Better Off Single

Better Off Single is a 2016 comedic feature film revolving around the complexities of modern-day relationships. Excellently directed by Benjamin Cox and with remarkable performances by Aaron Tveit, Abby Elliott, and Lauren Miller Rogen, the film explores the concept of singlehood from a fresh perspective.

The hustle and bustle of New York City serve as the film's backdrop, with the protagonist Charlie Carroll (Aaron Tveit) serving as our urbanite hero. Working as a copywriter at Amazon and stuck in a monotonous routine, he finds himself in a predicament common to many 30-somethings: questioning his relationship and contemplating if life would be simpler without the trials, tribulations, and misunderstandings associated with it.

The narrative begins when Charlie, stuck at a crossroads in his life, makes a rash decision of breaking up with his long-time girlfriend, Angela (Abby Elliott), during an office party. Upon reflection, heartbroken Charlie quickly begins to question his decision but is simultaneously bombarded with vivid hallucinations of his ex-girlfriend - A funny, yet symbolic undertone reflecting his internal battle with loneliness and indecisiveness.

Abby Elliot is brilliant in her portrayal of Angela. She perfectly captures the essence of a woman who's not just Charlie's love interest but also a confident, independent character in her own right. Her performance adds complexity and a rich emotional depth to the narrative, making it more than just a regular comedy about relationships.

As his life spirals out of control, Charlie turns to his friends for support, dating advice, and a broader perspective on whether better off single is indeed a truth or a myth. This dynamic allows the film to present a range of different viewpoints on modern relationships, love, and singlehood, often through hilarious, snappy dialogues, presented in a no holds barred manner.

Among the standout performances is Lauren Miller Rogen, who portrays Kathy, an open-minded close friend to Charlie. Her sincere performance provides ideal comic relief moments, reinforcing the movie's light-hearted tone. She provides a grounded contrast to Charlie's spiraling journey, acting as a voice of reason amid his wild hallucinations and questionable dating escapades post-breakup.

The film, however, is not just a comedic poking of fun at the intricacies involved in love and dating. At its core, it's a story about self-discovery, emotional resilience, and finding contentment in one's own company. As Charlie embarks on a hilarious and painful journey filled with disastrous dates and awkward encounters, he learns to navigate New York City's brutally honest dating scene while also tackling his own insecurities and fears.

Under the directorial prowess of Benjamin Cox, Better Off Single delves deep into the nuances of commitment, singledom, and the chaos that lies in between. Cox's unique storytelling approach, coupled with pathos, humor, and a dash of surrealism, makes this story engaging right from the first scene to the last, ensuring that viewers are kept on their toes.

The narrative strikes a delicate balance between raw honesty and humor, which is hard to achieve, especially in the romantic comedy genre. The script is smartly written, with quick-witted dialogues that are relatable and often so realistic that they provide a mirror to the stark realities of the dating world.

Rod Blackhurst's cinematography truly brings the energy and essence of New York City to life. As the story unfolds against this urban panorama, the city's heartbeat becomes a metaphor for Charlie's journey of ups and downs, loves and losses, reflecting the unpredictable rhythms of life and love.

Better Off Single is, at its heart, a humorous exploration of contemporary relationships that strikes the right chords. But it's more than just a situational comedy. Through Charlie's journey, the film evolves into a story about self-awareness, growing up, and learning to navigate life's complexities.

All in all, Better Off Single is a roller coaster of laughs, heartbreaks, and revelations that keeps you hooked with its smart humor, relatable characters, and engaging plot, making it a must-watch for fans of the rom-com genre to anyone seeking a hearty laugh. It is reflective of modern-day dating dilemmas and the incessant question - Are we really better off single?