Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: EMILY THE CRIMINAL [Sundance Film Festival 2022 - Virtual]
The crux of "Emily The Criminal" (Premieres) has to do with gut instincts and survival. Unlike star Aubrey Plaza's last film with Michael Caine where she was primarily his babysitter and punching bag , she becomes more of a alpha here while still approaching the aspect of being brought down by circumstances. The aspect of what is for the greater good in terms of her life is an interesting diametric. Her character is smart but through just life and bad choices, she ends up with a felony, did not finish school but is just trying to get above water. But everyone seems to combat her at every point (which is likely not the extent of the reality but how she feels). .A serendipitous number at one of her low points promotes her into a different world, that operates a bit darker. Like "Uncut Gems" where the characters just can't send to find a way to get ahead, the longing for connection and just something better simply volleys Emily back and forth where she just scrapes as she can.
Plaza seems to understand this kind of character and definitely is finding a balance with her snarky personality (both on screen and off) but is trying to keep the audience guessing as much as she can. The dread in this film is fairly tight but Emily keeps stepping up many times though the danger is there and the film shows her fear as well. Ultimately it is about Emily embracing details and surviving. The consequences of her actions are both felt but also shielded in a way. The push and pull also between personal and professional is well played especially during one scene at a home surrounded by family where the subtext is both overt and understated at the same time. "Emily The Criminal" is another interesting play of character base for Aubrey Plaza finding her choices as an actor but also as a producer not taking the easy road and challenging herself. B
By Tim Wassberg
