TIFF 2020: I Care A Lot Review

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

Personally speaking, out of all the films I’ve seen at this year’s TIFF so far, perhaps I Care A Lot was the biggest surprise though it admittedly wasn’t hard as many (myself included) have had only the above still to go on. It was certainly a roller coaster for the most part that may also be slightly too long, lagging in the middle, but otherwise was a thrilling and tense ride featuring a wide-ranging cast of arguably despicable characters. It’s an experience probably best described as an Uncut Gems-lite, full of exciting twists and turns which in the end worked more often than not thanks to a sharp script and even better performances.

I Care A Lot follows a woman named Marla Grayson (Pike), a professional legal guardian who has carved out a decent life for herself by taking advantage of senior citizens (and sometimes their immediate families) by scamming them out of their savings and estates. She was so good at her scam, getting away with it for so long that it made her become arrogant and feel like she was untouchable. Assisting Grayson was her network of subordinates, including her #2 and lover Fran (Eiza González). It is safe to say that her hot streak was due to end as her latest victim, a woman named Jennifer Peterson (Wiest) wasn’t quite the perfect target she appeared to be as her past had a different plan for her.

The ensuing tug of war between Grayson and Peterson’s associates became a matter of life or death whether the former was willing to admit it or not. Even after the many attempts against her and Fran, she was still too arrogant to be afraid and confident in her ability to prevail. This ultimately worked because of the dynamic performance from Pike as the lovably-despicable Grayson. Bringing those same cold and calculated Gone Girl vibes, she and her need for self-preservation were an absolute delight to watch despite the character remaining on the same level throughout (which will make some question the point of it all by the end). Meanwhile, Dinklage played a great foil while Wiest was a scene-stealer in a limited role.

At the end of the day, I Care A Lot is a surprise thriller that works if only to see Rosamund Pike chew scenery for 2 hours which for some people (myself included) is more than enough.

stills courtesy of TIFF

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.