Inflation, soaring gas prices, mountains of debt, the ever-widening divide between the haves and have-nots — really, it’s a wonder more of us aren’t turning to scams and petty crime just to pay the bills. That’s exactly what Aubrey Plaza does in “Emily the Criminal.” A trailer for the Sundance thriller has arrived.
Plaza plays the titular character, who is being crushed by student loans and can’t get a decent job thanks to a minor criminal record. She needs money — not tons, just enough so she can make ends meet and enjoy herself, too. “I just want to be able to experience things,” she explains. “I just want to be free.”
Emily is able to make some quick cash after meeting Youcef (Theo Rossi). He provides her with stolen credit cards, she buys expensive stuff he can sell, and she earns a cut. But it’s not long before the scam turns scary. The clip sees a violent stranger breaking into Emily’s home, pinning her to the ground, and threatening her.
Although Emily is technically a criminal, it’s clear that the game we all have to play — capitalism — is the real evil. “People just keep taking from you until you make the goddamn rules yourself,” Emily says.
“Emily the Criminal” made its debut at Sundance this year. It has since screened at San Francisco International Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival, and more.
Plaza is perhaps best known for her role as the ultra-sarcastic April Ludgate in “Parks and Recreation.” She was a series regular on the entire seven-season run of the beloved NBC sitcom, from 2009-2015. “Ingrid Goes West,” “Legion,” and “Happiest Season” are also among her credits. Next, she’s co-starring in Season 2 of “The White Lotus” and toplining the Hulu adaptation of “Olga Dies Dreaming,” Xochitl Gonzalez’s novel exploring family secrets, identity, and love.
“Emily the Criminal” hits theaters August 12.
