I Care a Lot - A Netflix Movie Review

You can be sure that I’m just someone who cares. You’re in good hands.

I Care a Lot is a 2020 Netflix film. Marla Grayson is a crooked legal guardian who embezzles the bank accounts of elderly people. She is put in a tough place when her latest swindle turns out to be more than she lets on.

Right after the conclusion of I Care a Lot, my first thought was that this film was completely snubbed by the Oscars! For most of the film, I was on the edge of my seat. I Care a Lot is a well-directed film that messes with your mind about whom you are supposed to root for.

Rosamund Pike achieves a performance of a woman who you despise and yet wish the best for her at the same time. Marla is not somebody who you should mess with. Equaling the definition of a psychopath, I felt like we should have known more background about her. Then again, that’s the point.

Pike gives a strong and versatile presentation of an aggressive woman. She effectively did her research earning her a well-deserved award for best actress at the Golden Globes. Pike peals away the layers of this character. I like what she did to showcase the vulnerability of Marla.

The loving relationship between Marla and Fran (Elza Gonzalez) was one of the best parts of the film. Pike and Gonzales worked well in their dynamic. It is kept small, but it is impactful. Representing a positive depiction of a lesbian relationship was a defining feature.

Peter Dinklage makes a prominent appearance. No matter what, Dinklage always stands out. As Roman quotes, he is definitely not to be underestimated. He and Pike were excellent in their interactions.

Dianne Wiest is commendable as an elderly woman who refused to let anybody control her. My favorite moments were when she sneers at Marla, chewing her out for her personality. Standing your ground is a relatable theme that I Care a Lot presents to audiences.

Everyone in the cast achieves an intimidating and bold performance. Other notable credits include Chris Messina, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Macon Blair, Alicia Witt, Damian Young, and Nicholas Logan.

J Blakeson did an outstanding job in his direction. The direction and the tone were presented well, especially the camera angles. However, he did change the focus on the story midway through the drama. Then again, a film is never about one story. The story portrays unrealistic behaviors and situations, but it is still a great film for what it is.

In one scene I was on the edge of my seat because it was edited so well. Blakeson knew how to do suspense and subtle fears. Everything from the way it was edited made for a gripping sequence that even makes you hold your breath. His direction to the actors was noteworthy.

If you felt angry with this film that means Blakeson did his job. The story meddles with your mind. I agree that it could have been stronger in some parts. He challenges audiences to see which side you should take in this battle. I also like how Blakeson included little moments of comedy. Fair warning, there are elements of a dark comedy.

Credit goes out to hair and makeup. If it was intentional, I like the way Pike’s hairstyle reflects her character’s mental state. Every layer of the film was paid close attention to.

I recommend that you go find I Care a Lot on Netflix and watch it. It is an incredibly well-directed picture that deserved more attention during the award season.