John Patton Ford’s breakout film, Emily the Criminal, is one I felt strongly compelled to see in theaters. Over the years I’ve seen Aubrey Plaza in a number of noteworthy films (The Little Hours, Ingrid Goes West, and Black Bear). But she delivers one of her most captivating roles to date in this new 2022 action/thriller. The tension and pacing of the scenes felt very natural and precise.
Director of photography, Jeffrey Bierman, uses a distinct style of shooting tight frames and close-ups throughout the production process, leaving audience members with the same feeling of tension and involvement as Aubrey’s character in the narrative.
The juxtaposition between Aubrey’s scenes with Liz (Megalyn Echikunwoke) and her increasingly lawless moments with Theo Rossi’s character felt very well balanced and well executed.
Overall the film lives up to the hype. The only gripe I have with it is the ending. To understand why, you’ll have to see the film for yourself.