Emily The Criminal (2024)

The film highlights the crushing reality of student loans and medical debt that "haunts the lives of many Americans".

John Patton Ford’s debut is noted for its "bare-bones" style and "adrenaline-fueled" pacing, similar to the work of the Safdie brothers. Emily the Criminal

Emily is portrayed not as a traditional villain, but as a "criminal of virtue"—a person backed into a corner by a society that leaves her with few rational alternatives. Key Highlights The film highlights the crushing reality of student

It draws a direct parallel between illegal fraud and the exploitative nature of legitimate low-wage labor, suggesting both systems are equally predatory. Key Highlights It draws a direct parallel between

Desperate for cash, Emily takes a tip from a co-worker about a "dummy shopping" gig. She meets Youcef (Theo Rossi), who runs a credit card fraud ring that pays people to buy high-ticket electronics with stolen credit card information for resale. What begins as a one-time job to make quick money rapidly spirals into a dangerous criminal career as Emily realizes her aptitude for the work—and the power it gives her.

(2022) is a gritty, high-stakes crime thriller that serves as a biting social commentary on the modern American economy. Written and directed by John Patton Ford, the film stars Aubrey Plaza in a career-defining performance as Emily Benetto, a woman trapped by insurmountable debt and a lack of legal career options. Plot Summary