This is the first Miranda July film I've seen. Critics tend to respond favorably to her work, but audiences seem divided on her approach to storytelling. While not many people have viewed her movies, there’s a clear pattern of positive reactions when more than just a small audience sees them. Because of this, and because the cast looked interesting, I was eager to see Kajillionaire, and wondered if it would win me over. Her distinctive filmmaking style initially grabbed my attention, but it's her nuanced character development that ultimately resonated with me. Old Dolio, played by Evan Rachel Wood, is someone who doesn’t know how to navigate life or what it truly means. She struggles with basic human interactions due to a childhood lacking in affection. Her world revolves around theft and illegal activities; she believes life is pointless and will be irrevocably changed by an earthquake. As a result, it's easy to sympathize with Old Dolio when things go wrong for her. I often felt sadness and even discomfort as she experienced emotional distress. Evan Rachel Wood delivers a remarkable performance, adjusting her vocal tone to create a layered portrayal of this character. The chemistry between Evan and Gina Rodriguez (as Melanie) is essential to the story's progression. Their characters form such a strong bond that it’s clear where their relationship is headed. Miranda July portrays this friendship with sensitivity and realism, which I found very enjoyable; it’s undeniably the film’s main draw. However, it’s Gina Rodriguez who truly elevates the entire narrative. In my view, this is her finest performance to date. Her subtle facial expressions effectively convey Melanie's emotions to the audience. She arrives at precisely the right moment, providing a much-needed boost to the story. Richard Jenkins and Debra Winger also deliver strong performances, especially Jenkins, who brings unexpected emotional depth to his character. The parents are as detached and strict as they could be, teaching their daughter survival skills instead of how to live with love and affection. Miranda July crafts a compelling narrative that combines dramatic moments with humor. She uses a deliberate pace, which doesn’t always benefit the film. In fact, without the captivating interactions between Gina and Evan, Kajillionaire would suffer more from the family's scamming activities, which quickly lost my interest. Sebastian Winterø’s cinematography focuses on the characters, lingering on their reactions to allow emotions to sink in and foster a connection with them. This is excellent work, complemented by seamless editing (Jennifer Vecchiarello). Technically, it’s a well-made film, but I did have an issue with Emile Mosseri's score. While I appreciate most of the themes, the volume occasionally becomes so loud that it made it difficult to hear the dialogue. Fortunately, being able to rewind allowed me to revisit those scenes; however, it remains a technical flaw that disrupted my viewing experience and might have affected me differently in a theater setting. Ultimately, Kajillionaire convinced me enough to add Miranda July to my list of directors I want to follow closely. With its character-driven story and unique filmmaking style, Evan Rachel Wood and Gina Rodriguez create an impressive dynamic between their characters, which is the most captivating aspect of the film. Both Melanie and Old Dolio undergo detailed yet understated development, making me eager for them to succeed in life. Gina delivers a career-best performance, while Evan’s unusual portrayal is also memorable, as are Richard Jenkins and Debra Winger's excellent performances as the parents. Sebastian Winterø’s camera work and Jennifer Vecchiarello’s editing combine beautifully, but Emile Mosseri’s lovely score sometimes overwhelms the dialogue. The slow pacing doesn’t always succeed, and the family’s fraudulent schemes quickly become tedious and occasionally defy logic. I recommend it to everyone; if you have the chance, give it a watch! Rating: B

Source on TMDB