Performances are relaxed and authentic, never trying to punch the drama while letting comedy punchlines land softly. Davidson is likeably hapless, even when he's having a spirited reaction to someone. His friendships are realistically messy, as are his connections with his family. And there's an engaging arc to his journey. Tomei is terrific as Scott's grounded, funny mother. And Burr is the other standout, as a man with his own flaws who reluctantly, almost accidentally, reaches out to help Scott.

The film's gently loping pace is somewhat aimless, as nothing much happens for well over an hour before a series of events forces Scott to do something. The micro-drama is involving, not because the film is particularly amusing but because it's recognisably real. So when it begins to turn surprisingly sweet in the final act, there's a sense that the story has earned the sentiment. It's a lovely, loose look at a slacker working out who he is, and with some severe editing it might have been a classic.

themes, language, sexuality, violence

13.Jun.20

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