I Care A Lot
Introduction
Rosamund Pike and Peter Dinklage starrer ‘I Care a Lot’ is a 2020 American comedy thriller film written and directed by J Blakeson.
The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12, 2020, and was released via streaming on February 19, 2021, through Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, depending on the region.
I am very excited to write this epic film which shows a current Legal issue – Guardianship Fraud.
Story and screenplay
The story starts with showing Marla (Rosamund Pike) & her personal and business partner (Eiza González)’s successful life. Marla Grayson is a con artist who makes a living by convincing the legal system to grant her guardianship over helpless elders, she pretends that they cannot take care of themselves. She has a total setup starting from an assisted living facility, where they are sedated and lose contact with the outside world to property sell and renovation details and in court as well she shares false testimony to prove her part. She literally robs these unsuspected elder’s total life saving in a legal way.
Situation becomes difficult for her once her team messes with Jennifer Peterson (Dianne Wiest).
With a healthy nest egg and no apparent relatives, Jennifer is definitely a “cherry”. But she is also mother of Roman Lunyov (Peter Dinklage), Russian Gangster. After knowing her mother’s recent disappear, he investigates his mother’s current situation and of course Marla.
He arranges different ways to get back his mother after initial negotiation with Marla gets failed. Mafia lawyer Dean Ericson actually offers to pay a hefty bribe and asks to return her mother from Marla’s fake ‘care’ facility, the story becomes more interesting when the judge dismisses the case. This thriller shows Marla and Eliza’s life journey in a very adventurous way that ends with a deep irony.
The screenplay is cleverly written as it shows Guardianship law’s pain area. It’s very common to get spam calls asking your bank details, insurance coverage and saving details. Highly skilled cheaters often loot innocent helpless people similar way Marla and her team does.
It’s definitely an eye-opener for me to watch the downfall of our society and legal system.
Performance & Direction
I care a lot will definitely be remembered for its “icepick dialogue”.
Guardian Robber Marla’s famous and most popular dialogue
“There are two kinds of people in this world: lions and lambs,” Marla says in her opening narration, almost as if she is meditating, she continues, “I am not a lamb. I am a f**king lioness.” This dialogue is powerful enough to show her confidence and I love her fierceness while throwing this single line couple of times in this movie.
Roman’s “I Could Just As Easily Kill You If This Thing Continues Any Longer.” Is another one I like.
His polite threatening under challenging situation is beautifully captured.
He is in Marla’s care and of course in a wheelchair, despite of his vulnerable condition, he calmly threatens Marla.
Blakeson effortlessly shows the consequences of depriving helpless elders. Rise of anti-heroine Marla is convincing and disturbing as well for his direction only.
Performances
The performances are outstanding.
Gone girl actress as a scheming woman in this movie is appealing.
Marla’s actions, confidence ,witness ,stubbornness , roughness and of course hotness are praiseworthy. Pike portrayed her all actions and emotions perfectly.
This film is all about Pike and she is definitely nailed her part.
Peter plays a significant role here. His Game of thrones vibe you will not get here, despite a crime lord, he is unable to break Marla. His role actually supports Pike’s jaw-dropping performance.
Conclusion
I care a lot is definitely amazing. The perfect storytelling shows Guardian Rober’s journey.
It’s available on Netflix and Highly Recommended from my end.
Disclaimer: The above review solely illustrates the views of the writer.