Celeste and Jesse Forever (2012)
Director: Lee Toland Grieger
Cast: Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, Elijah Wood
Plot: A divorcing couple tries to maintain their friendship while they both pursue other people.
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Awards: -
Runtime: 92min
Rating: NC16 for language, sexual content and drug use.
TRAILER:
IN RETROSPECT
Can a married couple get a divorce and still see each
other every day? That is the question that drives this relatively unknown indie
film that sees a strong and surprisingly endearing performance by lead actress
Rashida Jones, who is also a co-writer and executive producer of the film.
Jones, who caught my eye in the romantic-comedy hit I Love You, Man (2009), comes into her
own in this low-key romance-drama about the intricacies of relationships,
romantic or otherwise.
Forgive its cheesy title, for Celeste and Jesse Forever is actually quite a likable film. It goes
on without any fanfare, focusing on its well-written lead characters, and
delivers a story that works adequately on a relational level. Audiences will
like this film because it is an earnest portrait of life - in all of its joy,
sadness, uncertainty, and regret.
The screenplay is sharp when it needs to be, and the
humour is well-punctuated throughout the film. There is never a moment that
doesn't engage you at some level.
But as strange as it may sound, Celeste and Jesse Forever remains unimpressive if you see it as a
film on its own. Remove Jones from the picture and replace her with a less
charming actress, and the flaws of the film will begin to show. This is the
kind of film that would play better on a television set (or laptop) on a lazy
Saturday afternoon than on the big screen.
Perhaps there is a lack of some sort of poetic
cinematic quality that films such as Linklater's Before Sunset (2004) have in abundance. Perhaps there is also a
lack of freshness, as some of the scenes feel like they have been reconstructed
from the genre's recycling bin.
Celeste and Jesse Forever is still enjoyable while it lasts. Director Lee
Toland Grieger sets the entry point quite low, hence it is not difficult to be
emotionally invested in the characters from the opening scene onwards. It is a
no-frills genre film with a distinct indie touch that will please audiences
with fair expectations.
It doesn't challenge viewers to think of the state of
their own relationships, but what it does quite excellently is to portray the
intertwining nature of human relationships with heart. And that heart comes
from Jones' outstanding performance. She will be one to look out for in the
near future.
Verdict: A strong and endearing performance by Rashida Jones pulls this
unimpressive, above-average romance-drama together.
GRADE: B- (7/10 or 3 stars)
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