I Care a Lot

Movie Trailer

Release Date
February 19, 2021 (Netflix)

Genre
Dark Comedy, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Rosamund Pike as Marla Grayson
• Peter Dinklage as Roman Lunyov
• Eiza González as Fran
• Dianne Wiest as Jennifer Peterson
• Chris Messina as Dean Ericson
• Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Judge Lomax
• Macon Blair as Feldstrom

Director
J Blakeson

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009)
• The 5th Wave (2016)
• Gunpowder (2017) – TV miniseries

Producer

• J Blakeson
• Teddy Schwarzman
• Ben Stillman
• Michael Heimler

Writer

• J Blakeson

Budget
$10 million

Production Company

• Black Bear Pictures
• Crimple Beck

Running Time
118 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Violence
• Drug use
• Some sexual content
• Dark themes

Movie Story
I Care a Lot is a dark comedy-thriller that follows the ruthless and morally corrupt Marla Grayson (Rosamund Pike), a con artist who makes a living by exploiting the elderly. Marla operates as a court-appointed legal guardian, using her charm and cunning to deceive the judicial system into granting her guardianship over wealthy seniors. Once in control, she systematically drains their assets, leaving them powerless and alone in care facilities.

Marla’s carefully constructed world takes a dangerous turn when she targets Jennifer Peterson (Dianne Wiest), an affluent retiree with no apparent family ties. Believing Jennifer to be an easy mark, Marla secures guardianship over her and begins the process of selling off Jennifer’s assets. However, Marla soon discovers that Jennifer is not who she appears to be. She is, in fact, the mother of Roman Lunyov (Peter Dinklage), a powerful and ruthless gangster with a deep love for his mother and a willingness to do whatever it takes to protect her.

What follows is a tense and escalating battle of wits between Marla and Roman, as Marla refuses to back down despite the increasingly dangerous threats against her life. The film explores themes of greed, power, and the blurred lines between right and wrong, all set against a backdrop of dark humor and sharp dialogue.

As Marla’s life spirals out of control, she finds herself in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where the stakes are life and death. The film builds towards a climactic showdown, where Marla must decide whether to maintain her ruthless pursuit of wealth and power or face the consequences of her actions.

Special Effects
I Care a Lot focuses more on its narrative tension and character interactions than on heavy special effects. The film’s cinematography and production design create a sleek, polished look that contrasts with the dark nature of the story. The use of lighting and color palettes helps to set the tone, with bright, clinical settings in the care facilities juxtaposed against the darker, more ominous environments associated with Roman’s criminal world. The film’s pacing and editing keep the tension high, particularly in scenes where Marla’s life is at risk.

Box Office Performance
I Care a Lot was released on Netflix in most countries and in theaters in a limited capacity. It quickly became one of the most-watched films on the platform, receiving critical acclaim for its bold story, sharp writing, and standout performances, particularly by Rosamund Pike and Peter Dinklage. The film’s dark humor and satirical take on the exploitation of the elderly resonated with audiences, contributing to its success.

Filming Locations

• Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Dedham, Massachusetts, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Look at you. You’re smart. But in my experience, smart people underestimate things. And the more you think you’ve got something to lose, the braver you become.” – Roman Lunyov
• “Playing fair is a joke invented by rich people to keep the rest of us poor.” – Marla Grayson
• “I’m here to do my job, and my job is to take care of you.” – Marla Grayson

Behind-the-Scenes
Rosamund Pike’s portrayal of Marla Grayson earned widespread acclaim, with many comparing it to her performance in Gone Girl. Director J Blakeson crafted the character as a villain with few redeeming qualities, yet Pike’s charismatic and nuanced performance makes Marla a compelling figure. Peter Dinklage brought depth to the role of Roman Lunyov, balancing menace with moments of vulnerability. The film’s satirical tone and dark humor are reflected in its sharp dialogue and morally ambiguous characters, making it a thought-provoking commentary on greed and exploitation.

Awards

• Golden Globe Award: Won for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Rosamund Pike)
• Nominated for the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Actress (Rosamund Pike)
• Nominated for the Satellite Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Rosamund Pike)

Final Verdict
I Care a Lot is a biting and darkly comedic thriller that offers a scathing critique of systemic greed and corruption. With its sharp script, strong performances, and a plot that keeps viewers on edge, the film is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Rosamund Pike delivers a standout performance as the ruthless Marla Grayson, making I Care a Lot a must-watch for fans of dark comedies and thrillers that explore the darker sides of human nature.

IMDb Rating
6.3/10