Choice plays a huge role in Shoplifters. The family members at the center of this film have both real and perceived disadvantages in life. And the distinction between reality and perception is at times razor thin, just like the societal margins they occupy. They live life on a moment by moment basis, and their choices are informed by that sense of uncertainty and insecurity. It’s a conflicting thing, joining this family. You see real compassion, real love, real loyalty. You see people that care about each other and look out for each other. There’s a sense of selflessness at times, which is a bit complicated, because they are also, at times, extremely selfish. They are shoplifters, after all, as the title implies. I think their selfishness comes from feeling like they need to be adequately compensated for being dealt what they feel is a bad hand. More than anything, I think these are people that have not been taught how to live in the world. And they’re doing the best they can the only way they know how, however misguided that may be.
Which is what makes the little girl character so compelling. She’s at a point in life where she will start learning basic life skills. She’s only 5 years old, and yet she has to choose between a life of neglect and abuse, or a life of sporadic thievery and potential crime. Not great choices, but really the only ones she has. She is so young to have to make such big life decisions. But with her newfound family, at least there is love. She is hugged, she is valued, she is cared for.
As we get to know the family more, we begin to see the torn edges of their moral code. If you start picking at those edges, to peel them back and uncover what lies beneath their loyalty to each other, you start to question whether you like them or not – whether they are really as kind and loyal as they want others to believe. Which makes this movie much more dynamic and interesting than watching characters that are definitely bad or definitely good. These are very human people, with both flaws and strengths.
Every single one of these actors does a remarkable job in their role. Their facial expressions are so beautifully complex and lifelike, especially as we get further and further into the story. By the end, these are people we feel like we know. Sometimes they’re able to hide their true feelings – but even those cover-ups are telling once we know what makes them tick.
Overall, this is just an extremely compelling and complicated film. The blurring of right and wrong is so masterfully done that we find ourselves questioning it ourselves, even as we judge the actions of these people. And that’s something not many filmmakers are able to capture.