Written & Directed By: Miranda July Cinematography: Sebastian Wintero Editor: Jennifer Vecchiarello
Cast: Evan Rachel Wood, Richard Jenkins, Debra Winger, Gina Rodriguez, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Kim Estes, Patricia Belcher
A woman's life is turned upside down when her criminal parents invite an outsider to join them on a major heist they're planning.
This film is another winner for writer/director Miranda July that is unique and artistic. Where the details are both grand yet universal and direct. Her best film since her debut ME YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW. The first one she doesn’t star in also.
This is a Coming of age movie of sorts. As the lead character is clearly a victim of arrested development. This film is about Teaching and learning lessons. Not so much through traditional means. As truly there is nothing traditional about this movie.
For the lead character, there is so much to learn even though she is an expert at conning. Just as once they gain a new member to their crew. The parents are kind of updated a little to the ways of the world and technology.
We can see early on that she lacks feeling and nurturing when even when getting a massage and the person not really touching her it makes her emotional and feels like too much pressure
Her parents raised her in their own values and her striving to be independent and her own person. Though doesn’t know she needs it until she is put out or more put to the back of her parent's concerns once a new person joins the gang.
Once a new person is introduced it becomes like siblings at first. she is jealous of the new addition who is used to in her own way getting whatever she wants as men always coming onto her. She sees joining this crew as a new adventure and getting back at the world. Though she more meets the criteria of a femme fatale. She brings in more victims who are more trusting of her looks and nature.
The movie despite all of this strangeness and con games Still has a love story buried within it. Family love and romantic love.
The parents no matter what always offer a surprise and twist on whatever commThey are going for but everything must be done as a group exercise. Even when it comes to seduction and maybe having an affair
Evan Rachel wood gives an outstanding performance here and she is all in. Fully immersed and injected. As she plays a character who is always awkward, even in her own skin, and has had to play so many roles. She never really knows who she is.
Gina Rodriguez gives a vulnerable performance that is sexy Fatale and innocent who catches on quick so that once she realizes she is In Over her head she worries if she is getting conned herself.
The scene at the gas station is a new awakening for her to be free amongst people not in a role and on her own. She doesn’t have to worry about messing up and failing. Though it also shows that she has a lot to learn about the real world and its rules and boundaries.
That scene also is infectious as it leads her to see things in a new light and enjoy freedoms that so many of us take for granted. So seeing that joy also reminds the audience of how precious, unpredictable, and fun life can be.
Even the ending is kind of bittersweet. As one last act front he parents seem like a graduation gift of sorts. Leaving her to be free but still trust little
Grade: B+
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