A family of small-time scammers invites an outsider into
their inner circle, ostracizing their daughter in the process. DRAMA
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Kajillionaire (2020)Written and Directed by Miranda July
Starring Evan Rachel Wood, Richard Jenkins, Debra Winger, Gina Rodriguez |
Kajillionaire is an oddball, much like a lot of the indie films that have come out this year. Due to the pandemic, there have been few films to see in theaters, meaning the ones that did come out tend to stand out. This one has an interesting premise and uses it to comment on the way the family dynamic has kind of become almost meaningless with this new generation. It's all about people who manipulate everyone around them and take what they can get, and how their daughter puts up with it but just wants some stability for once. It's relatable, but it's just weird enough to be somewhat amusing.
Evan Rachel Wood plays Old Dolio, a twenty-something scam artist whose scam artist parents named her after a homeless man who'd won the lottery, hoping he would put her in his will. Spoiler alert, he didn't. Old Dolio's parents (Jenkins and Winger) don't see her as a daughter, but as a partner in crime. They skim a little off the top and commit small thefts one at a time so they don't get noticed. But when they meet Melanie (Rodriguez), a gorgeous young woman who learns their way of life and wants in, Old Dolio feels like the odd one out. Her parents and Melanie become close, almost too close, and Old Dolio starts to realize how shitty her life really is. The performances are fantastic, the characters are realistic, and the ending is a bit of a shock. I knew going in that this was going to be a memorable film, and I'm glad I was right. Miranda July has only done three films, but I hope this one gets her some well-deserved attention. Kajillionaire is unconventional and entertaining, but also a solid drama thanks to the smartly written story. |