While the plot is rather linear and doesn't contain many surprises, this isn't a bad thing as Adam is a complete jerk from start to finish, blaming everyone for his problems except himself. The humor in this black comedy stems from watching his world fall apart and him trying to act "reasonable" in this chaos. It's both funny to see him desperately attempt to worm his way out of admitting to the infidelity while getting called out for his awful behavior, in addition to being uncomfortable and tense to watch his relationship with Danielle fall apart.
Jesse Janzen, Leah Finity and Samantha Laurenti all give believable and down-to-Earth performances. Janzen pulls off Adam's self-obsessed and conceited behavior that would make just about anyone cringe at how childish he acts. Meanwhile, Laurenti as Libby is perfectly manipulative as she tries to get Adam to break things off with Danielle. Speaking of Danielle, she really is the only character the audience sympathizes with, as she carries the relationship and pays for all the bills. As a quick side note, I'd like to mention that if any of the cast sounds familiar, it is because they were featured in Infrared, which was also directed by Robert Livings. I personally love it when directors work with recurring cast members, since it often shows a strong work relationship between actors and directors.
This film was made on a budget of $200 and limited crew consisting of Robert Livings and Randy Nundlall Jr, who not only directed, but also did the cinematography and sound mixer Austin Blank. I am continuously impressed by director Robert Livings' ability to make so much out of so little. The film was shot with Panasonic AG-DVX100B cameras which Livings said was a throwback to early 2000s mumblecore films, and I have to say that the results are spectacular! My favorite moment with the cinematography was how it creates tension and unease with a series of close-ups and zoom-ins when we watch Adam trying to be honest with Danielle about both their relationship and his affair.
The Other Girl is a solid black comedy that shows the reality of infidelity and the impact it has on a relationship. Packed with solid performances, subtle cinematography, realistic dialogue and engaging characters, the film is another strong showing for its director and cast. To see someone make a really good film from so little is both refreshing and inspiring, considering that there have been some rather notorious independent directors who gathered a cult internet following for making worse films while having abundant resources. In an industry where many fail, the few exceptional soar. While making a film is by no means an easy feat, to make a good film with limited resources is an ability that will take a director far.
