Kajillionaire: Whimsical and Emotional

Miranda July's Kajillionaire digs deep into the world of a grown adult who has been denied any form of sincere human touch and connection from her parents and those around her. Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood) is an awkwardly postured, baggy track suit wearing Los Angeles dweller stuck in a cycle of petty crime with her parents. Theresa and Robert are also bizarre just by the name they gave their daughter. The family cheats their way from small-time crime to small-time crime, sharing all the gains three-ways.


July never gives the audience insight into why Theresa and Robert chose this life or why they don't show their daughter any affection. Instead, audiences experience July's confident rhythm and world-building. The trio moves through, blend in, and interact with life in a seamless fashion. From the first scene, the family launches into a routine post office heist with somersaults and tumbles to get the job done.


The family meets Melanie (Gina Rodriguez) who is the exact opposite of them. She is attracted to their unconventional ways and shakes up their routine. She's feminine and has the warmth of family. At first, she senses jealously from Old Dolio but soon realizes that this woman has been missing out on so much.


July takes the story in a different direction that is unexpected and emotional. It makes audiences realize the importance of the currency of affection in human development. The chemistry between Wood's deep voice and Rodriguez's airy go-getter is a perfect combination that sells the film well.