The Trouble with Bliss
35-year-old Morris Bliss is clamped in the jaws of New York City inertia: he wants to travel but has no money, he needs a job but has no prospects, he still shares an apartment with his widowed father, and the premature death of his mother has left him emotionally walled up. When he finds himself wrapped up in an awkward relationship with Stephanie, the 18-year-old daughter of a former classmate, Morris quickly discovers his static life unraveling and opening up in ways that are long overdue.
Insights
Plot Summary
A recently fired and aimless young man returns to his childhood home, only to find himself falling for his stepsister's best friend. As he navigates his confusing feelings and uncertain future, he must confront his past and redefine his understanding of happiness and success.
Critical Reception
The film received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding its exploration of themes to be underdeveloped and its characters unsympathetic. However, some appreciated its attempts at an indie-drama sensibility and certain performances.
What Reviewers Say
- Some reviewers found the film's premise intriguing but ultimately felt it failed to deliver a satisfying narrative.
- The performances were occasionally praised, but often overshadowed by a perceived lack of depth in the script.
- Criticism frequently targeted the film's uneven tone and its struggles to balance comedic and dramatic elements.
Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a divided opinion, with some appreciating the film's raw emotional portrayal and relatable protagonist, while others found it to be slow-paced and thematically unfocused.
Fun Fact
The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2011.
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