Drinking Buddies

Drinking Buddies is a romantic drama comedy film that was released in 2013. It is directed by Joe Swanberg, known for his work in the independent film scene, and offers his signature naturalistic style of filmmaking and improvisational technique. The film stars Olivia Wilde, Jake Johnson, Anna Kendrick, and Ron Livingston in the leading roles.

Olivia Wilde, in one of her most nuanced performances, plays Kate, the sole woman working in a craft brewery, where she builds a strong camaraderie with her colleagues. In particular, her fast friendship with co-worker, Luke (Jake Johnson), stands out. Their easy rapport, full of casual banter and flirtation, often engages in what may seem like borderline romantic territory, but both Kate and Luke are in relationships with other people. Luke is with Jill (Anna Kendrick), a special education teacher who contrasts starkly with his laid-back character while Kate is dating the slightly older, yet mature and steady Chris, brought to life brilliantly by Ron Livingston.

The film skillfully showcases the microcosm of its story against the backdrop of the bustling Chicago craft beer industry – a setting rarely explored in mainstream cinema – with most of its narrative set in the brewery. At the heart of Drinking Buddies is the exploration of the delicate line between friendship and romantic attraction. The movie deals with the confusing aspects of modern relationships and navigates the complexities of love and friendship in a realistic and relatable manner.

An overwhelming feature of the film is its reliance on improvisation. Director Swanberg is famously known for eschewing traditional scripts in favour of detailed outlines, with most of the dialogue being improvised by the actors. This effortless impromptu engagement between the actors creates an authentic atmosphere where the interactions and situations come off as grounded and genuine. This gives Drinking Buddies a unique charm, making the characters and their predicaments feel real and closer to life.

The stellar ensemble cast delivers an equally impressive performance. Wilde's portrayal of Kate, a free spirit who still finds herself in a process of self-discovery, is an absolute delight to watch. Johnson plays the affable and well-meaning Luke with an undeniable charisma. On the other hand, Kendrick and Livingston bring an understated elegance and depth to their characters and the complex dynamics they share with Wilde and Johnson. The chemistry between the actors is palpable and convincing, enriching the narrative with authenticity and intimacy.

Drinking Buddies, with its compelling characters and engaging narrative, also engages with the audience's emotions. Despite its light-hearted surface, it delves deep into the nuances of human relationships, addressing the confusion and questions that often plague modern, urban love stories. Its light touch of comedy adds a sense of brightness and relief to the narrative, preventing it from falling into an abyss of melodrama.

Drinking Buddies' cinematography is as casual and effortless as its dialogue. Boasting of a natural and organic visual style, the film beautifully captures the vibrant and bustling environment of the craft brewery, as well as the intimate, personal spaces of its characters. The soundtrack, full of indie rock tracks, complements the film's setting and aesthetic perfectly.

However, despite its strengths, Drinking Buddies can indeed be polarizing for the audience. Those seeking a romance-centric comedy or drama might find the film's realism and lack of narrative grandeur challenging to appreciate. The lack of a clear resolution and its open-ended narrative might frustrate some viewers. On the contrary, this sensibility might be appreciated by those who prefer their cinema raw, improvised, and aligned more with the messiness of real life.

In conclusion, Drinking Buddies is a refreshing take on contemporary relationships, exploring its themes under the unconventional backdrop of a craft brewery. With its skilled performances, carefully orchestrated improvisation, and nuanced handling of complex human emotions, it's a film that is charming as much as it is real. It is a captivating watch for those who appreciate the subtleties of everyday life and relationships and seek a respite from the narrative predictability of traditional romantic comedies and dramas.