Graduating from college often leaves you with a few guarantees: a
damaged liver, a twenty-year student loan payback system, and an unbreakable
bond with a select group of people. These people, or “friends”, should
encourage you through the rest of your life, long after the college exams and
parties are over. However, what happens when life gets in the way and the
friendship begins to break down? “About Alex” tests the friendship between a
group of adults years after their university convocation.
Alex (Jason Ritter) attempts suicide after a downward spiral of
unsuccessful acting gigs and broken bonds with his university pals. After
hearing news, the gang heads up to Alex’s home for the weekend to keep watch
and reminisce about the simpler times. Seeing each other for the first time in
years brings up old feelings and the group is forced to grow and apologize for
their naïve mistakes. Starring Aubrey Plaza, Nate Parker, Maggie Grace, Max
Greenfield, Max Minghella, and Jane Levy, the film uses dark humor to address
this lifelong test of friendship.
“There are no sides. Let’s just let this be about Alex.”
Before the film even started, a moment needed to be taken for the
casting director. Not only was this feature stacked with several talented,
hilarious actors, but also their character portrayals were noteworthy. The
actors embodied their characters, appearing more authentic and truthful in
every scene. Plus their age range suited the plot, suggesting eight years past
college with their semi-stable adult lives overcrowding their old friendships. All
matched up too well, the cast killed every take and delivered a nearly flawless
performance.
Considering their long awaited reunion was centered around the
suicide attempt of their beloved friend Alex, you would expect there to be more
references and discussion on the topic. Although the writing was well done,
delivering the heavy subject with dark humor, the movie barely discussed Alex’s
attempt besides a failed discussion between the group. Too awkward?
Uncomfortable? Maybe. However, it seems unbelievable that travelling across the
country for a friend’s suicide attempt to end in a half decent argument about
the matter. The writers probably needed an event to pull everyone together. In
the future, they should probably dwell on the problem instead of starting new
ones.
“… There is not a plus one to a friend’s suicide, bar mitzvah thing!”
The film posed a great question though: do we ever outgrow our
university friends? We go through various friendships throughout our
educational years, but after establishing who you are and what you plan on
doing, you would expect your university friends to always be there. Graduation,
moving, and job opportunities put stress on these relationships, but will they
crumble like the middle school friendships we once had? It was a heavy topic to
take on and it was well executed throughout the film. Sometimes life gets in
the way and we get lost in the rhythm of our own lives and “About Alex” reminds
us that the people you cherish will always be there, at your highest and lowest
moments.
Using snarky remarks and deadpan jokes, “About Alex” was a great
portrayal of post-college friendships and the love shared throughout the years.
Even though the film dodges its main premise, it makes up for its flaws with an
outstanding cast and authentic screenplay. A film most enjoyed with a close
group of friends, “About Alex” is a testament to friendship, acceptance, and
love.
Rating: 8/10
Check out the original review on WeEatFilms.com
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