You May Have Heard Megalopolis Is A Big, Hot Mess Of A Movie. I Saw It, And There’s One Performance You Really Need To See

You May Have Heard Megalopolis Is A Big, Hot Mess Of A Movie. I Saw It, And There's One Performance You Really Need To See

As a film enthusiast with a soft spot for quirky characters and absurdly named films that blur the lines between ancient history and modern times, I must say Aubrey Plaza’s portrayal of Wow Platinum in Megalopolis left me utterly captivated. Her performance is nothing short of spectacular – a perfect blend of comedic timing, dramatic depth, and an undeniable charisma that makes every scene she graces with her presence a joy to watch.


It’s possible that you’ve heard about Megalopolis, a film by Francis Ford Coppola that he’s been working on for a long time and financed himself. Critics, like our reviewer Dirk Libbey at TopMob, have described it as an overwhelming movie with too many ambitions during its nearly 2.5-hour runtime. However, the actors appear to be fully invested in the spectacle. Upon watching the film, I can confirm that one actor stood out as particularly dedicated, and that’s Aubrey Plaza, who portrays Wow Platinum, a character that is both extraordinary and unusually named.

While Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Shia LaBeouf all deliver impressive performances in their respective roles, it was the captivating portrayal of the power-hungry TV presenter by Wow Platinum that left me on the edge of my seat. And if you’re only going to watch one performance from this chaotic film, make sure it’s hers.

You May Have Heard Megalopolis Is A Big, Hot Mess Of A Movie. I Saw It, And There's One Performance You Really Need To See

The Way Plaza Channels Both Her Cynicism And Vulnerability Into The Character Is Superb

For about 15 years, Aubrey Plaza has skillfully crafted a unique character that masterfully blends sarcasm and sensitivity. This intriguing mix has significantly enhanced productions like “The White Lotus” and “Emily the Criminal”, and it continues to do so in “Megalopolis” with Wow Platinum.

Occasionally, the character exhibits a strong dose of skepticism, practicality, and self-serving ambition to achieve her goals – whether it’s landing an interview with Hamilton Crassus III, a formidable figure like Jon Voight, or later securing a relationship with the CEO of Crassus National Bank. If you appreciate the dry humor and sharp intellect that she displayed in shows such as Parks and Recreation or Legion, then this character’s portrayal will resonate deeply with you.

As a gamer, I found myself deeply touched by Plaza’s character in the game, particularly as she ascended to power within the Crassus family and New Rome. There’s one scene that really got me – it’s where a TV presenter tries to push her relationship with Cesar Catalina beyond their clandestine affair. It’s a heart-wrenching moment, showcasing some of the most impressive acting in the whole game.

You May Have Heard Megalopolis Is A Big, Hot Mess Of A Movie. I Saw It, And There's One Performance You Really Need To See

Wow Platinum Also Has One Of The Best (And Most Cohesive) Stories In Megalopolis

Initial responses to the film “Megalopolis” were less than favorable compared to Francis Ford Coppola’s first movie in over a decade, and those negative criticisms were justified when they labeled the story an untamed and excessive jumble. One reason for this is that the movie features numerous interwoven plots, some of which are overstuffed, undercooked, or both at once. However, Wow Platinum’s narrative stands out as one of the most streamlined and coherent in Megalopolis. After ending her relationship with Cesar because he refused to formalize it, Wow marries his wealthy uncle and begins working alongside Clodio, his eccentric and flamboyant grandson, to manage Hamilton’s affairs.

Indeed, this plot unfolds into some extraordinary and humorous episodes (even boasting what might be the funniest death scene among 2024’s movie releases), yet it maintains an authentic and consistent flow throughout. There are no over-the-top scenes that resemble a high-end perfume advertisement, nor any lengthy, unnecessary dialogues, and certainly no grandiose, outlandish declarations akin to our character Cesar.

You May Have Heard Megalopolis Is A Big, Hot Mess Of A Movie. I Saw It, And There's One Performance You Really Need To See

Plaza’s Character Also Elevates Pretty Much Every Other Subplot

In the film Megalopolis, although Aubrey Plaza’s character, Wow Platinum, isn’t the central figure, it’s Adam Driver’s character, Cesar Catalina, who holds the leading role. However, Aubrey Plaza’s character as an ambitious TV presenter who resembles a Roman goddess at certain moments in the movie serves as a significant connecting element that ties together many of the diverse storylines.

Through her ambition, greed, and a reluctance to make firm commitments, Wow becomes entangled with Hamilton Crassus III. This association later connects her with Clodio Pulcher, leading to a plot to seize control of the family’s immense wealth and power in New Rome. Leveraging Clodio’s insatiable hunger for power and his resentment towards his cousin, Wow maneuvers herself into the intricate web of financial and political manipulation. This scheme had the potential not only to disrupt the family but also to significantly impact the future of New Rome as a whole.

The initial scenes showing the reporter’s take on the dispute between character Cesar, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito (mayor of New Rome), and another figure, Franklyn Cicero, offered valuable insights that somewhat clarified the confusing narrative of this film for me.

You May Have Heard Megalopolis Is A Big, Hot Mess Of A Movie. I Saw It, And There's One Performance You Really Need To See

In A Movie With Wild Names, Wow Platinum Is In A League Of Its Own

One thing that’s captivated me about Megalopolis ever since I learned of it a couple of years back is the amusing array of names that seem like a blend of Ancient Rome and contemporary times, which aligns perfectly with the movie’s setting. Names such as Cesar Catalina, Franklyn Cicero, Constance Crassus Catilina, and Fundi Romaine are appealing, but none compare to Wow Platinum in terms of intrigue.

Indeed, Aubrey Plaza’s character’s name, Wow Platinum, seems to hail from a formidable villain in one of the top-tier Batman films. It might not be as menacing as the Joker or Two-Face, but it carries an intriguing vibe. This name, undeniably my favorite of the year, suits her character perfectly. With her platinum blonde hair and eccentric outfits, I found myself exclaiming “wow” every time Plaza appeared on screen.

You May Have Heard Megalopolis Is A Big, Hot Mess Of A Movie. I Saw It, And There's One Performance You Really Need To See

Aubrey Plaza Genuinely Looks Like She’s Having The Time Of Her Life In Megalopolis

I must admit, watching Aubrey Plaza in Megalopolis feels like she’s living her best moments on screen! If you’ve seen the trailer or clips, such as the one featuring Wow Platinum engaging in a wildly amusing chat with Julia Cicero (yes, the film includes those sound effects), you’ll understand that this actress is showcasing impeccable comedic timing while simultaneously challenging herself as an actor. It may be a bit zany, but it’s also fantastic and incredibly enjoyable to watch!

Megalopolis isn’t a film that appeals to everyone; it may not resonate with every viewer, including myself (I’m still undecided about my feelings). Yet, it cannot be disputed that Aubrey Plaza delivers one of her finest performances in this movie, despite the fact that the rest of the film can be rather chaotic and disorganized.

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2024-10-04 16:37