• It’s the fourth archiveable film from Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air, Young Adult)—third with screenwriter Diablo Cody (those three minus Up in the Air) and second with Theron (Young Adult)
  • The ending surprised me and added tremendous value for me—I’m not sure it’s in the archives without it as just an insightful drama—I look forward to a repeat viewing but I felt like it was like a post-partum (old vs new self) Fight Club in many ways
  • Has Cody’s trademark snarky and biting dialogue
  • It’s a minor triumph for Theron who is on a hot streak going back to Mad Max Fury Road in 2015, Atomic Blonde in 2017 and now this. She looks the part here- flabby (for her)- put on 50 lbs, in some scenes she looks like her work in Monster– it’s an actors dedication
  • Meditation on depression- touches on alcoholism- this isn’t broad comedy- not easy- it’s a nuanced work
  • Livingston is great in his big closing scene with Theron
  • Repetition in the water scenes, mermaid scenes, excited to rewatch to catch all the formal connections
  • Recommend