Lazy Susan

Lazy Susan is a quirky, heartwarming comedy-drama film that premiered in 2020. It features Sean Hayes, famous for his role on the hit sitcom "Will & Grace," in the lead role. Additionally, the film also stars Maria Shriver of NBC News fame and the talented Leah Huebner, known for her roles in "Black Christmas" and "Days of Our Lives." The film introduces us to a slacker character named Susan, played by Sean Hayes, who breathes life into his role with his remarkable comic timing and emotional depth.

The narrative of Lazy Susan revolves around the life journey of a quirky, aimless, and unmotivated woman named Susan who dwells in a small town. Susan is a middle-aged person who is perpetually stuck in a vicious cycle of apathy and inaction. Even though she doesn’t have much going on in her life, Susan always seems to find herself amidst a slew of confounding situations. This constant state of inertia is what motivates her narrative and brings forth a barrel of laughter, sprinkled with a few heart-wrenching moments demonstrating the depth of her character.

A trip to her local mall and a chance encounter lead to a significant transformation in Susan's everyday existence, which is usually wedged between her sessions of speed-walking and gorging on cheese puffs. The seeming monotonity and detached coping mechanism of her life initially invoke humour, but gradually, they embark on a trajectory of introspection about life, its purpose, and the value of relationships. Through Susan, the movie delves into themes of mental health, inertia, relationships, and personal growth, presenting them in a light that is not usually seen.

Sean Hayes' brilliant performance as Susan breathes life into her complex character. Through his exceptional ability to oscillate between the realms of melancholy and comedy, he ensures Susan's character doesn't become a caricature or merely a source of comic relief. His portrayal of a woman dealing with her issues offers a fresh perspective on the concept of people who might sometimes feel stuck in life.

Maria Shriver, in her role as herself, appears as the charming television personality we all know her as in real life, adding a unique layer to the narrative of the movie. The film also features the fantastic Leah Huebner, who keeps the audience engaged with her magnificent performance, serving as a compelling pillar of the film's storyline.

Directed by Nick Peet and written by Carrie Aizley, Darlene Hunt, and Sean Hayes, Lazy Susan brings a refreshing wave of emotional comedy to the screen. It's a film that treads a fine line between comedy and drama, never losing grip of its eloquence and emotional depth. It's a thoughtful exploration into the world of a person who, despite being armed with every tool to build her life, remains settled on a plateau of inertia, unaware of the magical world outside her comfort zone.

The film is crafted with a keen eye for the hilarity of human nature, but also deeply empathetic towards its frailty. It's a story about finding oneself, about unexpected friendships, and about the unconventional ways our lives can take a turn. The screenplay is full of light-hearted sequences cleverly weaved with profound life moments throughout the narrative, producing an engrossing cinematic experience for viewers.

David Newman’s engaging music and Andrew Huebscher’s subtle cinematography complement the narrative and cast performances while shaping the overall mood of the film.

In conclusion, Lazy Susan is a comedy-drama that stands out due to its unique storyline, engaging performances, and its ability to connect with the audience on multiple emotional levels. It compels viewers to look at life from a different perspective while delivering a hearty dose of laughter and a knack for seeing the beauty in life’s mundane moments. Whether you are a fan of bonafide comedy or prefer films who say a little more, Lazy Susan will undoubtedly engage you with its captivating narrative and memorable performances.