Social Animals

It's a bit dark, it's def. 15+ But it's also: life. Failing, friends, dating, falling in love, the social pressure.

Not for everyone but very enjoyable.

Also: nice score!

You will not regret these 80min.

It's worth watching for Fortune Feimster.

The setting is an older section of town in Austin. Our two main characters each own a boutique style small business. Maybe to hopefully revitalize the area. But the greater public interest isn't there to support them.

Delightful characters carry us through their daily lives. An easy watch for light entertainment.

In Austin, Texas, Zoe Crandle (Noël Wells) is a sexually liberated single gal. She's never been in love and not looking to be. Claire (Carly Chaikin) is her BFF. Paul (Josh Radnor) and Jane (Aya Cash) have a family and she wears the pants. She suggests having an affair to save their marriage.

Theresa Bennett seems to be a jack of all trades and this is her first directing work. Noël Wells seems to be a comedic actress who has been rolling around for awhile. I don't know either of them. The directing is functional but it's not the most exciting. Her writing lacks the comedic punch. She tries to be quirky in her sexual forwardness but it doesn't get enough laughs. Her leading lady Wells needs more charisma and her character is not always appealing. She is often outshined by the other actors. I do recognize a lot of the other actors from various TV shows and they do fine work. Chaikin may be a bit young but her personality fits the lead much better. The other major female character is played by Cash who blows up the screen time and time again. She's the most interesting side of the love triangle. The chemistry is off since Wells is rather flat in an interesting role. Something is not working here.

The level of pessimism in this movie is likely to turn many people off. It basically boils down to a film for people who's lives didn't turn out that great and how that is just life. This viewpoint is helpful for those who are in the situation, but for anyone who does have a good job or relationship it just seems a bit snarky.

It comes down to whether your philosophy is one of live and let live or if you think there is actually a good way to live your life and a bad one. There are some funny scenes and the acting is all pretty decent.

Overall whether or not you like this movie will come down to the tone, if you like the pessimistic but accepting of the negative outlook that this movie has it isn't half bad, although the ending might put off those people who are fans of real life situations where nothing is resolved.

A fun indie romantic comedy that's honestly better than your average big budget hollywood romance.