Lucky

'Lucky' is a delightfully off-kilter rom-com twisted with a dark comedy undertone. Directed in 2011 by Gil Cates Jr., the film is a quirky portrayal of life's ups, downs, and unexpected turns. This surprising blend of romance and dark comedy stars the talented Colin Hanks, Ari Graynor and Jeffrey Tambor.

The story revolves around the seemingly ordinary life of Ben Keller, portrayed by Colin Hanks, who works at the Iowa Department of the Treasury and leads an unremarkable existence on the outside. Ben has a meticulous character and an observant nature, and he has been in love with his childhood sweetheart, Lucy St Martin (Ari Graynor), for as long as he can remember. However, his attempts to court her have been unfruitful due to his passive and introverted persona.

Meanwhile, Lucy, who is the polar opposite of Ben, is outgoing, vivacious, and is the heartthrob of the town. She is flirting with the idea of settling down, but her idea of a perfect man does not line up well with Ben’s personality. Ben's life takes a remarkable turn when he wins $36 million in the Iowa Lottery. Suddenly, he is thrust into the spotlight and basking in the newfound wealth and attention. A re-evaluated prospect, he successfully woos Lucy and convinces her to marry him. However, there is a chilling secret behind his winning, adding a twist to the plot.

Jeffrey Tambor, the veteran actor, plays the role of Detective Waylon, assigned to solve certain mysterious anomalies connected to Ben's life. His character provides an interesting juxtaposition to the quaint setting and engages the audience in an unforeseen subplot. The charm of ‘Lucky’ lies in the unpredictable narrative that propels the characters from a regular small-town setting into an uneasy whirlwind of circumstances.

Colin Hanks, known for his knack for portraying complex characters, brings an earnest vulnerability to Ben's character. You can't help but root for him, despite his flaws and the unconventional path he navigates. Ari Graynor infuses Lucy with charismatic charm and complication, offering a counterpoint to Ben's innocence and naivety. There is a pitiful attractiveness to see them try to mould their relationship around their differences.

'Cates Jr.'s direction effectively keeps this dark comedy balanced on the thin line between heartwarming romance and gritty thriller. He paints a richly textured portrait of a small town, the follies of human nature, and the extent of coming to terms with consequences that results from a seemingly harmless crush. Despite the dark themes that underscore the narrative, 'Lucky' is infused with a good dose of humor thanks to a sharp script and Hanks' nuanced performance.

'Lucky' is not your typical romantic comedy. It is a thought-provoking excursion into the world of love, fortune, and crime. More than its comedic elements, the film strikes the audience with its portrayal of the human condition when confronted with unusual circumstances. Susceptible to error and miscalculations, the story is heavy with irony, playing on the superstition about luck, love and the lengths people will go to have both.

The movie's cinematography adds an additional layer of charm to this unique tale. It captures both the monotony of the small town and the unsettling yet intriguing developments in Ben’s life with a captivating aesthetic.

'Lucky' asks the audience to ponder over a series of 'what ifs'. It is an exploration of opportunities, human folly, ironic twists and the desperation that could lurk behind the most ordinary of faces. For those seeking an unconventional comedy-drama, 'Lucky' serves a brilliantly twisted cocktail of romance, dark humor, and suspense layered with nuanced performances from the lead cast. By indulging in both light-hearted romantic exchanges to exploring the darker side of human emotions, 'Lucky' successfully weaves a tale that is heartwarming, surprising, and chilling, all at once.