Emma Stone has proven herself a versatile actress throughout her career, but her comedic sensibilities have always shined through in her most celebrated performances, particularly in her lead role in Easy A, a film that celebrates its 15th anniversary this September. In this film, Stone plays Olive Pendergast, an unpopular high school student who becomes the center of attention when a rumor circulates that she lost her virginity. This film not only earned her the first of her six Golden Globe nominations but also laid the groundwork for her remarkable career trajectory.
In Easy A, Stone’s natural charisma and undeniable comedic talent are on full display through her performance as the snarky, intelligent, and empathetic Olive. The film presents Olive as a California teen who has been virtually invisible to her peers at school until a fabricated rumor makes her the topic of conversation. After admitting to Brandon, a gay student who is bullied for his sexuality, that her newfound popularity is built on a lie, she agrees to pretend to have sex with him, which leads to a series of hilarious and eye-opening situations.
As the story progresses, Olive pretends to hook up with a number of unpopular boys in exchange for gift cards. This decision boosts their reputations while damaging her own. Embracing the attention, Olive stitches a red letter “A” on her shirts, inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1850 novel The Scarlet Letter, which she happens to be reading for English class. However, Olive’s popularity soon shifts from admiration to infamy when a church group campaigns to expel her from school. To counter this, she hosts a webcast to share her truth and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
Directed by Will Gluck, Easy A has become a beloved teen comedy over the years, largely owing to Emma Stone’s hilarious and career-defining performance. Aside from Stone, the film features strong supporting roles from Amanda Bynes, who plays the school’s resident Jesus freak, Lisa Kudrow as a frazzled guidance counselor, and Thomas Haden Church as Olive’s supportive teacher. No discussion of Easy A is complete without mentioning Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson, who deliver memorable performances as Olive’s parents, showcasing some of the best movie parenting ever portrayed.
Emma Stone’s performance in Easy A not only solidified her status as one of the strongest comedic actresses of her generation, but it also foreshadowed the roles that would define her career. Her physical comedy, impeccable line delivery, and chemistry with her co-stars enhance her portrayal of Olive, making it hard to imagine anyone else in the role.
While Easy A leans heavily into comedy, it also addresses serious themes of slut-shaming and sexual harassment that resonate today. Stone’s ability to convey the vulnerability of a character who appears self-assured and resilient is what makes Olive relatable and aspirational. Looking back, her performance in Easy A serves as a precursor to the critically acclaimed roles that earned her two Academy Awards for Best Actress.
Not to be overlooked, the film features a romantic subplot between Olive and Todd (played by Penn Badgley), hinting at Stone’s future successes in romantic comedies such as Crazy, Stupid, Love. The lead-up to Olive’s pivotal webcast includes a vibrant musical number at the school pep rally, where Stone covers “Knock on Wood,” showcasing her early inclination toward musical performances that would later earn her an Oscar for her lead role in La La Land six years down the line.
Ultimately, Emma Stone’s iconic role in Easy A cemented her as a uniquely charismatic actress with an illustrious future. With a career full of impressive performances, Easy A remains one of her best, highlighting her comedic brilliance and ability to resonate with audiences. Fans can now watch this iconic film for free on Tubi, allowing a new generation to appreciate Stone’s talent in a role that continues to inspire laughter and reflection.
