An interesting exploration of human dichotomy and the circular nature of relationships.
Maggie has never sustained a relationship longer than six months – but desperately wants a baby. She solicits a sperm donation from a friend, but has hardly begun the artificial insemination process when she consummates a budding romance with John, an unhappily married academic hailed as “the bad boy of fictocritical anthropology.”
One of the great things about this film is that it deploys many different types of humour - sarcasm, screwball, comedy of errors and it combines them into what really is a clever film. At times it almost feels like a modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s A Midsomer’s Night Dream, which ironically the film references.
The writing is superb, the way Rebecca Miller has crafted these unique and witty characters is superb. Miller also directs the film, which she does competently. It’s the performances that really bring this story to life though, Greta Gerwig and Ethan Hawke aren’t a typical pairing - but they have a great chemistry. Both able to capture the ups and downs of human relationships. Bill Hader and Maya Rudolph are the comic relief and while I loved their scenes, it would’ve been interesting to try and see these comedy actors try their hand at serious acting. Julianne Moore is the real scene stealer in the film. Her performance is flawless, as is her accent - which is rare in film.
Overall one you can’t afford to miss, but be aware, whatever you are expecting isn’t what you’ll get.
4 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Palace Nova Cinemas
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