KAJILLIONAIRE
Directed by Miranda Joy
Screenplay by Miranda Joy
This film follows a family of scammers Mom/Theresa (Debra Winger); Dad/Robert (Richard Jenkins); and daughter/Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood). Things get strange when they include Melanie (Gina Rodriguez) in their scams.
For a story about scammers this film is surprisingly quiet and a little sad. I got fooled a bit, in the beginning I thought this film is a bout a screwed up family, I was wrong. Along the way you see the film is actually about the daughter Old Dolio (Yes that is her name), and realization that her mom and dad may be the worst parents one could have. They just love her to help with scams and nothing else. Then the film kinda turns into a kinda sad yet sweet love story.
The film is well acted:
Wood is wonderful. She takes the lead kinda half way through the film. Walking around with a slouch, in the same baggy polyester work out suit everyday, she is beaten down. Her voice is harsh and quiet as if afraid of the world.
Winger (who is great to see again) and Jenkins (great as usual) have wonderful chemistry.
Rodriguez, is fantastic here, maybe her best performance. She plays Melanie almost as an observer who is trying to help, yet someone who is showing love for Old Dolio, then realizing no one has ever showed her love. Rodriguez says so much with just a look.
The film has negatives. It feels too long, even though it is only 1:45 it feels longer. It has a slow pace, and feels choppy a bit.
I would give Kajillionaire 3 out of 5 stars. It has an odd, maybe weirdness to it, but in the end it works, mainly because Evan Rachel Wood has you caring about Old Dolio so much.
From the shadows as always thanks for your time.
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