The Extra Man

A shy, aspiring playwright from a wealthy Connecticut family, Louis Ives, gets a job as an "extra man" or escort for hire in New York City. He navigates the complex social circles of eccentric Upper East Side elites, developing relationships with a married Hindu goddess devotee, a lonely retired mail inspector, and the wife of a celebrated playwright. His journey leads him to question his identity and find his own voice amidst the bizarre world he inhabits.

The Extra Man received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising its quirky charm and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Turturro. However, some found the film's plot to be meandering and its eccentricities to be overly precious or underdeveloped, leading to a lack of broader appeal.

• Praised for its unique premise and strong lead performances, especially from John Turturro.
• Criticized for a meandering plot and an underdeveloped sense of humor.
• Noted for its exploration of identity and loneliness within a peculiar social setting.

Google audience: Audience reviews were divided, with some appreciating the film's offbeat humor and intellectual aspirations, while others found it too strange, slow-paced, or lacking in emotional resonance.

The film is based on the 1992 novel of the same name by Jonathan Ames, who also co-wrote the screenplay.