Self Reliance (2023) Movie Review

Self Reliance (2023) Movie Review

The realm of movies born from the minds of comic actors taking a plunge into directing can be a bit like walking through a minefield. For every gem like "Eighth Grade," there's a plethora of misfires akin to "Fool’s Paradise." These films often serve as cautionary tales, illustrating how a comedian's prowess doesn't always seamlessly translate to the director's chair. Adding another layer of complexity is the somewhat fading trend of "LA COVID comedies," a genre spawned by comedians confined in Los Angeles during the early 2020s, attempting to unearth profundity about human connection, all while filming in each other's living rooms.

Jake Johnson's Triumph: "Self Reliance"

Enter "Self Reliance," the maiden directorial venture from Jake Johnson, known for his roles in "New Girl" and "Minx." While the film wasn't conceived solely due to the pandemic, the lockdowns offered Johnson the ideal opportunity to bring his vision to life. Gratefully, it manages to rise above the self-indulgence seen in some of its pandemic-themed counterparts, thanks to Johnson's infusion of everyman absurdism.

In the film, Johnson takes the helm as Tommy, a downbeat white guy coasting through a lackluster middle-aged existence in the sprawling city of Los Angeles. From a dead-end office job to the aftermath of a 23-year relationship, his life is anything but exhilarating. However, a twist of fate arrives when the charismatic Andy Samberg (playing himself) pulls up in a limo, offering Tommy an unexpected journey. (Fun fact: the film is produced by The Lonely Island.)

The Dark Web's Reality TV Adventure

As the plot unfolds, Samberg reveals that Tommy has been enlisted for the dark web's most popular reality TV show. His mission: survive 30 days while a group of unseen "Hunters" attempts to take him down. The catch? He must always stay in close proximity to others to remain safe. The reward for enduring the challenge: a cool million dollars.

Easy, right? Just stick with people all day. Yet, "Self Reliance" and Johnson posit that it's far from a walk in the park, especially for those accustomed to living life on the sidelines. The film delves into Tommy's growing paranoia and his unconventional solution: turning to strangers for companionship.

From Street Bum to Unexpected Friendship

In his quest for company, Tommy hires a street bum he dubs "James" (played by "I Think You Should Leave" star Biff Wiff). Their unexpected friendship becomes the film's most charming aspect. Following this, a Craigslist ad introduces Tommy to Maddy (played by Anna Kendrick), another loner seeking a companion for the reality TV competition.

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"Self Reliance" as a Social Allegory

At its core, "Self Reliance" serves as an allegory for the collective need to break free from the social cobwebs after two years of isolation. Moments in the middle act, where Maddy pushes Tommy out of his comfort zone, convey this message without becoming overly didactic. However, the film occasionally veers into "Garden State" territory, yet Johnson adds a grim layer to avoid the pitfalls of a saccharine romantic comedy.

A Comedy with Identity Crisis

The film stumbles when it delves too deeply into the logistics of the game itself, leaving the audience uncertain about its true nature. Is it a life-or-death ordeal, a comedy where people laugh at Tommy's expense, or something in between? Johnson fails to commit to a clear direction, leaving the resolution in a messy limbo between grim satisfaction and sunny optimism.

Comedy Amidst a Joke Dearth

As a comedy, "Self Reliance" faces challenges in delivering discrete jokes. While Johnson's laconic persona and sporadic ad-lib moments provide welcome humor, the film struggles to find a balance between comedy and drama. The sporadic appearances of Andy Samberg and Wayne Brady as paid representatives for the mysterious show add to the absurdity but remain infrequent.

Self Reliance (2023) Movie Trailer

Behind the Scenes: A Peek into Reality Show Dynamics

Throughout "Self Reliance," the intrusion of "production assistant ninjas" adds an intriguing layer. These figures, emerging from the shadows, interact with Tommy, creating a parallel to the reality show contestant experience. It offers a glimpse into the forced situations endured for others' entertainment—a sentiment possibly akin to Johnson's life as a public figure.

Where to Watch "Self Reliance"

Curious to embark on this comedic journey into the absurdity of connection and the quest for human companionship? Catch "Self Reliance" on Hulu starting Friday, January 12th, for an entertaining exploration of unexpected friendships and the challenges of navigating a reality TV adventure.

Explore the depths of absurdity and connection with Jake Johnson's "Self Reliance." Don't miss out on this hilarious rollercoaster—watch it on Hulu now!