The Comedy
The Comedy

Movie spotlight

The Comedy

2012
Movie
93 min
English

Indifferent to the notion of inheriting his father's estate, a restless, aging New Yorker passes time with his friends in games of mock sincerity, irreverence, and recreational cruelty towards those around them.

Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic60/100
Google Users60%
Director: Rick AlversonGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Estranged from his father and struggling with his life, Swanson finds himself adrift in a sea of aimless suburban existence. He spends his days in a state of arrested development, engaging in bizarre and often destructive behavior with his friends. As his personal relationships fray, Swanson's detachment deepens, leading to a series of uncomfortable and darkly humorous encounters.

Critical Reception

Rick Alverson's 'The Comedy' is a polarizing film that deliberately challenges audience expectations. It received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often divided on its bleak humor and unconventional narrative. While some praised its unflinching portrayal of alienation and suburban malaise, others found its nihilistic tone and lack of traditional comedic payoff off-putting.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique and unsettling comedic tone.

  • Critiqued for its bleak outlook and challenging narrative structure.

  • Lauded for Tim Heidecker's surprisingly effective dramatic performance.

Google audience: Audience reviews for 'The Comedy' are mixed, with many finding the film's humor too dark or its characters unlikeable. However, some viewers appreciated its artistic ambition and its raw, uncomfortable portrayal of modern alienation.

Fun Fact

The film's abrasive and deliberately uncomfortable tone was a conscious choice by director Rick Alverson to explore themes of suburban ennui and existential dissatisfaction.

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