I Care a Lot Review — February 19, 2021 (U.S. Release Date)

February 25, 2021

Writer & Director: J Blakeson

Starring: Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage, Eiza González, Dianne Wiest & Chris Messina. 

Rating: 3.5/5

Streaming on Netflix.

Unlike Nomadland, the abundantly-praised critical triumph released on the same day, I Care a Lot is an exciting thriller filled with confidence and enthusiasm as it explores the world of legal wards and care-homes for the elderly in the form of an eccentric revenge film.

Rosamund Pike, most notably known for her hateful character in David Fincher’s Gone Girl, plays yet another despicable excuse for a human being as a legal ward who takes advantage of the elderly, siphoning money from them through feigned legal expenses as they are undeservedly placed into care-homes. Although her character is, quite frankly, disgusting, Pike, alongside her stunning co-star Eiza González, plays her as a smooth-talking acrobat, maneuvering her way through the system in a sleek, refined manner–all while sharply dressed, I might add. However, after she takes advantage of a particular elder woman, Pike’s character is thrown into an unanticipated world of crime, featuring hardened criminals and conniving lawyers, played by Peter Dinklage and Chris Messina, respectively.

Throughout the film, there are often moments where a viewer might say, “Well, that’s dumb” or “How is that even possible?”, and, honestly, those comments are completely justified. The film attempts to establish a sympathetic connection between Pike’s character and the viewer; however, it can usually be very difficult for a viewer to relate to such a loathsome person. As the writer-director J Blakeson strives to create a connection with Pike’s character through personal relationships and a burgeoning business, Blakeson nearly lapses into a forgettable thriller that loses its main thrust.

However, as the film progresses into ridiculousness, it becomes easier to step back and enjoy the ride. After a certain point, the nauseating protagonist becomes a unique character that constantly takes the film in an enjoyable direction. You can easily love or hate this film, but the truth is, it’s always nice to turn off your brain and sit back as Rosamund Pike and Eiza González take advantage of the frail elderly.