Somebody i used to know

It is always interesting to discover films directed by seasoned actors who can finally offer films that are closer to them. So after a thriller cruelly lacking in rhythm and striking moments, his second film is much more interesting and successful. Somebody I Used to Know is oriented towards a dramatic comedy based on a duo of actors Alison Brie and Jay Ellis and many secondary roles rather well drawn and played by Haley Joel Osment, Kiersey Clemons, Julie Hagerty and Amy Sedaris. We feel on screen a real alchemy between the director and the main actress by the care given to her image and by the fact of giving her a strong and memorable role.

To succeed in life does not necessarily mean to be addicted to one's work but also to know how to find a personal balance between one's private life, one's passions and one's work. By always trying to get ahead in life, one can end up making bad choices and take a step back from one's true inspirations. In this, the script co-written by Dave Franco and Alison Brie is tender and endearing. We discover Ally (Allison Brie, perfect in her role) who is at a turning point in her career. Her show is no longer successful and she decides to take a step back and specially to go on a trip to her hometown. In this one she left behind her ex, Sean (Jay Elis) who is about to get married. Ally then begins to question herself and her future and her past mistakes. 

Once again, American independent cinema allows directors to get off the beaten path and deal with subjects that interest them without having to answer to the dictates of the big Hollywood studios. Dave Franco reunites with his on-screen and real-life muse Allison Brie and delivers a mature romantic comedy dealing with marriage, family ties and our place in society. The result is a film with well-crafted dialogues that can be watched with interest. As February 14th, Valentine's Day, approaches, this film deserves to be seen.

Somebody I used to know will not be a classic romantic comedy-drama, but it has the charm of the 80s and 90s films in which the actors had consistent roles and in which the special effects did not hide the many flaws of the scenarios, which were too artificial and calculating to give place to films lacking originality. This independent film is a pleasure to watch and we especially enjoy following the reconstruction of the main female character, perfectly played by the too rare Allison Brie

Somebody I Used to Know
Directed by Dave Franco
Written by Dave Franco, Alison Brie
Produced by Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, Isaac Klausner, Ben Stillman, Leigh Kittay, Michael Heimler
Starring Alison Brie, Jay Ellis, Kiersey Clemons, Julie Hagerty, Haley Joel Osment, Amy Sedaris, Danny Pudi, Zoë Chao, Evan Jonigkeit, Olga Merediz, Ayden Mayeri, Kelvin Yu 
Cinematography : Brian Lannin
Edited by Ernie Gilbert
Music by Danny Bensi, Saunder Jurriaans
Production companies: Black Bear Pictures, Temple Hill Entertainment
Distributed by Amazon Studios
Release date : February 10, 2023
Running time : 106 minutes

Seen on February 04, 2023

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