• Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

Flickering Myth

Geek Culture | Movies, TV, Comic Books & Video Games

  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles & Opinions
  • Write for Us
  • The Baby in the Basket

2020 BFI London Film Festival Review – Kajillionaire

October 7, 2020 by Dan Barnes

Kajillionaire, 2020.

Directed by Miranda July.
Starring Evan Rachel Wood, Gina Rodriguez, Richard Jenkins and Debra Winger.

SYNOPSIS:

A woman’s life is turned upside down when her criminal parents invite an outsider to join them on a major heist they’re planning.

Miranda July’s new film is an acquired taste. But, while it’s far from the level of her wonderful 2005 debut Me and You and Everyone We Know, it’s still a charming story that mostly rises above its flaws and succeeds more often than it doesn’t.

Kajillionaire tells the story of Theresa, Robert and Old Dolio, a family of scammers who live their lives one con to the next. When they meet young Melanie and invite her into their world, Old Dolio is introduced to a life outside of her own, and as they get closer, her relationship with her parents begins to collapse in on itself.

This is, unsurprisingly, a strange and quirky film, and it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea; its distinct style often overshadows the story itself, and it takes a while to really ease into it. But as Old Dolio and Melanie connect, the themes really begin to take shape, and its emotional core soon conceals everything else.

The relationship that forms between the two women always feels natural. July takes her time working towards this, but time is precisely what Old Dolio needs. She is, after all, a woman who’s never lived a normal life, and has no ordinary understanding of Melanie’s behaviour. Her slow realisation that she must step away from what she’s always known and embrace something real is a joy to behold, and the chemistry between the two performers brings it to life with real authenticity.

Evan Rachel Wood’s dry, droll delivery is perfect, and some of her finest work in years, but it’s Gina Rodriguez who steals the show. The moment Melanie is introduced is the critical point in the story. She represents the very soul of it; the goal to which Old Dolio is edging closer towards, and Rodriguez sells it with such charisma that it’s impossible not to feel equally compelled by her.

The film is, unquestionably, a little tonally disjointed, occasionally losing sight of itself in favour of cheaper moments. These issues sometimes get in the way of its themes, which aren’t always clear until the third act, and its over-indulgent style can often come across a little self-important.

But Kajillionaire is also a film that rewards patience. It might be a little odd, but it has real heart at its core, as becomes apparent in the closing minutes; a bittersweet ending that serves its characters well. It’s pessimistic, sure, but it’s also pretty wonderful.

The film might hit a few bumps along the way, but it’s a journey worth taking.

Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★

Dan Barnes

 

Filed Under: Dan Barnes, London Film Festival, Movies, Reviews Tagged With: 2020 BFI London Film Festival, debra winger, evan rachel wood, Gina Rodriguez, Kajillionaire, Miranda July, Richard Jenkins

FMTV – Watch Our Latest Video Here

WATCH OUR MOVIE NOW FOR FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

The 10 Best Villains in Sylvester Stallone Movies

14 Incredible Sci-Fi Movie Scores

Whatever Happened to the Horror Icon?

The Best Eiza González Movies

The Contemporary Queens of Action Cinema

The Essential Horror-Comedy Movies of the 21st Century

Great Mob Movies You Might Have Missed

The Essential Gene Hackman Movies

The Best ‘So Bad It’s Good’ Horror Movies

Cinema of Violence: 10 Great Hong Kong Movies of the 1980s

Top Stories:

18 Incredible 21st Century Films You May Have Missed

10 Great 1980s Sci-Fi Adventure Movies

Movie Review – Superman (2025)

Crazy Cult 80s Movies You May Have Missed

4K Ultra HD Review – Quatermass 2 (1957)

Movie Review – Sovereign (2025)

“Dexter In Space” – Michael C. Hall talks 20 years of Dexter and where the killer will go next

Movie Review – Abraham’s Boys (2025)

STREAM FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

FEATURED POSTS:

Sin City at 20: The Story Behind the Stylish, Blood-Soaked Neo-Noir Comic Book Adaptation

Action Movies Blessed with Stunning Cinematography

Ten Action Sequels The World Needs To See

Coming of Rage: Eight Great Horror Movies About Adolescence

Our Partners

  • Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

© Flickering Myth Limited. All rights reserved. The reproduction, modification, distribution, or republication of the content without permission is strictly prohibited. Movie titles, images, etc. are registered trademarks / copyright their respective rights holders. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If you can read this, you don't need glasses.


 

Flickering MythLogo Header Menu
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles & Opinions
  • Write for Us
  • The Baby in the Basket