touching moments in the film. “50/50” stands out not just for its poignant story but also for showcasing Kendrick’s ability to handle serious subject matter with finesse.

These roles illustrate Anna Kendrick’s broad range and undeniable talent across various genres, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic actresses.

  • Priyanka

    Priyanka works in NYC as freelancer editor for one of the famous entertainment news blog.

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