Plus One

Plus One is a heartwarming, hilarious rom-com that came out in 2019 starring Jack Quaid, Maya Erskine and Beck Bennett. Directed by Jeff Chan and Andrew Rhymer, the film is a wonderfully fresh take on the classic romance comedy genre which simultaneously follows traditional patterns of the genre as well as breaking some clichés. It depicts modern relationships, love, friendship and commitment in the backdrop of contemporary life and delivers a thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience.

The film revolves around the main characters, Ben, played by Jack Quaid, and Alice, engaged by Maya Erskine. They are long-time friends and perennial singles, struggling to get through a summer filled with a seemingly endless run of weddings. To make the experience more bearable, they make a pact to be each other's 'plus one' for all the wedding events. Wedding after wedding they comfort each other through speeches, romantic clichés, cringe-worthy situations, and the inevitable awkwardness such moments bring. However, as they go along, the line between friendship, shared experiences, and romantic feelings becomes blurred.

Jack Quaid, known for his performance in 'The Hunger Games', delivers a remarkable performance as Ben. He perfectly portrays a hopeless romantic character who is searching for ‘the one.’ His performance is not just relatable but also very engaging throughout the movie. Maya Erskine, noted for her role in ‘PEN15’, is outstanding as Alice. Her portrayal of her character’s journey from feeling pressure to conform, through various stages of self-realization to ultimate self-acceptance is both funny and touching. Their chemistry is absolutely spot on, making the on-screen friendship between Ben and Alice so believable and relatable that audience can’t help but root for them.

Beck Bennett, from Saturday Night Live fame, takes on the supportive role of Matt. His character’s narrative acts as a juxtaposition with Ben’s, analyzing marriage, love and relationship in an insightful and humorous way. The rest of the cast also deliver strong performances, adding depth and complexity to the intricacies of love and relationship depicted in the movie.

The story that unfolds in Plus One is deeply heartfelt. It brilliantly navigates alternating currents of comedy and drama to deliver a movie that is funny, relatable and moving at the same time. It brings to light the anxieties, insecurities, hopes and dreams that come with the search for love. The film also explores themes like commitment, expectations, friendship, societal pressures, and the idea of a 'perfect' partner. The movie manages to take a genuine look at these topics instead of hiding them behind a veil of comedy.

A unique aspect of Plus One is its sharp and witty dialogue. The performances of Quaid and Erskine are accentuated by the strong writing. With a poignant blend of humor and emotion, the dialogue lends authenticity to the characters while enhancing the film’s overall narrative arc. The script effortlessly intensifies the emotive power of Plus One by delving into the human aspects of its characters, making them seem real, flawed and therefore, more relatable.

The cinematography, music and aesthetics of Plus One pair elegantly with its central theme of weddings, giving us visually stunning scenes which immerse the audience in the narrative. Each wedding that Ben and Alice attend is unique and diverse, providing a delightful backdrop to the unfolding story. The film’s pacing is on point, ensuring the plot never loses its appeal, with each scene contributing to the overall arc.

In conclusion, Plus One is an engaging blend of comedy and romance that stays true to its genre while offering a fresh take on the nature of relationships in the modern world. With a brilliant cast, relatable characters, witty writing and enjoyable pacing, Plus One presents a delightful viewing experience that deftly balances humor with touching moments of real-world relationship issues. Its authentic handling of themes like friendship, love and commitment sets it apart as a romantic comedy that's not just about the laughs but is also about shared human experiences. Whether you're a lover of the genre or starting out as a viewer, Plus One is a movie you would love to add to your list.