#REVIEW: “THE OVERNIGHT”

I hesitate to call THE OVERNIGHT a Swingers’ Comedy because it is and it isn’t.  Really, it’s a lot more complicated than that and a lot more delicate than that label suggests.  Parks & Recreation Star Adam Scott not only stars, but produces the Film, which is directed and written by Patrick Brice.  It goes to some awkward and uncomfortable places that most Comedies are afraid to go to, and in that regard it is groundbreaking in that it has something to say.

The Film centers on a young Family of Alex (Scott), Emily (Taylor Schilling) and their son Max (Max Moritt) who move to Los Angeles. Things start off as a harmless Pizza Playdate when they are invited over to the home of their Hipster  neighbours Kurt (Jason Schwartzman), Charlotte (Judith Godrèche) and R.J. (R.J. Hermes).  The Couple begins to open-up to one another and soon we realize that this is all leading to more than just a Playdate for their children.  As the night progresses and the wine pours, inhibitions are let go, insecurities come to the surface and things get well… rather daring, and we aren’t quite sure where things will lead.

Although The Overnight likely won’t be one of those Films that go on to be appreciated widely, we admire Brice‘s bravado in storytelling.  We become invested in these Characters rather quickly and find ourselves quite anxious for them, while laughter is sprinkled evenly throughout.  Part of us wants to see things veer to the naughty and like them, part of us are terrified of the repercussions. We never stop believing for a moment there is a deep history between Scott and Schilling, and Schwartzman meanwhile is cast perfectly as the quirky, overt neighbour and we feel compassion for him after understanding the true reason behind his over-excitement.

THE OVERNIGHT is a Story that needs to be seen and deserves to be told.  Proceed with an open heart and mind. The Archive release on Friday, June 26, 2015, with additional cities to follow Friday, July 3, 2015.