Aubrey Plaza’s Latest Role: From ‘Salty’ Ads to Public Decency Debate

Aubrey Plaza is currently at the center of a burgeoning cultural conversation following the release of her new Netflix film, “Honey Don’t,” where a particularly risqué bar scene has ignited discussions surrounding public decency and potential health code concerns. This latest role marks a notable turn for the actress, who just last year was prominently featured in Ritz’s successful Super Bowl campaign, playing up her famously “salty” persona.

“Honey Don’t” Sparks Public Decency Debate

The film, titled “Honey Don’t,” is a self-described “sexy lesbian comedy” directed by Ethan Coen and co-written with Tricia Cooke. It serves as the second installment in their “lesbian B-movie trilogy,” following “Drive-Away Dolls.” The narrative follows private detective Honey O’Donahue, portrayed by Margaret Qualley, as she teams up with MG Falcone, played by Plaza, a cop who quickly crosses professional boundaries from the outset. The film aims to entertain while flirting with serious themes such as crime, lust, and moral flexibility, raising eyebrows and sparking discussions, according to El-Balad.

A specific scene within the film, where Qualley’s character boldly flirts with Plaza’s, escalates into what is described as a “playfully risqué act of public indecency.” This depiction has prompted questions about societal norms, the perception of law enforcement in personal relationships, and even potential health code violations, drawing significant attention since its January release. The irresistible chemistry between the leads invites viewers to reflect on the often blurry lines of legality and morality that define human interactions.

A Strategic Release Amidst Shifting Narratives

The release of “Honey Don’t” is seen as a tactical move by Netflix, aiming to provide distraction during what has been described as an “arduous” winter month and to capitalize on the growing demand for diverse and representative narratives. The film’s bold approach is positioning Netflix to command attention with its content offerings, moving beyond cautious LGBTQ+ portrayals. Both Aubrey Plaza and Margaret Qualley are being recognized for their roles in providing “iconic LGBTQ+ representation,” as observed by El-Balad.

The impact of “Honey Don’t” extends beyond American audiences, resonating in global markets such as the UK, Canada, and Australia. In these regions, the conversation around LGBTQ+ representation is gaining momentum, with cinema increasingly serving as a platform for both entertainment and social commentary. The film is considered a complex narrative booster for Netflix, blending entertainment with societal introspection and sparking essential discussions around the boundaries that often hinder personal expression.

Aubrey Plaza’s Evolving Public Profile

Plaza’s current role in “Honey Don’t” contrasts with her high-profile appearance in Ritz Crackers’ 2025 Super Bowl campaign. Last year, she starred alongside Michael Shannon and Bad Bunny in a spot that played up their famously “salty” personas at a “Salty Club,” a concept that emulated the cracker’s 2025 Super Bowl effort. This inaugural Super Bowl campaign proved successful for Ritz, contributing to an increase in market share in both February and the first quarter of 2025, according to MediaPost. This year, Ritz returned with a new campaign featuring Jon Hamm, Scarlett Johansson, and Bowen Yang, opting for a broader group of celebrities rather than placing the burden of success on a single personality, further highlighting the shift in Plaza’s recent high-profile engagements.

The distinct trajectory of Aubrey Plaza’s recent work, moving from mainstream Super Bowl advertising success to a provocative Netflix film that actively challenges social norms, highlights a broader industry trend towards embracing narratives that blend popular entertainment with bold social commentary, reflecting an increasing appetite for diverse and boundary-pushing content.