Company

Company is a refreshing musical comedy-drama from 2007 that spotlights healthy adult relationships – both romantic and platonic – with brilliant performances from the ensemble cast including Kelly Jeanne Grant, Angel Desai, and Elizabeth Stanley. These actresses, along with their co-stars, breathe life into the intricacies of Stephen Sondheim's much-loved Broadway musical, which was originally showcased in 1970.

The premise of the film revolves around the protagonist, Robert, played by Raúl Esparza, and his reflections on his life and relationships, triggered by his 35th birthday. Robert is a charming, perennially single New Yorker who, despite having three girlfriends during the course of the story, is unable to commit fully to anyone. The musical grapples with Robert's dilemma while drawing heavily on his interactions with his married friends and girlfriends, creating fascinating tableaus of his friendships and romances.

Kelly Jeanne Grant, Angel Desai, and Elizabeth Stanley are just three of the memorable personalities in Robert's life. They play Sarah, Marta, and April respectively, all maintaining friendships with Robert while also providing distinct and fascinating views on relationships.

Over the course of the film, Angel Desai's character, Marta, emerges as not just a companion to Robert, but also as a link to the vibrant culture and energy of New York City. Marta is the epitome of an "Old Soul New Yorker," and Angel Desai's portrayal of this quirky, independent, and, above all, irreplaceable friend is one of the many highlights of the film. Her rendition of the song "Another Hundred People" adds a gritty reality to the illusionary and charming world of New York City.

Sarah, portrayed convincingly by Kelly Jeanne Grant, is another one of Robert's married friends who he turns to for advice. Grant's portrayal is wonderfully nuanced, depicting a woman actively struggling with her self-esteem and dieting, while also trying to deal with the hilarious quirks of her own marriage.

In contrast, Robert's girlfriend, April, played by Elizabeth Stanley, presents a more naive perspective of life. April is a flight attendant who seems somewhat aloof, particularly when compared to Robert's sharp wit. This makes their dynamic particularly engaging, with Robert's sophisticated humor and April's innocence juxtaposing to great effect, imbuing their relationship with an essence of comedy.

While the movie showcases the personal relationships of Robert and the complex facets of his life, it also explores the underlying theme of singledom, loneliness, and the fundamental human need for companionship. As Robert spends time with his married friends, the audience sees flashes of his life reflecting theirs, revealing his hidden desires alongside his reservations about commitment. This forms a key part of the movie's narrative arc.

The director, John Doyle, executes the balance between drama and comedy with thoughtful direction, successfully delivering a fluid, intimate portrayal of Robert's story. The film is complemented well by Sondheim's catchy, layered score and George Furth's insightful book, with songs and dialogue that portray a wide range of human emotions and complicated relationships effectively.

Company is a bright and poignant film that leaves audiences engaged with its relatable content. It offers a fascinating look into adult relationships, the human yearning for companionship, and the trials and tribulations we all face along the intricate journey of love and life. The strong performances from the cast, including Kelly Jeanne Grant, Angel Desai, and Elizabeth Stanley, contribute substantially to the movie's success, doing justice to the classic Broadway production. It serves as a delightful watch for fans of musicals as well as for anyone interested in thoughtful explorations of modern romance, friendship, and self-discovery.