Emily the Criminal

Emily Benetto is confronted with a daunting $70,000 in student debt, which greatly affects her daily life. This financial burden becomes a central theme in her journey, making her desperate for a stable means of income.

Complicating her efforts to find a good job is Emily's felony conviction for aggravated assault. This stigma makes it exceedingly difficult for her to secure employment in her desired field, forcing her into less desirable work options.

To manage her finances, Emily takes on work as a food delivery contractor. Despite the instability of this job, it offers her a means to make ends meet while she desperately seeks better opportunities.

Emily finds support in her best friend Liz, who leads a glamorous life in advertising. Liz offers to help Emily by securing her a job at her agency, promising to overlook her criminal past.

Desperate for money, Emily is introduced by co-worker Javier to a dubious side hustle known as a 'dummy shopper' service. Initially promising, this job quickly reveals itself to be part of a credit card fraud operation.

Emily is directed by Youcef, a ringleader of the fraud operation, to use a fake credit card to purchase a flat-screen TV. This marks Emily’s first step into a world of crime, making her a participant in illegal activities.

Under pressure, Emily attempts to purchase a car with the fraudulent card. The dealer becomes suspicious, forcing Emily to leave hurriedly after a tense encounter that leaves her injured but still with the car.

After the car incident, Youcef helps Emily with her injuries, and they connect over their dreams for the future. This moment deepens their relationship and leads Emily to take a greater interest in the fraud operation.

Emily becomes more involved in the fraudulent operations, facing risks including a robbery while she is dog-sitting. This dangerous lifestyle tests her resilience and determination to succeed within this criminal world.

Emily's hopes for employment at Liz's agency take a turn when she realizes the opportunity is merely an unpaid internship. This shocking news spurs her to confront Liz's boss, revealing her frustration and determination.

During a family dinner, tensions rise when Khalil exposes Emily’s scams, causing friction between Youcef and his cousin. This confrontation leads to Youcef's ostracization from the fraud ring, complicating their relationship.

In an attempt to reclaim his financial footing, Youcef devises a plan to rob the fraudulent operation they are entangled with. This risky move signifies desperation and the potential for a major turning point in their lives.

As events spiral out of control, an intense confrontation with Khalil leaves Youcef seriously injured. In a moment of survival, Emily stabs Khalil in self-defense, showcasing her fierce determination to protect herself.

With the sound of sirens approaching, Emily is faced with a harrowing choice. Ultimately, she decides to flee, leaving behind Youcef and the chaos of their lives, marking a profound turning point in her journey.

The story concludes with Emily in South America, where she embraces her past and artistic roots. Now operating her own credit card fraud ring, she recruits others in financial desperation, illustrating her transformation.