The Swedish-American actress might call L.A. home, but we still claim her as our own. Here we look at how she’s forged an iconic career, one romantic comedy at a time
Malin Åkerman’s latest film takes us to the desert. Released last year, the physiological thriller called The Aviary is about two women, Jillian (Åkerman) and Blair (Lorenza Izzo). They hike across the searing hot desert to escape the Silverlight sex cult, inspired by the real-life NXIVM Cult, which seduced Hollywood stars and America’s most powerful elite. As the women battle trauma, a lack of trust in each other, and a genuine fear for their lives, the film further prooves this Stockholm-born actress’ range.
Whether she’s playing the don’t-mess-with-me Lara Axelrod on Billions or showing off her superhero skills in Watchmen, there’s a subtle edge to all her performances. A Scandi cool, one could say.
While she can tackle drama and action, it’s her comedic timing and ability to light up the screen in rom-coms that really cement her into our hearts. Often an unappreciated genre, we can’t help but crave meet-cutes, snappy banter, and happy endings, which is why much of Åkerman’s filmography is a delightful trip of escapism. Something that poignantly feels like the perfect antidote to everything that is happening right now. From 27 Dresses to The Proposal, here are five Åkerman rom-coms that are worth returning to time and time again.
Warning: spoilers ahead
Related: All the times Björk graced our cinema and TV screens (including those times you didn’t even notice)
The Proposal (2009)
Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock, Betty White - enough said. This iconic 2009 film sees Åkerman play Gertrude, the ex-girlfriend of Andrew (played by Reynolds). It's a supporting role but she is crucial to the plot, realising even before Andrew does that he loves Margaret (Bullock), convincing him to chase his happily ever after.
Malin Åkerman in The Proposal. Photo: Touchstone Pictures
The Giant Mechanical Man (2012)
Playing the overbearing sister Jill, in this 2012 film Åkerman is trying to help her ‘lost’ sister Janice find love. Her plan however creates more drama than intended. But like all good rom-coms, those who are meant to be always find a way back to each other.
27 Dresses (2008)
In what seems almost like a precursor to Bridgerton season 2’s drama, Jane (Katherine Heigl) has to be the bridesmaid, for the 27th time, to her sister Tess (Åkerman). The simply straightforward task is complicated by the fact Jane is actually in love with the man Tess is marrying. The banter between the two sisters and the predictable yet comforting plot twists in this film are exactly what rom coms are about.
Malin Åkerman with co-star James Marsden in 27 Dresses. Photo: Fox 2000 Pictures
I'll See You In My Dreams (2015)
In this 2015 Sundance hit, Blyth Danner stars as a widowed former singer looking for happiness again. Åkerman plays Danner's supportive daughter. The heartwarming tale will have you laughing and crying in equal measures, while Danner and Åkerman’s relationship will have you reaching for your phone to call your own mum.
The Heartbreak Kid (2007)
Despite sharing the screen with comedy’s golden boy Ben Stiller, Åkerman as Lila manages to steal the show with eccentric one-liners and no-she-didn’t gags. The plot to this 2007 film centres around Stiller and Åkerman who are on their honeymoon. They quickly realise they don’t actually know each other as well as they thought...
Malin Åkerman stars opposite Ben Stiller in The Heartbreak Kid.