Greetings again from the darkness. They've been together for 10 years, and when Doug proposes - seemingly spontaneously - to Lori, her reaction is 'slightly' askew from what he expected. The real question here is, how do two people have a 10 year romantic relationship and never once discuss marriage, kids, a house, or literally anything to do with their future? That's the premise for the dramedy from writer director Jeff Rosenberg and co-writer Laura Jacqmin.
Aya Cash ("Fosse/Verdon" and a Jodie Whitaker lookalike) stars as Lori, longtime girlfriend of Doug, played by William Jackson Harper (MIDSOMMAR, 2019). If the proposal-gone-wrong and subsequent fallout weren't uncomfortable enough, the timing couldn't be much worse. Lori and Doug are scheduled to leave for her sister's wedding, and both have roles in the wedding party ... he's "King of the Ushers". Since staying away is not an option, the dilemma they face is whether to announce the break-up or pretend everything is fine until the vows are exchanged. They decide not to spoil the wedding and head off to Camp Arrowhead, the former summer camp site that the wedding couple selected for the ceremony.
Sarah Bolger (IN AMERICA, 2002) plays Bea, Lori's betrothed sister. She's been dating Jayson (Tony Cavalero, "School of Rock" TV series) for a whole month, and the two energetic free-spirits are total personality opposites from Lori and Doug. As mother of the two girls, Peri Gilpin ("Frasier") is a tad less than supportive of her daughter's spontaneous life decisions, while initially clueless to the difficulties faced by her stable and dependable daughter.
The film is well acted by the leads, but most of it feels like a missed opportunity to explore the psychological differences of the sisters or the effects of a long-term "comfortable" relationship with no eye towards the future. Both of the topics are begging for more in-depth coverage, and instead we are left with mostly predictable behavior. One couple that is too fast to the altar, while the other is too slow, presents a goldmine of opportunity. On the bright side, there are some small moments and subtle jokes and gags that are beautifully executed and work much better than the overall comedy efforts. Filmed at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, the film touches on anger and hurt and excitement, and all emotions attached to love and relationships.
In theaters and On Demand April 23, 2021.
