EMILY the CRIMINAL- Aubrey Plaza Steals the Film

Aubrey Plaza is unforgettable in this season of WHITE LOTUS as the wife in a waning marriage.  Plaza is also starring in the thriller EMILY the CRIMINAL as a debt riddled art grad.  Emily works delivering catering while searching for more lucrative employment.  First seen on a job interview, Emily admits a search of her record would reveal a DUI as a student and running a red light where no one was hurt. Her interviewer lied about not having read her report.  He questions her about an assault conviction her record.  Caught in her deception, Emily goes on the offensive calling him out for his duplicity.  She snatches her file and storms out.  In addition to a combustible temper, Emily shows a tender side.  She agrees to help a co-worker with his  nightshift so he can attend his son's game.  The co-worker thanks her by giving her a contact to make a quick $200 on a job.  Emily's prospects appear dismal.  She lives in a squalid, shared walk-up, burdened by her student loan and its compounding interest.  After her hectic workday, she meets her girlfriend for drink.  As she listen to her friend's flourishing career and lifestyle, Emily's stilted path garners our sympathy.  The two spend the night snorting coke in the bathroom and sprawling across the sidewalks.  In the morning, Emily texts the number given to make some easy money.  Before entering the circumspect location, Emily removes a mace spray from her purse.   It's clear Emily will not allow herself to be a victim.  The room of people are told they are going to make dummy purchases with fraudulent cards.  On the verge of leaving, Emily is drawn in and becomes swept up into riskier scams for bigger payoffs.  The cons and crooks in this heist thriller are convincing but the movie scores because of the stunning performance by Plaza.  Her bulbous eyes convey a scan of emotions from viciousness to vulnerability and envy to loathing in a flash.  The film is a prescient and convincing portrayal of what person is capable of when pushed to the precipice.  Plaza's commanding performance gives the film an intensity that makes this worth watching.   It would be a crime not to see Aubrey Plaza land more leading roles.