The Get Together

The Get Together is an American comedic drama film from 2020 that centers around a single night at a house party in Austin, Texas. The film masterfully intertwines an ensemble of complex characters and showcases the artfully constructed comedy with an undercurrent of humanistic drama. Director Will Bakke expertly introduces and allows us the pleasure of time with characters played by Alejandro Rose-Garcia, Johanna Braddy, Jacob Artist, and a talented supporting cast.

The movie revolves around three distinct but interconnected narratives. The first is that of Augustine (Alejandro Rose-Garcia), who is returning to his hometown for the weekend with a mission to convince his high school sweetheart, Sherry, that they're meant for each other. The second perspective follows the story of Betsy (Johanna Braddy), a second-year accountant who’s questioning both her career and her boyfriend. Lastly, we dive into the night of Damien (Jacob Artist), a college graduate whose post-graduate life chronic existential crisis leads him back to the town where he grew up.

With this night being a focal point of the film, it offers an array of experiences, providing the characters with revelations about themselves, life, and their relationships. The comedy-drama has a unique way of drawing the viewer into its entangled web of stories that interweave seamlessly, underlining the complex and often hilarious truths about the quarter-life crisis stage.

The Get Together begins with a familiar setting—a house party, but quickly expands to a night that has implications far beyond the usual revelry and hangovers. Through introspective conversations and shared experiences, the audience is taken on a fun-filled, emotional, and ultimately transformative journey from the energetic heart-beat of Austin.

Alejandro Rose-Garcia plays Augustine, who radiates charisma and a naive kind of hope. His portrayal of the lingering feeling of first love and the idea of 'the one that got away' resonates with many viewers. Johanna Braddy is captivating as Betsy. Her character beautifully captures the classic quarter-life crisis. The uncertainty about career and relationships, the looming idea of adulthood, and the task of figuring everything out is relatable on many levels. Jacob Artist as Damien presents a calm and collected character struggling with postgraduate limbo—neither a student nor fully launched into real-life adulting.

The Get Together, through the lives of Augustine, Betsy, and Damien, holds a mirror up to the audience, indirectly asking them to confront their worries, expectations, and the reality of life. The film does not shy away from showing that life is messy, and things often don't go as planned, yet there's a charm in the unexpected.

Director Will Bakke and his team's work on The Get Together are laudable for the film's ability to keep the audience engaged throughout. The storyline is full of surprises, with scenes flowing naturally and blending well with the overall narrative. The film's utilization of its location, Austin, is phenomenal. Beyond just being a backdrop, the city's character and vibe become an essential part of the movie, highlighting the city's distinctive music, culture, and charm.

The screenplay by Michael B. Allen and Will Bakke is both genuine and refreshing. The film’s dialogue is crisp, edgy, and imbued with a laid-back humor perfectly suitable for the setting. The banter between characters is effortlessly natural, making them relatable and engaging. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, keeping the audience grounded in each unfolding moment, while successfully ensuring the multiple narratives don't become convoluted.

Although there's much humor packed into its runtime, The Get Together isn't simply a comedy. The underlying questions each character has to face about life, love, and their futures bring in an introspective angle that can't be ignored. This amalgam of laughter and personal growth is what sets The Get Together apart as more than just another house-party movie.

Whether you're looking for a lighthearted comedy, a touch of drama, or something that makes you reminisce about your own experiences, The Get Together might just be the film for you. Its exploration of relatable life phases, twined with humor and introspection, makes it a delightful watch for anyone seeking a thoughtful, engaging film.