Irresistible

Directed by Jon Stewart, Irresistible is a 2020 political comedy-drama film that presents an astute satirical look at the world of American politics. The film is led by standout performances from Steve Carell, Chris Cooper, and Rose Byrne – all playing key roles in a story that uses humor, and insightful cynicism to explore themes of electoral manipulation, rural identity, and the frenzied media circus that often accompanies American politics.

Steve Carell is at his comic best playing Gary Zimmer, a top-notch Democratic Party strategist disillusioned after the unexpected 2016 Presidential election results. Gary spots potential in a viral video of a retired Marine colonel, Jack Hastings (played by the brilliant Chris Cooper), standing up for the rights of immigrant workers in his small, predominantly conservative Midwestern town, Deerlaken, Wisconsin. Gary sees Jack as the keystone for winning back the heartland voters and decides to invest his time and resources to persuade Jack to run for Mayor as a Democrat.

The film takes off as a fish-out-of-water comedy with the city-dwelling Gary adjusting to the rustic rhythms of Deerlaken. The salty-sweet negotiations between the silver-tongued Gary and plain-spoken Jack bring out some of the movie’s hilarious moments. Steve Carell and Chris Cooper wonderfully personify the contrast between urban and rural America in their dynamic.

Soon the underdog local race escalates into a full-blown political showdown when the Republicans dispatch their formidable strategist, Faith Brewster (played with measured malice by Rose Byrne), to Deerlaken. Faith is cunning, media-savvy, and a long-time adversary of Gary. The chain of events initiated by Faith's arrival turns the race into a national spectacle, pulling in truckloads of enforced sophistication and bundles of campaign fund money from both sides.

With a keen eye for detail, Stewart cleverly reveals the machinations of modern political campaigns – from manipulating media narratives and exploiting divide-and-rule issues to vast fund-raising activities and distorting focus on voters. We get a good look at how a simple local political race can be weaponized for national gains by parties due to media amplification, celebritization, and polarization of politics.

Irresistible is layered with wry humor and satirical observations about the contemporary state of American politics. The comedy is not in your face but is packed with subtleties and nuances. At the same time, it does not lose sight of the humanistic elements, character depth, and warm humor that ground the story. Every character, be it a political strategist or a farmer, is portrayed as real and multi-dimensional, which makes the satire hit closer to home.

Due credit for the film’s entertainment value, apart from its noteworthy performances, goes to Jon Stewart's razor-sharp script. Stewart, best known for his biting social commentary from his time as host on The Daily Show, continues his critique of American politics but with a more balanced approach. The film is neither condescendingly liberal nor patronisingly conservative but rather a searing critique of the entire political ecosystem.

Aesthetically, the film does a commendable job of capturing the rustic charm of small-town America with its vibrant county fairs, open farmlands, and close-knit communities. The cinematography is sleek, and the camera work truly brings out the artificiality of the political circus against the authenticity of rural life.

In Irresistible, Stewart presents a shrewd, comedic examination of the complexities of American democracy, a compelling narrative, and a roster of incredible performances. The film is a political comedy for our times - one that leaves the audience entertained, more informed, and perhaps, a bit more wary of the current political landscape. The message is loud and clear: in the theatre of American politics, everyone can be a player, but the game itself is played at a whole different level.