With the release of her new film Room (not to be confused with the “You’re tearing me apart Lisa!” Tommy Wiseau 2003 vanity project The Room), Brie Larson finds herself on the cusp of super stardom, so it seemed only fitting to take a look at her career thus far.
Throughout the 1990s, Larson had brief roles in TV shows Touched by an Angel, Popular and Then Came You, before she took on a lead role in sitcom Raising Dad alongside Bob Saget and Kat Dennings, although the show was cancelled after one season.
She then took on a number of small roles in several films throughout the 2000s including roles alongside the likes of Jennifer Garner and Ben Stiller in 13 Going on 30 and Greenberg.
However it was Edgar Wright’s 2011 comedy Scott Pilgrim vs. the World that brought Larson her biggest mainstream role to date. The film centered around Scott’s (Michael Cera) quest to defeat his new girlfriend’s (Ramona Flowers, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead) seven evil exes, with Larson taking on the role of Envy Adams, the ex-girlfriend of the titular hero and lead singer of The Clash at Demonhead. The film has since developed a cult following and gained Larson significant exposure.
After this, Larson played ensemble roles in Rampart alongside Woody Harrelson and TV dram-edy United States of Tara with Toni Collette, until 2012 saw her star in the smash comedy hit 21 Jump Street where she bore her own comedic chops up against an impressive ensemble featuring Channing Tatum, Rob Riggle, Ice Cube and Nick Offerman. Brie took on the role of Molly Tracey, the love interest of both Jonah Hill and Dave Franco as the former attempted an undercover drug bust along with cop buddy Channing Tatum in a local High School.
Larson continued to get her name out there by starring in The Spectacular Now with Shailene Woodley and Don Jon with Joseph Gordon-Levitt. But her most important role was yet to come…
2013’s Short Term 12, an indie drama centering on a residential treatment facility, it’s patients and it’s workers, featured Larson in the lead role of Grace, a 20-something who has to tackle not only the difficult youths she works with but also her relationship with her co-worker and boyfriend Mason (John Gallagher Jr.). Larson received unanimous critical acclaim for her lead performance and earned herself numerous award nominations, including nominations from both the Indie Spirit Awards and Critic’s Choice Awards.
Riding hot on the tails of her Short Term 12 performance, Larson starred in 2015 films The Gambler and Trainwreck. Her performance in Room has, as of writing, earned her a Golden Globe, as well as BAFTA and Oscar nominations, where she is no doubt favourite to take home the big award.
One thing is for certain; the sky is the limit for Brie Larson. Still only 26, to have such an eclectic career at such a young age is outstanding and Room seems to be the start of an acting career that can rival the all time greats.
Did you know?
- Brie is also a professional singer and has toured with Jesse McCartney.
- Despite pursuing acting since the age of 7, Larson has considered quitting acting due to the difficulty of the film industry and the fact that she was unable to get the parts she wanted.
- She auditioned for her role in Short Term 12 over Skype.
The Film You Should Watch: Short Term 12
