Why Anna Kendrick Calls ‘Up in the Air’ Her Defining Role—And What It Did for Her Career

Anna Kendrick’s career spans a diverse range of roles, from her Tony-nominated Broadway debut at age 12 to her breakout performances in Pitch Perfect and The Twilight Saga. Over the years, she’s become a beloved figure in both comedy and drama. But among her extensive filmography, one role stands out as both the most critically acclaimed and arguably the most interesting: Natalie Keener in Up in the Air (2009).

From Musicals to Dramatic Mastery

Kendrick’s early roles, including High Society and Camp, showcased her musical talents and ability to play quirky, youthful characters. However, it was Up in the Air, directed by Jason Reitman and starring George Clooney, that marked a significant turning point in her career. In this film, Kendrick plays Natalie Keener, a young and ambitious employee tasked with helping a seasoned corporate downsizer, played by Clooney, fire employees.

What makes Natalie Keener such a standout role in Kendrick’s career is its emotional depth and complexity. She’s a college graduate eager to prove herself, but she’s also navigating the harsh realities of a corporate job that involves firing people—a task that requires a delicate balance of professionalism and empathy. Unlike her earlier roles in musicals or light comedies, Up in the Air provided Kendrick with an opportunity to delve into a character that was not only ambitious but also vulnerable, trying to reconcile her youthful optimism with the difficult, sometimes harsh adult world.

Critical Acclaim and Career Milestone

The critical reception of Up in the Air was overwhelmingly positive, and Kendrick’s performance was a major highlight. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts a solid 90% approval rating, with Kendrick receiving widespread praise for her portrayal of Natalie. The role was so impactful that it earned Kendrick an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, as well as nominations for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA.

This recognition elevated Kendrick’s profile in Hollywood, showcasing her as more than just a comedic actress. The success of Up in the Air marked a pivotal moment in her career, allowing her to transition from supporting roles in comedies to more dramatic, complex characters. As ComingSoon.net highlighted, she “stole scenes from George Clooney and Vera Farmiga,” an impressive feat in a film that featured seasoned actors. This role helped her secure a diverse range of future opportunities, from A Simple Favor (2018) to Alice, Darling (2022), where she continued to explore more dramatic territory.

A Complex and Unique Character

What truly makes Up in the Air so interesting, and why it remains the most significant role in Kendrick’s career, is the complexity of the character. Natalie Keener is far from a typical role for Kendrick, who had often been cast in lighthearted, often whimsical parts. In Up in the Air, she embodies a character who is both emotionally intelligent and professional, someone who, despite her outward calm, is still navigating the turbulent waters of corporate America, where the stakes are high, and decisions can have devastating consequences on people’s lives.

Kendrick’s portrayal of Natalie is a subtle mix of vulnerability and strength, as she attempts to balance the weight of the job with her personal aspirations. The character’s growth over the course of the film—her move from idealism to the tough reality of her career—mirrors Kendrick’s own evolution as an actress.

Other Notable Performances

While Up in the Air is widely regarded as Kendrick’s most interesting role, several other performances have garnered attention for their uniqueness and complexity. In A Simple Favor (2018), she played Stephanie Smothers, a naive and bubbly vlogger who gets tangled in a mysterious disappearance. The film blended dark comedy with suspense, and Kendrick’s performance was praised for its ability to balance both humor and intensity.

Additionally, her role in Alice, Darling (2022), where she portrays a woman experiencing psychological abuse, is another significant achievement in her career. While this role has yet to receive the same level of critical acclaim as Up in the Air, it shows Kendrick’s continued interest in exploring complex, emotionally charged characters.

Personal Insights and the Role’s Impact

Kendrick has spoken in interviews about the personal significance of many of her roles. In a 2013 Marie Claire interview, she mentioned her fondness for playing Janet in End of Watch, appreciating the role’s gentleness. However, this performance hasn’t been widely regarded as her most interesting. She also expressed strong affection for her voice role as Princess Poppy in Trolls, describing it as an embodiment of “my inner child.” While Trolls is meaningful to her, it’s clear that Up in the Air remains the most critically significant role in her career.

Conclusion: Up in the Air—A Defining Moment

While Anna Kendrick has played a variety of memorable characters throughout her career, it’s clear that Up in the Air is the role that has had the most lasting impact. The film allowed Kendrick to break away from her typical comedic roles and showcase her dramatic chops, earning her critical acclaim and opening doors to more complex roles. The performance stands as a career-defining moment, reflecting her growth as an actress and her ability to tackle emotionally complex characters with nuance and depth.