Self Reliance (2023) Movie Review
Navigating the realm of movies crafted by seasoned comedians turned directors can be tricky. Not every film in this category, known as the "directorial debut of a well-regarded comic actor," is a gem like "Eighth Grade." In fact, there's a surplus of less-than-stellar examples, such as "Fool’s Paradise," illustrating how being a talented performer doesn't automatically make one a great director. To add to the complexity, there's a trend of "LA COVID comedies" that emerged during the early 2020s. These films, often created by comedians in Los Angeles confined to their homes, attempt to explore the profound aspects of human connection. However, not all of them hit the mark.
Self Reliance (2023) Movie Review
Jake Johnson, known for his roles in "New Girl" and "Minx," didn't specifically create his first film, "Self Reliance," because of the COVID situation, but the pandemic gave him the perfect chance to bring his long-pondered concept to life. The movie stands out from other films exploring the challenges of isolation by injecting Johnson's unique sense of everyday absurdity.
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As the best story unfolds, Samberg reveals that Tommy has been selected for the dark web's most popular reality TV show. His mission? Survive 30 days while a group of unseen "Hunters" tries to track him down and eliminate him. The catch is that Tommy can be safe if he stays close to other people, as the Hunters can't risk harming innocent lives. If he successfully completes the challenge, a million dollars awaits him.
Seems simple, right? Just stick with others to stay safe. Yet, "Self Reliance" explores the complications of this seemingly straightforward task, especially for those who often feel like they're on the sidelines of life. Tommy's growing paranoia about potential killers around him prompts him to turn to his family for help. Unfortunately, the absurd premise and Tommy's strained relationship with his family make them skeptical about assisting him, adding a layer of complexity to the already unusual plot.
In "Self Reliance," Tommy faces an urgent need for companionship, but instead of turning to family, he explores unconventional connections. The film delves into intriguing ideas about human interaction and the necessity of breaking away from the familiar. Initially, he hires a street bum named "James," played by "I Think You Should Leave" star Biff Wiff, and their unexpected friendship becomes the film's standout element. Later, a Craigslist ad introduces him to Maddy, played by Anna Kendrick, another loner seeking a companion for the peculiar competition.
At its core, "Self Reliance" seems to symbolize the way many of us had to relearn social interaction after spending so much time isolated at home. The film's middle act, where Maddy's upbeat nature challenges Tommy to step out of his comfort zone, captures this essence. While there are moments that might feel a bit like the movie "Garden State," Jake Johnson, the film's writer and director, ensures it doesn't become overly sentimental.
However, the film falters when it delves too deeply into the logistics of the competition, leaving the audience with unclear expectations. Is it a real life-or-death game? If so, there aren't enough moments of genuine danger, despite the recognition of the humor in Tommy being chased. The film struggles to decide whether it leans more towards the intensity of "The Most Dangerous Game" or the comedic voyeurism of "The Truman Show," leaving the resolution in a somewhat messy and undecided place between a dark or optimistic outcome.
In the quest for laughs, "Self Reliance" encounters a struggle in delivering consistent jokes. The comedy relies heavily on Jake Johnson's laid-back style and a few improvised moments, such as a lengthy discussion with a potential assassin about "Super Mario" characters or the unexpected appearances of Andy Samberg and Wayne Brady as representatives for the mysterious show. While these instances are enjoyable, they are sparse, and the film hesitates to fully embrace the dramedy genre as needed.
Throughout "Self Reliance," a group of "production assistant ninjas" sporadically appears, interacting with Tommy and disrupting the established formula to keep the audience engaged. This dynamic mirrors the feeling of being a reality show contestant or, in Johnson's case, a public figure compelled into situations for others' entertainment.
These behind-the-scenes concepts seem more intriguing than the film's primary focus on comedy about connection and friendship. Nevertheless, even if the movie settles into a more typical storyline, Jake Johnson's energetic presence on screen keeps it engaging. One can only hope that Johnson's evident aspirations extend beyond the confines of the Los Angeles metropolitan area in his future projects.