1. “Adventureland”
This hilarious and touching dramedy features a host of supporting breakouts, but none are as affecting as Stewart’s Em, who draws protagonist James (Jesse Eisenberg) into her confusing web of heartbreak and self–hatred. Stewart’s various lip–biting and hair–pulling tics actually work here, helping to create a character as damaged as she is mysterious and alluring.
2. “The Runaways”
It’s Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett! She may not have been an obvious pick for the role, but Stewart fully inhabits Jett’s disaffected yet passionate, guitar–wielding rocker chick. Her chemistry with Dakota Fanning, who plays Cherie Currie, carries the film; it’s as electric as The Runaways’ music, reproduced faithfully by the actors.
3. “Into the Wild”
The small size of Stewart’s role keeps this film from securing a higher spot on our list. But her few scenes are a joy to watch, as Stewart masterfully encapsulates a restless, unhappy teen attracted to Emile Hirsch’s wandering traveller. Plus, more singing! Her part in this film convinced Catherine Hardwick to cast Stewart in “Twilight,” thus ensuring the significance of “Wild” in the Kristen Stewart canon.
