IMDB, you are guys are crazy. I'm genuinely shocked at the pearl clutching in the comments. (Oh my god, how dare someone try and reignite something with someone already in a relationship?! Think of the children!)
We, collectively, needed a movie like this. Somebody I Used To Know is one of the sweetest, most earnest, gentle romantic films I've seen in a long time. A movie about love and with no gimmicks: there's no time traveling, no amnesia, no action component. Just a simple story about a girl returning home and remembering a lost love.
Alison Brie is wonderful in this movie, and it makes me wonder why or how she hasn't been in a thousand of these movies by now. She's beautiful, funny, has such natural screen presence and chemistry. (And let's be honest, there's no one complaining about her baring it all multiple times) This movie is also a reunion between her and Community co-star (and supposedly really good friend IRL) Danny Pudi, whom was fantastic, but definitely underused. Same with Hayley Joel Osmont, to be honest. This movie presents a fun cast but unfortunately, doesn't have them as present as i'd have liked.
But it's okay because as familiar as the story may be, I think it's fundamentally quite strong. Jay Ellis, Kiersey Clemons, and Brie have a great dynamic and I like the subtle mind games and entendres that dominate their conversations in the middle of the movie. But, it gives way to a sweeter, more thoughtful and ultimately, healthier take on love and relationships that I think is a direct response to the tropes of the past.
This movie also looks GORGEOUS with the picturesque, highly unique town of Leavingworth, Washington, with its German inspired town centre playing the perfect romantic setting for a movie like this. Honestly, this movie makes me want to visit that town. It looks incredible. But it's also a testament to the cinematography that every image looks so crisp and gorgeous, even if I could've used a bit more cinematic flair.
I don't know what to say, I really liked this movie. It felt mature, it felt earnest, it felt right. I genuinely don't understand why the reception has been so negative. This movie is perfect for Valentine's Day.
