The idiosyncratic sensibilities of writer-director Miranda July are at work again in this look at a LA Based scavenging, scamming clan.
Kajillionaire may be an acquired cinematic taste given the filmmaker (a multimedia performance artist) and her commitment to be surreal. and, again valuing human connection through the milieu of the Dynes Robert (Richard Jenkins), Theresa (Debra Winger) and twenty-six year old daughter Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood, remembered back from Thirteen, known now for her recurring role on the small-screen series Westworld).
This unit is dutifully examined by July with gradual affection as the Dynes dwell in tight quarters adjoining a bubble producing facility of vague meaning. A technique of ‘making a living’ includes how they approach post office boxes, knowing the bus schedule, and bending over at the right time to shun the landlord.
Within the Dyne circle can be a bit taxing, but the experience can have its strange rewards to those who surrender to it. Especially after an outsider becomes a part of their hustling. Gina Rodriguez’s Melanie provides an attractive assuring ebullience and even sybaritic presence for Old Dolio (named after a homeless person) as gambits move from contest items and coupons to luggage. As a spot of bother arises from delinquent back pay as pink suds are scrubbed down from the outside wall.
A stunted up bringing for Old Dolio and her spasmatic type responses as a massage and parenting class indicate offer something for Wood to tap in a kind of coming-of-age manner. The reliable Jenkins provides pliable edginess as Robert gets all the bus times down and Winger is the paradigm of monotonic, frumpy aloofness.