Despite borrowing specific ideas from “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and “Young Adult,” “Somebody, I Used To Know” director Dave Franco’s film thankfully doesn’t rely too much on its film forebears. In their own humorous, heartbreaking tale about an emotionally stunted lady who comes home and tries to sabotage her current boyfriend’s relationship, he and co-writer Alison Brie deliver the goods.
The general, patented shenanigans and humor of the romantic comedy genre are undoubtedly on show. Still, they are deftly concealed by a gorgeously realized depiction of delicately nuanced characters and their understandable dilemmas.
Ally (Brie), a TV producer, is struggling with life. She invested all of her time and talent into a reality show about desserts, but it was canceled after three seasons, and she’s having trouble coming up with a fresh, marketable idea.
She has no pals beside her orange tabby cat, and her love life is a complete mess. She needs a break to refuel and find her inspiration. So, when Ally’s mother, Libby (Julie Hagerty), extends an invitation for a visit, she impulsively boards a flight to Leavenworth, Washington.
Ally questions whether returning after a terrifying flight, awkwardly witnessing her mother having sex, and being recognized by an annoying classmate in the neighborhood pub. Here’s Sean (Jay Ellis), the dashing ex-boyfriend she dumped ten years ago so she could pursue her career as a filmmaker.
He remained in the area to work, be close to his family, and construct his ideal house. The two spend the entire evening talking, dancing, and drinking before sharing a sweet kiss that, in Ally’s opinion, reignites their spark.
The following day, she unknowingly learns that Sean will soon wed Cassidy (Kiersey Clemons), a charming and self-assured rock singer. She stays behind to meddle because she thinks she would have a chance to sabotage the couple’s upcoming nuptials if she takes the job of their wedding videographer. The trio encounters a fork in the road as a result of antics.
To maintain rootability, the picture never depicts Ally’s harmful activities as horrible. To evoke audience empathy, costume designer Amanda Needham typically dresses the figure in muted hues like white, gray, blue, and teal.
But after Cassidy tries to upstage the bride-to-be by publically humiliating Ally on stage (a twist on the karaoke bar scene from the Julia above Roberts movie), Ally starts dressing in sexier, saturated-color outfits.
The movie becomes intriguing when Ally realizes she can benefit more by assisting Cassidy in deciding whether to leave her profession behind for Sean, a choice Ally had previously had to make.
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The plot advances in an intriguing manner thanks to the decision to creatively develop these characters while giving the characters more motivations and psychological stakes.
The stakes have increased for all three crucial protagonists. Franco maintains a low-key, realistic tone by fusing broad humorous gestures with the story’s sincere foundations. Brie delivers a finely tuned performance that is both vulnerable and energetic.
She deftly navigates the story’s fluctuating funny and emotional themes, giving Ally’s sporadic drastic actions credibility and giving her redemption story resonance. Ellis delivers his most significant performance yet as he smokes on film.
His warm, endearing, and deep internality are expertly brought to the surface by the movie’s conclusion. Clemons is a potent knockout who changes Ally’s foe into a beautiful woman. Haley Joel Osment and Danny Pudi also make strong supporting appearances as Sean’s foolish sibling, Jeremy, and Ally’s old best friend, Benny.
The idea that the filmmakers wanted to save their heroine rather than let her stay the same is refreshing, resulting in a more gratifying ending. The movie hits its resonating emotions about rediscovering creativity and how it’s never too late in life for a second act, even though it does belabor some of its humor (particularly those concerning Ally’s absurd reality show).
Is Somebody I Used To Know On Netflix?
Unfortunately, Netflix does not have this romantic comedy. Because it is an original film on another streaming service, it isn’t sure it to ever appear on Netflix. But don’t be concerned. There is a ton of comparable content currently streaming on our preferred streamer’s platform.
Where To Watch Somebody I Used To Know?
Currently, there is only one location where you may watch rom-com. Somebody I Used to Know is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. However, to protect the film, you must be a subscriber to the streaming service. However, you may always look at some of our film recommendations above if you cannot see them.
Take a look at the official trailer for a sneak peek!
