Emily the Criminal
2022
***½
Director: John Patton Ford
Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Theo Rossi, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Gina Gershon, Jonathan Avigdori, Bernardo Badillo, John Billingsley, Brandon Sklenar
Emily is a college dropout who struggles to pay back her massive student loan. She decides to take part in a credit card scam, but are the gains worth the risk? The first half of John Patton Ford's feature debut takes a scathing look at the darker side of American capitalism. Emily's transition to a life of crime feels thoroughly believable, but the conclusion is pure wish fulfilment fantasy. The one with the biggest plans predictably falls hardest. Nevertheless, this is a short, snappy, and entertaining film, which doesn't outstay its welcome.
