Real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie have teamed up to create a dark rom-com that isn’t afraid to bare it all. Here is my full review for SOMEBODY I USED TO KNOW.
Workaholic TV producer Ally (Alison Brie) faces a major professional setback, which sends her running to the comforts of her hometown. She spends a whirlwind evening reminiscing with her first love Sean (Jay Ellis), and starts to question everything about the person she’s become. Things only get more confusing when she discovers Sean is getting married to Cassidy (Kiersey Clemons), whose confidence and creative convictions remind Ally of who she used to be.
Franco and Brie utilize a quick wit to carry us through the rather bleak coming home story. Brie’s “adorable” demeanor is the perfect mask for the vulgarity, nudity and dark elements that appear throughout the film. Somebody I Used to Know has a seemingly sincere image but the film is more about the tough realities behind the comforting exterior. The film allows its characters to push boundaries and do the wrong things.
The cast really seems to relish their characterizations. There are a ton of fun interactions throughout. Seeing Brie team backup with Danny Pudi (Community castmates) elevates the Ally/Ben friendship’s believability factor. Haley Joel Osment goes fully out for his role as Henry but the film’s real heart and sneaky scene-stealer is Kiersey Clemons as Cassidy. The “other” woman role is normally a much more dislikable presence but you find yourself siding with her throughout the film. In fact, Brie’s Ally is a unique lead character that is by far the antagonist of the plot. Her personal growth is showcased and you do come around on liking Ally but the film’s heart is reflected in other characters.
Not your typical rom-com/Valentine’s week release but this dark comedy does entertain.
Directed by: Dave Franco
Written by: Dave Franco and Alison Brie
Rated: R
Selig Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 1hr 46min
Comedy Romance
Release: Globally available on Prime Video on February 10th
Starring: Alison Brie, Jay Ellis, Kiersey Clemons, Haley Joel Osment, Danny Pudi, Julie Hagerty, & Amy Sedaris
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
