Kajillionaire

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 25, 2020

Genre
Drama, Comedy, Crime

Cast & Crew

• Evan Rachel Wood as Old Dolio Dyne
• Debra Winger as Theresa Dyne
• Richard Jenkins as Robert Dyne
• Gina Rodriguez as Melanie Whitacre
• Mark Ivanir as Stovik

Director
Miranda July

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005)
• The Future (2011)

Producer

• Dede Gardner
• Jeremy Kleiner
• Youree Henley
• Brad Pitt

Writer

• Miranda July

Budget
$2 million

Production Company

• Plan B Entertainment
• Annapurna Pictures
• Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment

Running Time
106 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Some sexual content
• Thematic elements related to dysfunctional families and crime

Movie Story
“Kajillionaire” is a quirky and offbeat dramedy that delves into the lives of the Dyne family, a trio of low-level con artists who live on the fringes of society. The story centers on Old Dolio Dyne (Evan Rachel Wood), the daughter of Theresa (Debra Winger) and Robert Dyne (Richard Jenkins), who has been raised in an environment of grifting and deception. The family operates in a perpetual state of survival, constantly scheming to make ends meet, whether it’s through petty theft or elaborate scams.

Their latest con involves a plan to steal a package, but things take an unexpected turn when they meet Melanie (Gina Rodriguez), a charming and seemingly innocent woman who quickly becomes involved in their world. Melanie’s arrival disrupts the family dynamic, especially for Old Dolio, who begins to question the life she’s known and her parents’ manipulative ways. The film explores themes of family, identity, and emotional neglect, all wrapped in Miranda July’s signature blend of dark humor and poignancy.

As Old Dolio grows closer to Melanie, she starts to experience life and emotions outside the rigid confines of her parents’ influence. The film is both a coming-of-age story and a critique of the American dream, portrayed through the lens of a family that has always lived on the margins. The narrative is layered with moments of absurdity and tenderness, making it a unique cinematic experience that challenges the audience’s perceptions of normalcy and love.

Special Effects
“Kajillionaire” relies minimally on special effects, focusing instead on its strong narrative and character-driven story. The film’s visual style reflects its offbeat tone, using creative camera work and set design to enhance the feeling of a world slightly out of sync with reality.

Box Office Performance
“Kajillionaire” had a modest box office performance, grossing approximately $1.5 million globally. The film, however, gained significant attention through streaming platforms and was praised for its originality and the performances of its cast, particularly Evan Rachel Wood.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Most people want to be kajillionaires. That’s the dream. That’s how they get you hooked.” – Robert Dyne
• “We’re hustlers. We’re gonna take what we can get.” – Theresa Dyne
• “You have to be a little bit serious about it if you want to get good at it.” – Old Dolio Dyne

Behind-the-Scenes
Miranda July wrote and directed “Kajillionaire” with her distinct style, bringing a deeply personal story to the screen. The character of Old Dolio was inspired by July’s fascination with outsiders and those who live unconventional lives. The film’s title reflects the irony of the Dyne family’s aspirations versus their actual reality.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Film at the 2020 San Sebastián International Film Festival
• Nominated for Best Screenplay at the 2021 Independent Spirit Awards

Final Verdict
“Kajillionaire” is a beautifully strange and emotionally resonant film that offers a fresh perspective on the concept of family and identity. With its unique blend of humor and heartache, Miranda July delivers a story that is as unconventional as it is touching. The film’s standout performances, particularly from Evan Rachel Wood, anchor this eccentric tale in a reality that feels both familiar and entirely new. It’s a must-watch for fans of indie cinema and those who appreciate films that push the boundaries of storytelling.

IMDb Rating
6.4/10