Alison Brie is a versatile and dynamic actress who has left an indelible mark on the world of television and film. With a career spanning various genres and mediums, Brie has consistently demonstrated her ability to bring depth, humor, and intensity to her roles. Two of her most notable performances are as Ruth Wilder in the Netflix series GLOW and as Michelle in the horror-thriller The Rental. These roles showcase her range as an actress, highlighting her ability to navigate complex characters and emotionally charged narratives. This article will explore Alison Brie’s performances in GLOW and The Rental, analyzing how these roles contribute to her reputation as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.
Born on December 29, 1982, in Hollywood, California, Brie developed a passion for acting at a young age. She honed her craft at the California Institute of the Arts, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in theater. Brie’s early career included appearances in television shows such as Hannah Montana and Mad Men, where she played Trudy Campbell, a role that brought her critical acclaim and widespread recognition.
Alison Brie’s Movies & TV Shows
Brie’s breakthrough role came with the NBC comedy Community, where she portrayed Annie Edison, a tightly wound, overachieving college student. Her performance in Community showcased her comedic timing and ability to bring depth to a seemingly one-dimensional character. Following Community, Brie transitioned into film, taking on roles in movies such as The Five-Year Engagement, The Lego Movie, and How to Be Single. However, it was her work in GLOW and The Rental that solidified her status as a versatile actress capable of taking on challenging and multifaceted roles.
GLOW: A Showcase of Alison Brie’s Range
The Premise of GLOW
GLOW (an acronym for Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) is a Netflix original series that premiered in 2017. Created by Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch, the show is set in the 1980s and is inspired by the real-life women’s professional wrestling promotion of the same name. The series follows a group of women who are cast in a low-budget wrestling show, navigating their personal and professional struggles as they work to make the show a success.
At the center of GLOW is Ruth Wilder, portrayed by Alison Brie. Ruth is an out-of-work actress who is struggling to find meaningful roles in Hollywood. Desperate for work, she auditions for GLOW, hoping that it will be her big break. However, she soon finds herself embroiled in the world of professional wrestling, a far cry from the serious acting roles she had envisioned for herself.
Ruth Wilder: A Complex Character
Ruth Wilder is a character who is both relatable and frustrating, embodying the struggles and insecurities faced by many women in the entertainment industry. She is driven by her desire to be taken seriously as an actress, but her ambition often leads her to make questionable decisions. This complexity makes Ruth a fascinating character to watch, as she navigates the highs and lows of her career and personal life.
Alison Brie’s portrayal of Ruth is nothing short of remarkable. She brings a raw vulnerability to the character, allowing the audience to see Ruth’s insecurities and fears. At the same time, Brie infuses Ruth with a sense of determination and resilience, making her a character who is both flawed and inspiring.
One of the most compelling aspects of Ruth’s character is her relationship with Debbie Eagan (played by Betty Gilpin), a former soap opera actress who becomes Ruth’s rival in the wrestling ring. The tension between Ruth and Debbie is palpable, driven by both professional jealousy and personal betrayal. Brie and Gilpin have an undeniable chemistry, and their scenes together are some of the most emotionally charged in the series. The complexity of their relationship adds depth to the show, exploring themes of friendship, rivalry, and forgiveness.
Ruth’s Journey in GLOW
Over the course of the series, Ruth undergoes significant growth, both as a wrestler and as an individual. When she first joins GLOW, she is an outsider, struggling to fit in with the other women and unsure of her place in the world of professional wrestling. However, as she begins to embrace her role as Zoya the Destroya, a villainous Soviet wrestler, Ruth starts to find her voice and her confidence.
Brie’s performance as Ruth is a masterclass in character development. She captures Ruth’s evolution from a timid, self-doubting actress to a confident, empowered wrestler. This transformation is not just physical—although Brie underwent intense training to prepare for the role—but also emotional. Ruth learns to embrace her strengths and weaknesses, ultimately finding a sense of purpose and belonging in the wrestling ring.
One of the most poignant moments in GLOW comes in the second season when Ruth is faced with the decision to sleep with a network executive in exchange for securing a better time slot for the show. This storyline highlights the pervasive sexism and power dynamics in the entertainment industry, and Brie’s performance is both heartbreaking and empowering. Ruth’s refusal to compromise her integrity, despite the potential consequences, is a testament to her growth as a character and a powerful commentary on the challenges faced by women in Hollywood.
The Impact of GLOW on Brie’s Career
GLOW was a critical success, earning praise for its writing, performances, and feminist themes. The show was nominated for multiple awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Brie’s performance as Ruth was widely acclaimed, with critics praising her ability to bring depth and nuance to a character who could have easily been portrayed as one-dimensional.
For Alison Brie, GLOW was a career-defining role that showcased her versatility as an actress. It allowed her to explore a character who was both relatable and complex, and it gave her the opportunity to delve into the physicality of professional wrestling. Brie’s commitment to the role, both emotionally and physically, is evident in every scene, making Ruth Wilder one of the most memorable characters in recent television history.
The Rental: A Departure from the Familiar
The Premise of The Rental
In 2020, Alison Brie took on a very different role in The Rental, a horror-thriller directed by Dave Franco. The film follows two couples who rent a secluded vacation home for a weekend getaway, only to find themselves being watched by a mysterious figure. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, the couples’ relationships begin to unravel, leading to a terrifying and deadly confrontation.
Brie plays Michelle, one half of the central couple, alongside her real-life husband, Dave Franco, who also directed the film. Michelle is a successful businesswoman who is eager to spend a relaxing weekend with her husband, Charlie (played by Dan Stevens), and their friends. However, as the weekend progresses, Michelle begins to suspect that something is not quite right with the rental property, and her suspicions lead to a series of shocking revelations.
Michelle: A Study in Suspicion and Paranoia
Michelle is a character who is defined by her suspicion and paranoia. From the moment she arrives at the rental property, she is on edge, sensing that something is off. This tension only grows as she begins to uncover evidence that they are being watched, leading her to question not only her surroundings but also her relationships.
Brie’s portrayal of Michelle is marked by a sense of unease and tension that builds throughout the film. She captures the character’s growing paranoia and fear, making the audience question whether Michelle is simply being overly cautious or if her suspicions are justified. This ambiguity adds to the film’s suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as they try to piece together the mystery.
One of the most compelling aspects of Michelle’s character is her relationship with Charlie. The couple’s marriage is strained, with underlying tensions that are brought to the surface over the course of the weekend. Brie and Stevens have a natural chemistry, and their scenes together are filled with a sense of unease and distrust. As Michelle’s paranoia grows, so does the distance between her and Charlie, leading to a devastating climax.
The Themes of The Rental
The Rental is a film that explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of secrecy. At its core, the film is about the breakdown of relationships and the dangers of keeping secrets from those closest to us. Michelle’s character embodies these themes, as her suspicions and fears lead her to uncover secrets that ultimately destroy her relationships.
Brie’s performance in The Rental is a departure from her previous roles, showcasing her ability to tackle darker, more intense material. She brings a sense of realism to the character, making Michelle’s paranoia and fear feel palpable. Brie’s ability to convey emotion through subtle gestures and expressions adds depth to the character, making her journey all the more compelling.
The Reception of The Rental
The Rental received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and strong performances. Brie’s portrayal of Michelle was singled out for praise, with critics noting her ability to bring depth and complexity to a character who could have easily been portrayed as a stereotypical horror movie victim.
For Alison Brie, The Rental was an opportunity to explore a different side of her acting abilities. The film allowed her to delve into the horror-thriller genre, showcasing her range as an actress. Brie’s performance in The Rental demonstrated her ability to tackle complex characters and emotionally charged narratives, further solidifying her status as a versatile and talented actress.
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