Emily the Criminal
Emily the Criminal
Desperate for income, Emily takes a shady gig buying goods with stolen credit cards supplied by a charismatic middleman named Youcef. Seduced by the quick cash and illicit thrills, they hatch a plan to take their business to the next level.
Kevin Ward reviewedJuly 6, 2025
Aubrey Plaza stars as Emily, an art school drop out that can’t secure any kind of gainful employment because of a few blemishes on her criminal record. She’s still saddled with insurmountable student debt when a co-worker presents an opportunity to make $200 for an hours worth of work. This offer presents a fork in the road for her life and career. Once she decides to go down one path, she won’t be able to go back. Aubrey Plaza is so good in this and it’s unlike any of the roles I’ve seen her in. This was one of my favorites from Sundance this year and have been really looking forward to seeing it again. The film levies a subtle critique on the lack of economic mobility for those who’ve been convicted of a crime in the past, but also manages to be an anxiety inducing thriller akin to Uncut Gems.