The Stream: Something felt missing in this story.

The Big Screen: Original idea and a good love-to-hate main character.

The Final Bill: Original concept wrapped in typical story that felt a little soulless.

– S2S: Movie Review and Trip Fontaine
Director: J Blakeson
Writers: J Blakeson
Stars: Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage, Eiza González | See full cast & crew »
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Thriller 
Rating: R
Runtime: 1 hour 53 minutes
Platform: Netflix (Released 19 February 2021 (USA))

S2S: Hey Streamers! Last weekend was full of new releases once again. The one that caught my eye was I Care A Lot. On first glance, I thought I wouldn’t want to watch this, but the trailer pulled me in pretty hard. Check it out below. Either way, I Care A Lot is about a ruthless businesswoman, Marla Grayson played by Rosamund Pike, who has figured out a scheme of being appointed as legal guardian for dozens of elderly wards. Grayson uses her position as a way to seize the wards’ assets and cunningly use the legal system to her benefit. All is well until Marla and her business-partner and lover, Fran, take on the wrong ward who has some powerful friends. From here, we have to watch Marla figure out her next move to stay in control. Let’s see how this turned out

For the most part, I Care A Lot is a standard dark comedy with a twist. Rosamund Pike plays Marla with a cold precision that’s necessary for such a prickly character. She wears the power suits and has a blunt haircut that lets you know that she’s all business. She does whatever it takes to get her way and line her pockets. There aren’t really any redeeming qualities. Pike seems to revel in playing this character and she’s quite good. There are funny moments because hijinks do ensue especially with Peter Dinklage’s character and his slick lawyer played by Chris Messina get in the mix. The film moves at a good clip and is never boring, but may be frustrating for some if you don’t buy into what Marla is selling. The problem is that it becomes disjointed as the plot machinations take over and the movie begins to search for a way to wrap up. It feels like storylines and side characters get dropped because there has to be an ending and Marla’s motivations aren’t really explained – if you even need that.

Trip: Let me interject! I, too, watched I Care A Lot, and it sounds to me like you are generally favorable on the movie. While I think the movie hits all of its marks for something promoted as a dark comedy and crime thriller, I struggle with how morally questionable the main character is and the fact that the movie asks the audience to sympathize with her. Ultimately, I could not get beyond disliking this woman so intensely for taking advantage of the legal system, but more importantly, taking advantage of innocent, elderly people some of whom may not even need guardians. I had such disgust for Marla Grayson most of the movie that I could not enjoy it. Yes, there is something to a character, who is a ruthless, capitalist and she’s using the system to win at all costs, but she blithely hurting people who do not deserve it. I really don’t like her and it makes me dislike this movie.

S2S: Sorry, you feel that way, Trip. I know a good therapist for you. You okay?

Trip: …

S2S: Well… Yes, overall, I enjoyed this movie but I’m conflicted on liking the main character, too, but I guess that’s the point. One might say Rosamund did too good of an acting job. I can’t tell if that’s good or bad in this flick. Judging by Trip’s overreaction I can only tell this point is supremely highlighted and intrigues me more.

Long story Short, I Care A Lot is an interesting movie that was fun to watch, in a way. If you like to root for the bad guy, then this is a movie for you. I Care A Lot is led by two solid actors in Dinklage and Pike, but the story felt heartless and devoid of soul. Grab a bowl of popcorn and enjoy this devilish feature, even though Trip says you only need a handful.