Emily the Criminal (2022) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Emily the Criminal is primarily set in Los Angeles, a city known for its entertainment industry and as a hub for aspiring artists. The setting reflects both opportunity and struggle, particularly for those like Emily who are trying to navigate their dreams amidst overwhelming debt. South America also plays a role in the story, representing a new chapter for Emily as she flees her circumstances.

• los angeles
• setting
• california
• south america
• location

The story unfolds in a contemporary setting marked by economic struggle and the complexities of modern financial systems. This period reflects a reality where many face significant student debt and limited job prospects, pushing individuals like Emily into desperate measures for survival.

• contemporary
• modern
• time period
• student debt
• financial crisis

Emily Benetto (played by Aubrey Plaza) is a determined and resourceful woman shaped by overwhelming student debt and a past felony conviction. Her desperate financial situation forces her into the dangerous world of credit card fraud, revealing her fierce survival instincts and ambition to change her fortunes against all odds.

• emily benetto
• aubrey plaza
• protagonist
• debt
• student debt
• felony

Youcef (played by Theo Rossi) is one of the ringleaders of the fraud operation. He serves as both a mentor and romantic partner to Emily, complicating their connection with illegal activities and shared aspirations. He navigates the complexities of his relationships while trying to achieve financial stability for his family, adding depth through his internal conflict between loyalty and ambition.

• youcef
• theo rossi
• fraud ring
• mentor
• romantic interest
• leader

Liz (played by Megalyn Echikunwoke) represents a contrasting lifestyle of glamour and success as a print advertising professional. She tries to help Emily escape her tough circumstances, though her well-meaning but ultimately misguided attempt highlights the challenges of friendship amidst vastly different life paths and choices.

• liz
• megalyn echikunwoke
• friend
• supporting character
• lifestyle

Khalil (played by Jonathan Avigdori) is a significant antagonist within the fraud ring, embodying the dark side of crime that puts pressure on Youcef and Emily's relationship. His actions lead to critical turning points in the story, demonstrating the fragile alliances that can devolve into betrayal.

• khalil
• jonathan avigdori
• antagonist
• villain
• fraud ring
• threat

Javier (played by Bernardo Badillo) introduces Emily to the fraud operation, setting her on a path that spirals into chaos. His role is pivotal as the catalyst for Emily's descent into crime, illustrating the lure of easy money and the moral ambiguity of such decisions.

• javier
• bernardo badillo
• catalyst
• introduction
• fraud
• crime

The film explores three central themes: Struggle (💔) examining financial instability and how past decisions impact future opportunities; Transformation (🔄) showing Emily's change from struggling artist to cunning operator driven by circumstances; and Survival (🔪) as Emily navigates dangerous situations within the fraud ring, fighting to reclaim control over her life.

• themes
• struggle
• transformation
• survival
• financial desperation
• moral decay

The Struggle theme explores the impact of financial instability and past decisions on future opportunities. Emily's journey encapsulates the desperation that drives people to make morally ambiguous choices, emphasizing the human cost of ambition in a challenging economic world where survival often requires compromising one's values.

• financial struggle
• debt
• desperation
• economic pressure
• ambition

The Transformation theme highlights Emily's evolution from a struggling artist to a cunning criminal operator. Her desire for freedom and success propels her down a darker path, ultimately leading to her moral decay and further entrenchment in crime, even as she achieves external goals.

• transformation
• character change
• moral decay
• corruption
• ambition

Survival is central as Emily navigates dangerous situations within the fraud ring. Her instinct to protect herself and fight back when threatened illustrates the lengths to which she will go to reclaim control over her life, even at great personal risk, showing how desperation can transform ordinary people into survivors.

• survival
• danger
• self-protection
• crime
• desperation
• fight back

South America represents a new chapter for Emily as she ultimately flees there to escape her circumstances. It symbolizes both the possibility of starting fresh and reconnecting with her artistic roots, though the bittersweet ending shows she achieves escape at the cost of her relationships and moral integrity, essentially replicating the exploitative system that trapped her.

• south america
• escape
• flee
• freedom
• new chapter
• ending