Emily the Criminal Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A broke art school dropout uses her resting snarl-face to become a credit card fraud queen and escape the crushing weight of student loans, only to discover that crime *doesn’t* pay… unless you’re good at it.

🍿 Emily the Criminal: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Emily’s Struggles

Emily Benetto is drowning in student loan debt and struggling to find a stable job due to a past assault conviction. She works a dead-end catering job, facing constant financial strain and frustration. Her friend Liz promises to help her get a job at her advertising agency, offering a glimmer of hope.

Descent into Credit Card Fraud

Desperate for money, Emily takes a ‘dummy shopper’ gig through a coworker, quickly discovering it’s a credit card fraud operation run by Youcef. She starts buying expensive items with fake credit cards, earning quick cash and a sense of empowerment. She learns the ropes from Youcef, who becomes both her mentor and love interest.

Escalating Risks and Betrayal

As Emily becomes more involved, the stakes rise, and the risks become greater. She and Youcef plan to rob the fraud ring, but they are betrayed by Youcef’s cousin Khalil. This leads to a violent confrontation where loyalties are tested and lives are put on the line.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Emily (Aubrey Plaza): A debt-ridden and criminally-labeled woman who turns to credit card fraud to escape her dead-end situation.
• Youcef (Theo Rossi): A charismatic middleman in a credit card scam who mentors Emily and develops a romantic relationship with her.
• Khalil (Jonathan Avigdori): Youcef’s cousin and partner in the fraud ring, who distrusts Emily and ultimately betrays Youcef.
• Liz (Megalyn Echikunwoke): Emily’s supportive friend who works in advertising and attempts to help Emily get a legitimate job.
• Javier (Bernardo Badillo): Emily’s coworker who introduces her to the credit card fraud scheme.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Emily: “If you want to tell me what to do, put me on the fucking payroll!” – Emily says this to a potential employer who is offering an unpaid internship, highlighting her frustration with exploitative job offers.
• Emily: “I didn’t go far enough. I didn’t really scare him, because if I had, he would’ve never called the police.” – Emily explains the circumstances of her aggravated assault conviction revealing a disturbing lack of remorse and a tendency towards violence.
• Alice: “You know, it’s amazing what people expect these days. When I was your age, I had to work my way up. Nobody handed me anything.” – Alice, the head of the advertising agency, expresses her outdated views on the job market and dismisses Emily’s concerns about unpaid internships.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,156,296
• Worldwide Gross: $2,157,673

💥 Emily the Criminal Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely hooked from the start. Seeing Emily’s struggle with debt and the frustration of dead-end jobs was so relatable. When she finally snapped and embraced the criminal life, I was both horrified and weirdly rooting for her. The scene where she confronts the internship lady was amazing! Aubrey Plaza is fantastic, and the film’s ending left me thinking about the choices we make when we feel trapped. I highly recommend it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary on student debt and the job market”
  • “Aubrey Plaza fans”
  • “People who enjoy independent films with strong female leads”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief sexuality”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Aubrey Plaza delivers a career-defining performance in this tense and socially conscious thriller. While the plot is familiar, Plaza’s portrayal of a woman driven to desperate measures elevates the film beyond genre tropes.
• Variety: “Emily the Criminal is a gripping character study anchored by strong performances from Plaza and Rossi. The film effectively captures the desperation and moral compromises of a gig economy worker.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A timely and relevant thriller that explores the dark side of the American dream. Plaza’s compelling performance and Ford’s sharp direction make this a must-see for fans of crime dramas.

Audience Reactions

Aubrey Plaza’s performance is outstanding and brings a relatable complexity to her character.: Viewers praised the film’s realistic portrayal of economic struggles and its suspenseful narrative.

A gritty and suspenseful thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat.: Many admired the intensity and unpredictability of the storyline and the well-developed characters.

Overall Consensus: A compelling and well-acted crime thriller that resonates with audiences due to its realistic themes and strong performances, especially from Aubrey Plaza.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot in just 21 days, adding to the sense of urgency and realism.”
• “Aubrey Plaza’s performance has been praised for its authenticity and portrayal of a woman driven to desperate measures.”
• “Writer/director John Patton Ford drew inspiration from real-life economic struggles and the underground criminal activities in Los Angeles.”

🖥️ How to Watch Emily the Criminal?

Emily the Criminal is available to stream on Netflix. You can also rent or buy it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Emily the Criminal, you might like these similar films:

• Good Time (2017): Features a protagonist desperately trying to navigate the criminal underbelly of a city in a single, tension-filled night.
• Uncut Gems (2019): Portrays a character whose bad decisions lead to escalating stakes and a constant sense of anxiety.
• Breaking Bad (2008-2013): Deals with an individual turning to criminal activities due to financial hardship, exploring their moral descent.

🛒 Emily the Criminal Related Products

• Emily the Criminal [Blu-ray]: Collector’s edition Blu-ray featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content, director’s commentary, and deleted scenes. A must-have for fans of the movie.
• Aubrey Plaza Signed Photo: Genuine autographed photo of Aubrey Plaza as Emily from ‘Emily the Criminal’, authenticated and ready for framing. Add to your collection!
• Box Cutter Keychain – Inspired by Emily the Criminal: A box cutter keychain inspired by the iconic self-defense box cutter featured in the movie. Available in multiple colors.
• Crime Thriller Movie Collection (DVD): A collection of suspenseful crime thriller movie DVDs for fans of suspenseful stories of cat and mouse. Includes high-rated movies of similar genre.

🎧 Soundtrack

Emily the Criminal features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “String Sextet in A Major, OP. 48, B. 80: IV. Finale. Theme and Variations” – performed by Antonín Dvorák
• “Original Motion Picture Score” – performed by Nathan Halpern

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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