User reviews

What a great role for Rachel Evan Woods ... of course the supporting actors do their jobs. But it is sort of her role ... and her movie overall. I did not know what to expect and the family she is in, is quite the interesting oddity! And her performance ... just awesome! You can tell from the start.

And it is not the easiest job. She has to walk quite the fine line. Her character is not really likeable! But she is quirky and weird ... and while she (but her parents even more so) does things that could be described as despicable ... we know it is her situation that motivates her. For that, she still seems to have a moral compass ... of sorts. Again very weird and crazy character.

She will clash with a "newcomer", which we can predict ... and also were this will lead to ... still the drama is well played and well acted (no pun intended).

I was really surprised that I came out of this film really loving it. The trailers didn't do a whole lot to impress me but I checked it out anyway and it was worth it. This has some of the best writing and lead performances of the year although not my favorite. Miranda July definitely knows what she is doing here. Her directing and writing feel so personal and intimate and she is able to craft one of the most unique stories of the year. There were a couple of slow bits but that didn't bug me too much but overall, the story was fascinating and engaging. Mostly because the characters here are very well developed and performed. Evan Rachel Wood and Gina Rodriguez were amazing here and I thought their characters were great. The parents played by Richard Jenkins and Debra Winger were also great too. Each has their own motivations and personality that is separate from everyone else and unique. The film was also very well shot and edited and the humor mostly hits. For a comedy, I didn't get a ton of laughs out of it but there were a lot times where I did chuckle. Even though some of the comedy didn't hit, it succeeded very well at all of its emotional hits. Go check this out when you get the chance because it's not getting enough attention.

Everyone at some point in their life feels that they aren't part of a normal family, whether it be as a result of how you were raised or growing apart as life goes on. I doubt anyone out there would be able to claim being part of such an oddball family as in Miranda July's Kajillionaire, a quirky crime comedy that I typically love getting stuck into.

Old Dolio Dyne's (Evan Rachel Wood) life is turned upside down when her parents (Richard Jenkins and Debra Winger) invite outsider, Melanie (Gina Rodriguez), to join them on a major heist they're planning.

Kajillionaire opens in such intriguing fashion and maintains a sense of obscurity throughout that I certainly didn't fully connect with but found myself drawn to the deft character work from Miranda July and the film being rather striking visually. July's writing really does capture the desperation of this family and how the constant hustling and new arrival has driven a wedge right through the unnatural bond these parents share with their daughter, the comedy subtle in its execution and suiting the film to a tee.

The performances in Kajillionaire are brilliantly nuanced and not so in your face with the obscurity to put people off. They are a weird bunch but the performances from Richard Jenkins and Debra Winger as the parents are really good as their grip on the control of their daughter's life slips away. It's Evan Rachel Wood that really stands out here though, the introduction of Melanie into her life throwing her into an existential crisis that Wood throws herself into fabulously, heartbreaking as it is captivating.

Miranda July's Kajillionaire may not make a lot of noise to grab your attention but it's a film that deserves to be sought out, July's filmmaking and the performances leading it to become one of my favourites of the year.

Its a good movie if youre looking for a strange story thatll at least make you uncomfortable with the affront of emotion on screen and in the story. its very, very much not a film for everyone, especially those that are after the more "hollywood movie" experience, but if you like artistic movies, are lgbt, or had emotionally neglectful parents, you may find this movie to be pretty darn good, if not cathartic.

I knew almost nothing about this movie before I turned it on. All I read was that it was about 2 scammers who raised their 26 year old daughter in their world of schemes. I didn't even know who was casted in the movie before I turned it on.

That being said, I thought the movie was fantastic. But it seems like it was promoted incorrectly - not a comedy whatsoever. A pretty heartbreaking somewhat "quirky" tale that reflects the sad state of the world we're in right now.

I'll admit, this style of movie has been done many times before and seems a bit dated, but that didn't bother me.

What a great original move full of laughs and emotion. Acting is really good. I can imagine its not for everyone, but the low ratings are hard to understand. Jenkins and Woods:wow! Great vibe and a lot of fun at a comfortable pace.

"We can only ever be how we are."

Miranda July has won me over with her writing and directing. I haven't seen any of her other works but just from this movie I can tell she's someone I should look out for in the future. As a crime-comedy, this works on all levels. Through it all I was entertained. I found the comedy refreshing and worked around human emotion rather than making dumb jokes. What really invested me is the drama. Coming out of the theater I felt like I went through an existential crisis. Starting around the second act, at a certain moment in fact, things take a turn. Not a twist in the story but rather the tone and theme. I enjoyed the first act but wanted a little more out of it. Initially I thought the film would follow this plot with some drama weaved in there somehow. Well that drama came in the most unexpected way where it felt like a kick in the gut. From that moment on I hoped the film wouldn't end.

As a filmmaker, July has a distinct style. She could be categorized under a similar style as Wes Anderson and Taika Waititi. The wide shots showing the uniqueness of the characters early on tell the audience what they're getting into. The camera work in general is well done. There's a scene that everyone will take away after viewing where the cinematography, writing, and directing come hand-in-hand. The way it's done could've been told in a normal fashion, but July makes an awesome decision. I found myself just gawking at the screen.

Through the character of Old Dolio, life lessons are told. Evan Rachel Wood has an amazing transformative performance. Had I not known previously that she is the lead, I would've never guessed. There's something about the film that felt off and it took me a few days to figure it out. Throughout the film, Old Dolio is discovering truths about life. They're truths that we all know about, though, so there's a bit of a connection issue with her character and script. Not that you can't connect with her character because there are some really emotional gripping scenes, but since you know more about the real world than her it's a little more difficult to feel exactly what she's feeling. The character that we can (hopefully) relate to most is Gina Rodriguez. One of her better performances since Annihilation and Jane the Virgin, she brings a lot more to the film than expected. What first seems like a cameo from her actually turns out to be a key role. Richard Jenkins always does a great job and that's no exception here. I found him to be comical yet extremely frustrating. And finally Debra Winger has a similar performance to Jenkins. They match each other well as a duo and she has a powerful scene with Evan Rachel Wood.

Much like The Favourite and Phantom Thread, Kajillionaire becomes increasingly the intoxicating every day after watching. The great score by Emile Moserri has been on repeat in my head and on Spotify. Scenes have played out when I close my eyes. What started as really good movie has become one of the best of the year for me. I urge you to see Kajillionaire. It won't be everyone's cup of tea but it's a great example of filmmaking and acting.

This movie was so fun, heartwarming and entertaining. I really don't understand the psychology of those who are excessively downvoting just for the sake of it.

The Good: Surrealist films aren't known for their ability to engage with audiences on a human level. Yet, this exact quality, the empathy and humanity of these characters in their slightly off kilter world is my favourite thing about Kajillionaire. That, and the wonderfully kooky and strange visuals, that are nonetheless grounded in reality. (I loved how there was an actual explanation for things that otherwise would have been purely symbolic representations of someone's psyche, for example)

I could go on and on about Evan Rachel Wood's immersive performance as Old Dolio, the whip smart writing and gradual way the story takes shape. The excellent Gina Rodriguez and her sexy, mysterious character who has electric chemistry with Wood.

Of course, at heart, this film is about the parent-child relationship. And as bizarre as it is, similar to Dogtooth, it's also revealing. There's a relatable pain in Old Dolio's face when she disappoints her parents; a basically universal truth when she still seeks their approval, despite their obvious failures as parents.

In a society where individuals are encouraged to abandon everything and everyone for personal happiness, Kajillionaire expresses how unrealistic that really is.

The Bad: There are moments when this movie's quirk factor is a bit of a detriment to the story it's trying to tell. There were some moments in the film where I just thought some of what was happening could have been treated with greater seriousness. I don't think it's fair to say this entirely, but the movie does have a tendency to try and "out weird" itself at moments.

The Ugly: It's sad to see such a bold, unique and interesting film like this be downvoted so hard. Kajillionaire is a memorable and moving dramedy that makes you think and clearly comes from a deeply personal place for director Miranda July. It's weird, and that's exactly why you should give it a chance.

Can a movie be light and heavy at the same time? This one proves that yes, it can. I feel that people who didn't feel this movie are probably just cynical or too jaded. Yes, "feel", rather than "get". If empathy is not something you prefer to repress, this movie might speak to you in a way that you'll understand and feel lighter for it. It's not meant to be entirely realistic, it's meant to convey the vulnerability of the human condition through a quirky story made of illustrative interactions between characters that represent aspects of the human psyche, its needs and conditioning, with no filters (like one of the characters says), and that can't hide who they are, and in that way it ends up being more real (than realistic), and more genuine for it.

A very deep, impressive and very humoristic film. I can understand primarily you feel you don't understand the absurdistic humour. If you miss it maybe this film is not for you, but the entering a post office shop and the avoiding of the very understanding landlord are unprecedented. As well as the bizar defect of the place they rented. I thought it was rather hilarious.

But most of all, the movie was very touching and not hilarious at all. I really felt sorry for the main character (brilliantly played by Evan Rachel Wood) and was so moved when she gave away her toothpick.

Very impressive the way the many layers fluidity changed lanes and back.

Loved it!

Who names their kid after a druken homeless man? Everything about this movie is askew, as it gives enormous insight into mental illness, and negative reinforcement. Their are some wonderfully cathartic moments, as well in this surreal story about a woman who knows nothing beyond the scam, and what she has been fed by her mindlessly oppressive parents. With a very carefully thought out plot that takes the time to flesh out each character, and actors equal to the task, I would hope this incredibly original indie film sees some awards.

Poor Old Dolio, deprived of the basic human necessities, such as human touch, care and love. She's guided thru life by fringe parents who have her pay her way for everything. Hats off to Evan - I don't know how she made it through her performance without breaking down in laughter while playing such an odd-ball character. I have watched this move 4 times now - each time I notice something new.

Kajillionaire (2020) follows a 26 year old who has been brought up to swindle by her con artist parents, however when I stranger gets involved in their antics, the family's life will change forever. This was a very strange yet charming film. I enjoyed it a lot! It was a simple story with a lot of heart and some amazing performances.

The film consisted of some really nice cinematography and a lot of impressive lighting! The colour palettes were subtle but very nice, and I liked a lot of the framing choices as each shot felt very artistic.

I really liked the music used, and found the score to be just as unique as the rest of the film. The score reflected the emotions of the film well and was, in general, really fitting. The sound design was decent too, however there wasn't much to talk about.

The best part of this film by far was the quirky set of individually unique characters and the actors' performances. All of the acting was very good, but in particular I liked Evan Rachel Wood and Gina Rodriguez, they had a lot of chemistry together! Evan Rachel Wood have a very refreshing performance, Old Dolie was like no other character I've seen in film before and I had so much sympathy for her! I was also pleased that the filmmakers didn't decide to give the parents a redemption arc and showed them as manipulative and toxic.

Lastly, the film was super engaging right from the start and was paced slowly yet consistently. It was incredibly entertaining but also carried a lot of emotional weight and I could relate to it on a deep level!

Profoundly humane film, that doesn't try to judge but treats all of its characters with sympathy and understanding, even though at least some of them should be fairly disagreeable. Many touching moments, like when they try to take advantage of a dying man but can't entirely disown their human nature. The baby crawl. The "big one" in the gas station toilet, followed by the very same "crawl" that previously happened to become an item on a checklist. Seriously enchanting stuff.

Also, pitch perfect performances all around, the daughter in particular. With her hollow voice and.atonic body language, the combination of brusqueness and introversion in demeanor and facial expressions, while she constantly seems to mentally work on a question the precise nature of which she doesn't appear to have understood yet. And the timing, like in "six weeks the longest .... and the shortest?" Beautiful.

This was a movie I really liked. Lean. No distractions. Perfectly focused on what it wants to convey, and doing so. While exhibiting a very, very lovely kind of humor.

Lets be real, this! Movie! Is! Poetry! This movie was brilliant, clever and honestly one of the best ive seen since sitting at home and literally watching movies all day. Loved the message the language and the acting. It honestly feels as though you're watching life happen, which yes isn't filled with explosions or big budget alien effects but filled with real moments. Which we all can relate to. Miranda does an excellent job of showing us the world as we may see but never thought to notice and i am so grateful to have witnessed this magic in my lifetime.

Watch this film if you enjoy quirky, off beat, comedies, along the lines of Napoleon Dynamite, only less far out and with much more heart. It contains really good comedy character acting that is totally wonderful, and believable in its world. And it's packed with lots of great ideas wonderfully executed.

It is really well directed with a lot of great ideas here too.

Don't watch it if you think you're going to get an American Pie 'coming-of-age' style teen comedy.

If you usually watch the big hit, summer fun, cookie cutter movies and rarely branch out, it may not be for you.

Evan Rachel Wood's characterisation is perfect, as they all are in my opinion, but these are not pop movie characters.

As for pace, it never felt slow to me. If you find movies like this interesting then you will be interested all the way through.

It also doesn't have that "indie comedy" vibe that can often overshadow this sort of comedy, which is nice.

It is it's uniqueness that means it doesn't fit into the expected norms of the average movie goer. A huge positive in my opinion.

Well done everybody!

Miranda July's latest release from last year. We find ourselves following a family of grifters (father, mother & daughter as essayed by Richard Jenkins, Debra Winger & Evan Rachel Wood) as they hope, through their various ploys into making money (stealing packages from the post office, returning gifts to their point of sale for the cash, etc.) to make themselves rich but when an opportunity for them to go to New York (they're in LA & they've won a trip to the Big Apple) & they can't cash out the winning tickets, they decide to fly out, spend a day & return where Woods will claim the airlines lost her luggage so they get $1500 which they desperately need for rent (they live in an office for dirt cheap because there's a consistent wall leak they have to keep on top of) but on the return trip from New York, the family (specifically Jenkins & Winger) meets a fellow traveler, played by Gina Rodriguez, who becomes fascinated by their lifestyle & quickly decides to join the crew leaving Wood a bit perturbed because not only is she on the outs now w/the fam but she knows her parents well enough that the whole relationship (especially since Rodriguez institutes a new scheme to rip off the elderly she home visits) is a big con. What follows is a conflict of conscience for Wood who realizes she's never really been loved as a child but used as a device to get a grift to completion. July has co-opted a normally gritty crime melodrama & dipped it in her usual well of quirk w/Wood giving a slightly over the top rendering of a accomplished slacker who spends more time trying to be a master swindler when a real job would probably entail less. Jenkins is pitch perfection as the domineering underachiever w/Winger unrecognizable under a bob of unkempt hair. Rodriguez provides her usual ray of optimism in the midst of all the cons who becomes a vessel for Wood to make that next step. Also starring Betsy Baker as an airlines rep.

A different take on crime, sometimes humorous & sometimes sad. I'm surprised they didn't have the family engage in supermarket blatant quantity shoplifting as I have seen (like the movie characters also mostly homeless) just walk out of a Kroger Fred Meyer store with shopping carts or back packs stuffed with merchandise.

I really enjoyed this movie. I don't usually write reviews but I had to for this unusual but quite interesting movie. It is different from the everyday predictable films. Without giving away too much about the movie, there were laughs, moving moments and surprising parts. Apart from the end, I found it flawless with great acting. I highly recommend it for those who are fed up with predictable movies

To Be honest, This Movie Is Most Certainly not for Everybody, but in my Opinion, it's Very Enjoyable to watch and some of the Symbology was Beautiful to Watch.

It is very very Strange at Times and also quite depressing as it Dives into Topics Many People Face.

It made me laugh 3 times Loudly but this is definitely not a comedy but it does have Sporadic Comedic Elements within it. Overall, I Enjoyed It.