EMILY THE CRIMINAL

Every time the movie sags – and that happens a bit too often – you still remain invested in the story thanks to the authenticity Aubrey Plaza brings to the role.

A young woman gets involved in a petty credit card scheme but soon finds herself in over her head in Emily the Criminal, perhaps not the most original of movies but one that will still keep you pleasantly entertained for an hour and a half.

Much of the credit for this has to go to Aubrey Plaza, so often the ditzy, wickedly funny sidekick on film and TV, who here finds a role that expertly shows off her dramatic acting chops as well. Every time the movie sags – and admittedly, that happens a bit too often – you still remain invested in the story thanks to the authenticity Plaza brings to the role.

First-time director John Patton Ford this week secured a Director’s Guild nomination as one of the top debut helmers of the year, though I wouldn’t necessarily call his decent, serviceable style a major asset to Emily the Criminal.

Still, even if the picture for much of its runtime remains middle-of-the-road stuff, the final act is excellently executed and make you a little bit sad that you’re not there to accompany Plaza’s Emily on the next stage of her adventure.

release: 2022

director: John Patton Ford

starring: Aubrey Plaza, Theo Rossi, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Gina Gershon