Released in 2022, Emily the Criminal is a grounded neo-noir thriller that delivers a biting critique of the modern gig economy and the crushing weight of student debt. Written and directed by John Patton Ford in his feature debut, the film stars Aubrey Plaza in what many critics consider a career-best performance.

The story follows Emily (Aubrey Plaza), a struggling artist in Los Angeles who is drowning in $70,000 of student debt. Because of a past criminal record, she is locked out of the traditional job market and forced to work a grueling food delivery gig. Desperate for money, she takes a tip about a shady "dummy shopper" gig where she buys luxury goods with stolen credit cards provided by a middleman named Youcef (Theo Rossi). What starts as a quick one-time payday spirals into a dangerous, high-stakes entry into the criminal underworld.

: The film is noted for its fast-paced, intimate, and handheld cinematography that reflects the character's increasing paranoia and determination. Critical Reception

Emily the Criminal Review: Aubrey Plaza ... - Paste Magazine