"Emily the Criminal": A Deep Dive into Debt, Desperation, and the American Dream

"Emily the Criminal," a 2022 American crime thriller, marks John Patton Ford's feature directorial debut. Starring Aubrey Plaza as the titular character, alongside Theo Rossi, Megalyn Echikunwoke, and Gina Gershon, the film premiered at the 38th Sundance Film Festival and was theatrically released in the United States on August 12, 2022. The film garnered positive reviews, particularly for its social commentary and Plaza's compelling performance. The film explores the themes of student debt, the gig economy, and the desperation that can lead individuals down a criminal path.

The Weight of Debt and a Criminal Record

Emily Benetto, portrayed by Aubrey Plaza, is a young woman living in Los Angeles, burdened by a staggering $70,000 in student loan debt. Her aspirations of becoming an artist are stifled by a felony conviction for aggravated assault, which prevents her from securing a well-paying job. This unfortunate combination forces her into the precarious world of the gig economy, where she works as an independent contractor delivering food for a catering company.

Emily's situation reflects the harsh realities faced by many in today's society. Overwhelmed by debt and facing limited employment options due to her criminal record, she struggles to gain control over her life. The film underscores the challenges of navigating the modern job market, where stable, well-paying jobs are increasingly scarce, and the burden of student debt can feel insurmountable.

Descent into the Criminal Underworld

Desperate for income, Emily's life takes a turn when a coworker connects her to a "dummy shopper" service promising quick cash. This service turns out to be a credit card fraud ring, and Emily is introduced to Youcef (Theo Rossi), one of its organizers. Youcef instructs her to purchase a flat-screen TV using a fake credit card and ID, marking her entry into the world of black-market capitalism.

Seduced by the allure of quick money and the thrill of illicit activity, Emily becomes increasingly involved in the fraud ring. Youcef becomes her mentor, teaching her how to create fake credit cards and providing her with a taser for protection. He advises her to avoid selling stolen goods at her home and to refrain from scamming the same store twice in a week.

Read also: Review: Learning to Love Myself

As Emily delves deeper into the criminal underworld, she displays a natural aptitude for the work. She is resourceful, quick-thinking, and unafraid to take risks. Plaza's performance captures Emily's transformation from a struggling artist to a confident and capable criminal.

The Allure and Peril of Quick Cash

The film explores the seductive nature of easy money and the moral compromises that individuals are willing to make when faced with financial desperation. Emily's initial reluctance to engage in criminal activity gradually fades as she experiences the immediate gratification of earning quick cash. The money allows her to alleviate some of her financial burdens and provides a temporary sense of control over her life.

However, the film also highlights the inherent dangers of the criminal lifestyle. Emily faces numerous challenges, including encounters with shady buyers, the threat of violence, and the constant fear of getting caught. The stakes continue to rise as she becomes more deeply entrenched in the fraud ring.

The Unpaid Internship: A Breaking Point

A pivotal moment in the film occurs when Emily attends a job interview at Liz's advertising agency. Liz, Emily's friend from art school, has promised to help her secure a job as a graphic designer. However, Emily is dismayed to discover that the position is an unpaid internship.

The unpaid internship represents a breaking point for Emily. It symbolizes the exploitative nature of the modern job market and the limited opportunities available to those without financial resources. When Emily objects to the unpaid nature of the internship, Alice, Liz's boss, dismisses her concerns and accuses her of being spoiled. This encounter solidifies Emily's disillusionment with the legitimate world and pushes her further down the path of crime.

Betrayal and Violence

As Emily becomes more involved with Youcef, their relationship deepens, blurring the lines between business and romance. However, their partnership is threatened by the presence of Khalil, Youcef's cousin and fellow fraud ring organizer. Khalil is suspicious of Emily and disapproves of her involvement in the operation.

Tensions escalate when Khalil reveals that Emily has been caught hitting the same store twice in a week, violating one of Youcef's cardinal rules. This leads to a falling-out between Youcef and Khalil, who cuts Youcef out of the fraud ring.

Desperate for money and seeking revenge against Khalil, Youcef proposes a plan to rob the fraud ring itself. Emily initially hesitates but ultimately agrees to participate. Together, they confront Khalil at his safehouse, leading to a violent confrontation.

During the altercation, Khalil severely injures Youcef, but Emily manages to subdue him using a box cutter. They take the ring's money and attempt to flee, but they lose Youcef's car keys. As the police sirens draw closer, Emily makes a difficult decision: she abandons Youcef and flees with the money.

Escape to South America

With the police closing in, Emily escapes to South America, using the stolen money to start a new life. In the film's final scene, she is shown returning to her artistic pursuits, suggesting a possible path to redemption.

Read also: Aubrey's record-breaking season

However, the ending is ambiguous. It is implied that Emily has not entirely abandoned her criminal ways, as she is seen teaching others how to create fake credit cards. This suggests that she may be starting her own fraud ring in South America, perpetuating the cycle of crime.

Social Commentary and Themes

"Emily the Criminal" offers a sharp critique of contemporary American society, exposing the challenges faced by individuals struggling with debt, limited opportunities, and the allure of quick money. The film explores several key themes, including:

Student Debt: The film highlights the crushing burden of student debt and its impact on young people's career prospects and financial stability.
The Gig Economy: The film critiques the exploitative nature of the gig economy, where workers are often denied benefits and fair wages.
Criminal Justice System: The film examines the impact of a criminal record on an individual's ability to find employment and reintegrate into society.
Class Inequality: The film exposes the growing divide between the wealthy and the working class, and the limited opportunities available to those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Moral Ambiguity: The film explores the moral compromises that individuals are willing to make when faced with financial desperation.

Aubrey Plaza's Standout Performance

Aubrey Plaza's performance as Emily is widely regarded as the highlight of the film. She portrays Emily as a complex and multifaceted character, capturing her intelligence, resourcefulness, and vulnerability. Plaza's ability to convey Emily's inner turmoil and her gradual descent into the criminal underworld is both captivating and unsettling.

Critics have praised Plaza's ability to bring authenticity and nuance to the role, avoiding stereotypical portrayals of female criminals. Her performance elevates the film beyond a simple crime thriller, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story.

Critical Reception

"Emily the Criminal" received positive reviews from critics, who praised its screenplay, direction, and Plaza's performance. The film was lauded for its social commentary and its realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals in contemporary American society.

Kate Erbland of IndieWire gave the film an A- and wrote that Plaza's character Emily is not necessarily likable or redeemable, but that the film and star are in control of the material. Damon White of Deadline Hollywood praised Ford's script for avoiding clichÃ©s about kick-ass heroines and for providing a satisfying ending.

tags: #aubrey #plaza #internship #movie #plot