‘Kajillionaire’ is a crime drama that opens with a con in motion. The family of three that we are introduced to – mother, father and daughter, instantly reveals the dynamic that shapes their daily lives. They are subscribers to the short con and do what they can to get by. The film follows their exploits as they try to scrape enough together to pay overdue rent and meet an outsider that changes how they operate.
The opening of the film follows Old Dolio, the daughter of Theresa and Robert, as she creeps her way into a safety lock-box place through which she gains access to the post office next door and steals mail. The short con does not result in much and it becomes clear they need a greater ruse to pay their overdue rent. During a ‘lost baggage’ con, as suggested and developed by Old Dolio, Theresa and Robert befriend Melanie whom they share their plans with. Soon after Melanie becomes a part of the groups schemes as they try to raise the funds they need. Following a number of instances where Old Dolio feels upset due to her parents lack of emotional connection, and after Robert makes advances towards Melanie, the two girls part from Old Dolio’s parents and return to Melanie’s place. Melanie and Old Dolio connect, and after being swindled by her parents, the two girls choose to stay together, with Old Dolio now able to create an emotional connection with someone, explore her feelings and is able to distance herself from Theresa and Robert.
The film presents us with a certain family dynamic that operates on clear set rules, namely that all the members are contributing towards their survival and all their gains are split equally. Old Dolio is raised this way and until she goes to a parenting class, on behalf of a woman trying to get out of it and for profit, that she begins to question that dynamic by which her family is living. The introduction of Melanie further allows Old Dolio to question if the way that she was raised and is living is normal or if it is the way in which she wishes to live her life.
The central focus of the feature revolves around Old Dolio exploring and coming to terms with the credo that her parents have set for their way of life. Theresa and Robert have chosen to threat their daughter as their equal, raising her without having indulged in the common expressions of affection, namely treating her as a child, - wrapping gifts for birthdays, using terms of endearment and connecting with her as they deem it to be patronising. Through Melanie Old Dolio is able to discover that there is another way to interact with others, to show affection and to express tender feelings towards those she holds dear. 'Kajillionaire' is a true testament to illustrating the emotional distance that a child may feel towards their parents. The film is not condemning Theresa and Robert, but rather shows that the choices that they have made in their parenting approach can result in a child seeking emotional connection elsewhere and the ability and need for a connection exists in us all. The essence of this story reveals that if one is unable to find and express deep emotional feelings within their consigned family sphere, they are able to seek it out and find a kindred spirit that will reciprocate their feeling elsewhere.
Old Dolio is portrayed by Evan Rachel Wood, and the actress successfully delivers an odd character that is distant and repressed in her ability to express emotions, yet is very relatable as she goes on a journey to discovering and exploring her emotions and creates a connection with Melanie. Gina Rodriguez plays Melanie, an excitable and open person who meets Old Dolios needs and wants and facilitates her journey of personal discovery. Rodriguez is tasked with the portrayal of a somewhat vapid character, yet she never appears insincere in her actions and is a great confidante for Woods character.
Debra Winger and Richard Jenkins portray Theresa and Robert respectively, and deliver truly distinct characters that are solely focused on getting by without indulging the idea of the 'American dream' that most people subscribe to. To an extent, they function as the antagonists of the feature, yet the film presents instances of revelation where it can be seen that the life they lead was a choice they made, and the pursuit of which they are uncompromising in, even if it has resulted in them raising their daughter in an unconventional and emotionally detached manner. A true testament to Winger and Jenkins acting abilities - it was enjoyable to watch their portrayal of Theresa and Robert and to dislike them for the choices they have made.
'Kajillionaire' is written and directed by Miranda July and continues the exploration of the theme of intimacy in her film. The film portrays a short period in the characters lives yet reveals deep, life-long motivations and harboured feelings, allowing us to delve deep into the core of the characters. Through the film, July has effectively delivered a thorough study in the emotional needs that an individual requires and expects of their parents and the lack of which can create anger, resentment and eventually lead a person to seeking that intimacy elsewhere.
'Kajillionaire' is a film worth watching as an examination of the essential emotional connection that an individual seeks from their parents and how being deprived of the ability to express ones feelings can lead to a breakdown in a relationship. A truly memorable film, 'Kajillionaire' delivers both on drama and is enhanced through the criminal ventures the characters commit, accentuating the feature and delivering exciting moments throughout the study and exploration of intimacy.
Score: 4/4
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