What Happened Last Night

What Happened Last Night is a delightful, humorous, and relatable American romantic comedy directed by Candice T. Cain in 2016. Cain does a commendable job providing an accurate portrayal of college life and young adults making their way through relationship drama. The film, filled with humor and charm, delivers witty dialogue that resonates with the audience more than just at face value. The screenplay and execution of the film feel youthful and refreshing, making the film immensely enjoyable from beginning to end.

The film stars charismatic and youthful actors Clayton Snyder, Alix Kermes, and Mary Beth Kraese. Snyder and Kermes are met with challenging roles that they successfully bring to life with high energy and wickedly charming performances. Their on-screen chemistry is evident and shapes much of the movie's narrative. Kraese delivers an equally impressive performance, adding a distinct flavor to the ensemble cast.

What Happened Last Night tells the gripping story of two college students, Sarah Miller, played by Alix Kermes, and Danny Barker, portrayed by Clayton Snyder, who wake up one morning in a double bed without any recollection from the previous night’s events. Both have difficulties unraveling the mystery of what happened since they both, after a wild night of partying, get black out drunk at a backyard college party. They begin to panic as they find themselves waking up next to each other and can't remember anything about the night before.

As opposed to relying on clichéd rom-com tactics, the movie takes you on a journey as these two individuals struggle to piece together the details from the night before, all while juggling the demands of college life and the expectations of their friends. Their friends' explanations only deepen the mystery and confusion about their relationship status, which further elevates the humor and adds another layer to the plot.

Mary Beth Kraese, who plays ‘Erica,’ deviously and expertly brings the much-needed antagonist role and directly influences the dynamics between Sarah and Danny. The story of Sarah and Danny is sizable, but it isn't the only love story that makes up the film's overall comedy, charm, and sincerity. The film also follows the romantic misadventures of their respective roommates which complements the main narrative and provides a broader, entertaining view of college life.

This film brilliantly exemplifies university life and the comedic yet life-altering consequences that can spring from simply partying too hard. It portrays a captivating, hilarious, yet realistic picture of the trials and tribulations that young adults often experience as they navigate the complexities of college life. The film's portrayal of the young characters' dynamic lives is made even more relatable with tongue-in-cheek remarks about to-day experiences, witty pandemic retorts, and a carefully curated playlist that further drives the narrative.

The backdrop of New York further enhances the youthful ambiance of the film. The energized party scenes, the settings of a bustling college life, and the great soundtrack all enhance the viewer's impression of time and place. The movie scores exceptionally high in the cinematography department. Director Candice Cain and Director of Photography Michael Lucas have done a fantastic job in capturing the vibrant color, energy, and ambiance of young individuals enjoying their college years.

Balanced perfectly between story phases and tones, What Happened Last Night embraces its genre with a fresh look at college friendships, relationships, and the tricky navigation around misadventures, making it an authentically humorous film. The movie manages to cover interesting topics such as friendship, youthful irresponsibility, and romance, all while maintaining its light and funny nature, which sets it apart as a refreshing watch.

In all, What Happened Last Night is an entertaining and lighthearted exploration of college life and romance, with a tinge of mystery from the protagonists' quest to rediscover their missed connections. This movie is a must-watch for viewers keen on romantic comedy and films depicting young adult life in a funny and realistic way.