When I think about the Twilight Saga, I can’t help but remember how it captivated so many of us with its blend of supernatural elements and teenage romance, centered around Bella Swan. At the core of this cultural phenomenon, the Twilight protagonist’s transition from a regular high school girl to a vampire queen sparked both adoration and criticism. Even with the franchise’s immense success, Bella Swan has faced significant backlash, often being labeled as a poorly written character. But I think it’s crucial to recognize that Kristen Stewart, the actress who portrayed Bella, did the best she could with the role she was given.
The Twilight Saga also made household names out of its romantic leads, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson. For his part, the Robert Cullen actor has largely shed his Twilight image, and Pattinson has had a lauded film career, starring in everything from A24 arthouse movies to blockbuster superhero fare, playing the titular superhero himself in The Batman. I’ve loved watching him grow as an actor, and shed his sparkly roots, but I find it beyond vexing that people can’t seem to do the same thing for Kristen Stewart.
Bella Swan Is a Bad Character (But Kristen Stewart Did What She Could With The Role)
The Twilight Protagonist Is Surface-Level Deep & That’s Not Stewart’s Fault
I’ve heard plenty of arguments about why Bella Swan doesn’t quite measure up as a character. To many, Bella seems like a classic “Mary Sue”—a term used for young female protagonists who are overly idealized and lack depth. In the books, Bella is often described as expressionless and unremarkable, seeming to exist mainly for the development of the male characters around her. It feels like she doesn’t have much of a personality or any ambitions beyond her romantic interests in Edward Cullen and Jacob Black.
I can understand why critics find Bella frustrating. She often comes off as passive and reactive, rather than proactive. Her main traits seem to be her clumsiness and her deep, unwavering love for Edward. Compared to the more vibrant personalities of the supporting characters, Bella’s character arc—or lack thereof—can make her seem like a weak protagonist. It feels like she’s there to be the object of male affection rather than an engaging character in her own right.
Kristen Stewart’s performance as Bella didn’t escape criticism either. Some viewers found her portrayal wooden or lacking in emotional depth. But when I think about it, I wonder if this criticism overlooks the fact that Stewart was working within the constraints of Bella’s character as written. The role demanded a certain level of restraint and minimalism, which could have contributed to the perception of Stewart’s performance as stilted.
Stewart had the tough task of bringing life to a character who wasn’t particularly dynamic or multifaceted. Despite these challenges, she managed to infuse Bella with a sense of earnestness and vulnerability, even if it didn’t always resonate with critics. Her performance, though not universally praised, showed her dedication to making the character relatable within the confines of the script.
Stewart Has Had a Powerhouse Career Post-Twilight
Transition From Teen Star To Acclaimed Actress
Looking beyond Twilight, I’ve been amazed by Kristen Stewart’s evolution as an actress. She’s really shown her range and depth in roles that highlight her true talent. I was particularly struck by her performance in Spencer, where she portrayed Princess Diana with a level of intensity and nuance that was deeply impressive. Stewart was a 2022 Oscar Nominee for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in Spencer. It felt like such a departure from the muted Bella Swan, proving her ability to handle complex and emotionally charged roles.
In Love Lies Bleeding, Stewart continued to break free from her Twilight image, tackling a role that allowed her to explore darker, more intense themes. The film was critically acclaimed for its raw and gripping storytelling, and Stewart’s performance was noted for its depth and emotional impact. Similarly, in Happiest Season, she demonstrated her comedic chops and ability to handle lighter, yet still emotionally resonant material.
Seeing Stewart’s post-Twilight career unfold has been a real testament to her versatility and skill as an actress. She’s navigated between indie films and major productions with ease, showing that her talents extend far beyond the role that initially brought her fame. Each new role has allowed Stewart to redefine herself and dispel any doubts about her acting abilities.
