A Self-Made Failure
A Self-Made Failure

Movie spotlight

A Self-Made Failure

2022
Movie
82 min
English

The story of an inept squeegee who gets his rent money stolen by a corrupt police officer, only to wind up living on the street. Distraught, he tries to take his own life, but winds up getting into more trouble with the law.

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users75%
Director: Jeff BrandonGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A struggling millennial inventor, perpetually down on his luck, believes he's on the cusp of a breakthrough that will change his life. However, his over-the-top ambition and a series of hilariously unfortunate events consistently sabotage his efforts, leading him to question if he's truly destined for failure or if he's just making it up as he goes along. The film follows his chaotic journey through quirky prototypes, awkward social interactions, and the unwavering support (and sometimes exasperation) of his friends and family.

Critical Reception

A Self-Made Failure was met with a mixed but generally positive reception, with many critics praising its unique blend of absurdist humor and heartfelt moments. While some found the pacing uneven, most audiences resonated with the protagonist's relatable struggles and the film's optimistic, albeit chaotic, outlook on life.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its inventive and quirky humor that lands consistently.

  • Appreciated for its surprisingly emotional core and relatable protagonist.

  • Some noted that the plot occasionally meandered, but the charm of the cast carried it.

Google audience: Audiences largely enjoyed the film's unique comedic style and relatable struggles of the main character, finding it an uplifting and entertaining watch. Some viewers felt certain plot points were a bit predictable, but the overall sentiment was positive.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Independent Comedy at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The elaborate Rube Goldberg-esque invention featured prominently in the film was built by the production design team and actually worked, albeit in a simplified version, for a single take.

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