Undateable John

Undateable John, a 2019 drama-comedy, presents a unique blend of romance, self-discovery and the importance of making connections. It delicately balances its narrative between moments of breath-taking tenderness and sharp, raw humor. Directed by Demian Lichtenstein, this spirited indie flick offers a distinctive cinematic experience with captivating performances from John Philbin, Estella Warren, and Tom Arnold.

The film unfolds from the perspective of perennially single, John Philbin, who plays the dark and complex lead character John. He is an endearing misfit who is irreverent, wildly free-spirited, and yet, as the title suggests, seemingly unlovable. John is a passionate surfer fighting his demons and a seemingly never-ending battle with substance abuse. His struggle is highlighted not just through the character's substance dependency, but also his grim determination to stay clean and win back his life.

As John navigates painstakingly through his recovery journey, he attends self-help groups, where he meets the gorgeous Estella Warren, playing the character 'Aurelia'. Aurelia is a free-spirited yoga instructor with her own set of issues; she is a breath of fresh air and a chaotic storm all rolled into one. She's a woman searching for her own authentic self, amidst a messy divorce and life's trials which she's trying to circumnavigate.

John's and Aurelia’s worlds intersect, and what begins as a charming yet awkward friendship slowly grows into a passionate romance. Together, they become a mirror to each other's weaknesses and strengths, as they strive to overcome their respective struggles. Their ardent yet tumultuous relationship forms the crux of the narrative, providing moments of bittersweet beauty.

Throw into the mix is a hilarious but concerned Tom Arnold, who plays the role of 'Howard'. His character serves as an unexpected link between John and Aurelia, forging a strange threesome that bickers, cares, and supports each other in unusual ways. Howard, with his outrageous sense of humor, plays both the comic relief and the voice of reason, challenging John's and Aurelia’s perspectives and pushing them to confront their fears. The dynamics between all three leads lend an inimitable vibe to this movie, as they try to maneuver the complexities of their relationships, idiosyncrasies and everything else life throws at them.

What sets Undateable John apart are its refreshingly complex characters. Their flaws, their sobriety struggles, their attempts at normalcy, and their idiosyncratic humor make them human and relatable. The film carries a powerful message about owning up to one's flaws, confronting one's past, and striving for a better future, all whilst remembering to laugh at the idiosyncrasies of life.

The performances by the lead trio are commendable. John Philbin, known for his role in "The Returned," turns in a wonderfully nuanced performance. His portrayal of John's vulnerability and determination to recover elicit both sympathy and admiration. Estella Warren portrays Aurelia with an engaging charm, capturing the turmoil of her character beautifully. Her onscreen chemistry with Philbin is palpable, making their unusual relationship believable. Tom Arnold rounds off the trio with his natural comedic talent, infusing his character with a unique blend of hilarity and sincerity.

Coupled with Greg Gardiner's brilliant cinematography that wonderfully captures the vibrant, sprawling landscape of California and Mathu Subramanian's emotive music, the film creates a richly immersive atmosphere. Director Lichtenstein strikes a golden balance between character-driven drama and light-hearted comedy, ensuring that the movie retains its engaging and relatable soul.

In a nutshell, Undateable John is a poignant portrayal of life, love, recovery, and self-discovery, laced with earnest performances and a healthy dose of humor. It undeniably has a heart that arguably makes it one of 2019's most beguiling indie comedies. Indeed, it's not merely about being 'dateable' or 'undateable'; it's about finding love, strength, and acceptance in the most unusual places, reminding us that redemption is always within our grasp, no matter how flawed or 'undateable' we may perceive ourselves to be.