The Argument

The Argument is a 2020 comedic drama directed by Robert Schwartzman, featuring renowned actors such as Dan Fogler, Danny Pudi, Emma Bell, Maggie Q, and Cleopatra Coleman. The story resides in the gray area between reality and absurdity, deeply rooted in the complications of human relations and miscommunications. The film innovatively deals with the concept of argument, time, and the elusive nature of truth, turning a simple disagreement into a hilarious, spiral loop of confusion, engagement, and absurdity.

The film unfolds in an interesting manner as it features a peculiar narrative structure, and an intricate fusion of the dramatic, comedic, and the surreal. The primary plot revolves around a passionate couple, Jack (Fogler) and Lisa (Bell), who host a get-together at their Los Angeles home. They invite their close friends - Paul (Pudi), Trina (Maggie Q), and Sarah (Cleopatra Coleman) and after enjoying an evening of lighthearted dinner party merriment, things take an unexpected twist as a contentious exchange arises between the couple.

The genesis of their bickering reflects a common theme of miscommunication and differing perceptions. Jack takes issue with Lisa's flirtatious behavior around their friend, Paul. This seemingly light disagreement escalates into a full-blown argument, leading to a confusing and uproarious series of events that involve all the attendees. Their friends become involuntary participants, then judges, and finally, invested parties in the ongoing debacle. This sets the stage for the rest of the movie, where their differences cannot be settled resulting in the repetition of the same evening, over and over again.

Stuck in a tautological time-loop of absurd proportions, they decide to relive the same evening repeatedly until they can determine the root cause of the argument. Each night they play their parts with increasing fervor in an attempt to judge who was right or wrong. The conflict heightens with each repetition as everyone recreates the evening putting all their efforts into their escalating performances. As lines blur between the real and unreal, their motives oscillate from truth-seeking to self-serving, and their identities begin to merge with their repeated personae, creating an interesting paradox.

While the film unravels in a light-hearted and often slapstick manner, it subtly illuminates the natural inclination of humans to be right and the lengths one can go to prove their point. The portrayal of these everyday characters in such an extraordinary situation allows a humorous exploration of human tendencies, personal insecurities, and the complexity of relationships. At its heart, the film explores how arguments can often be less about an issue and more about ego, perspective, and misunderstanding - themes that will resonate with many viewers.

Fogler, known for his performances in comedic operas, effortlessly leads the ensemble cast with his distinctive energy and charm. Bell delivers an eloquent performance as Lisa, embodying the often misinterpreted and misunderstood woman in a heated discussion. Pudi brings his unique quirks, best known from his performance in "Community," to his portrayal of Paul, subtly adding nuanced layers to the escalating aspiration of the film.

Beyond the engaging screenplay and brilliant performances, The Argument stands out for its innovative set design and cinematography. The film cleverly uses the limited settings of an LA apartment, transforming it into a claustrophobic stage that serves as a battleground for disagreement. The dynamic camerawork amplifies the emotional tension and the escalating absurdity, making the viewers feel as though they are part of this looping soiree.

The Argument serves up a break from conventional storytelling and melodrama, presenting itself as a riveting exploration of subjective reality, arguments, and the subjective human ego. It is a movie that appeals to all who have experienced the whirlwind of a heated argument and the sometimes comedy that can come in the aftermath. With its insightful scripting and innovative filmmaking, The Argument is much more than a comical sequence of repeated events - it's a clever, refreshing, and unexpected cinematic experience.