The plight of the Millennial generation is an oft discussed and written about topic in media. Having lived through world changing events, multiple recessions and economic catastrophes, and faced with an uncertain ecological future, the struggles these now 40 year olds have faced throughout their adult lives and its effect on them will be studied for years to come. Despite its popularity in print media, we have yet to see many films that cover this topic as much as journalists seem to love to. The release of Emily the Criminal seems to have changed that.
The titular criminal in this film Emily (Aubrey Plaza) is your typical Millennial, saddled with student debt, but her minor criminal record adds an additional barrier for her on the job market. As she searches for any way to make some money, Emily soon finds herself in a “dummy shopper” ring where she buys things with stolen credit cards supplied by the ring’s organizer Youcef (Theo Rossi). The quick money and thrills soon entice Emily into this world, but she soon finds herself faced with its many ills.
Emily the Criminal feels like a modern heist film, but more due to the digitized nature of the theft, matching the shift in the real world, than the film’s plot itself. Writer/director John Patton Ford does well in establishing Emily’s background and the issues she faces right off the bat, providing both context for her character arc and generating a bit of empathy for her too. Emily’s story places the issue of recidivism in the spotlight as well, but through a more unfamiliar lens than many may be used to with a white woman as its face. Emily’s prior conviction which makes job hunting difficult, eventually leaving her desperate enough to delve more deeply into the crime world in an effort to stay afloat. The film points out not just issues of social inequality when it comes to the justice system, but also for young people trying to better themselves in general. From the crushing weight of student loan debt, to the dearth and unfairness of quality entry level work, to the competitiveness of buying housing, this feels like one of the first “plight of the Millennial generation” films.
Also notable is Ford’s ability to create tension in each dummy shopping job scene is palpable as you wait to see if she’ll get away in time. The chaotic and stressful nature of the underground world is well established and pulls the viewer in emotionally, making the film that much more impactful. Helping with this of course is the performance of Plaza as the lead, who does a great job portraying a millennial woman fed up with being crushed by the unfairness and failures of the system and its institutions. Plaza’s Emily is believable as a young woman who is forced into the edges of society despite her efforts to play by the rules and establish herself like a responsible citizen. This role is yet another quality entry in Plaza’s run of interesting indie roles as she makes the most of her starring role here in creating a compelling character who is both flawed and sympathetic. Her chemistry with Rossi’s Youcef largely works as their relationship organically develops and evolves.
Emily the Criminal combines topical social commentary with a great performance from Aubrey Plaza to make an interesting and thrilling watch that keeps the audience engaged and thinking about the world around them. John Patton Ford’s writing and direction creates a character and story that is relatable despite her flaws while creating a tale that keeps you invested throughout. Despite the quality direction and writing present here, the film is still elevated slightly above the sum of its parts due to the performance from Plaza. Her magnetic presence as an actress and ability to make a film feel visceral and authentic continues here and once again puts her talents on full display. Emily the Criminal is both thought-provoking and entertaining, a worthwhile watch.
Image: Roadside Attractions
