Mainstream cinema’s depictions of crime often make it seem as if those who commit it are a different species, perpetual outsiders, careerists with no ambition to be anything else – or else addicted in some way, perpetually promising to quit after one last job. Reality is, of course, very different. Emily The Criminal, one of the most heavily nominated independent films this awards season, establishes a much more realistic picture: one in which crime results from accident or impulsive action, or presents itself as the only realistic option to ordinary people who see little hope in a life lived by the rules.
Emily (Aubrey Plaza) first committed a crime during her college days – a DUI, so not particularly uncommon. With a petty assault on her record as well, however, she finds it impossible to get a white collar job, which means that, with interest rates spiralling, she hasn’t a hope of paying off her student debts. Unable to use her degree, she’s stuck with shift work delivering food to people in offices who barely notice she’s there. Her boss won’t give her consistent hours, and when a supposed big break finally arrives, it proves to be completely inaccessible to anyone who…
