Directed by Dave Franco, Somebody I Used To Know is rom-com co-written by Alison Brie and Dave Franco and stars Alison Brie as the films lead and co-stars Jay Ellis and Kiersey Clemons.
Hard working television producer Ally (Alison Brie) doesn’t know what to do with herself after her TV show isn’t renewed for a new season, so she decides to take some long awaited time off and visit her hometown.
While at a local bar she runs into her ex-boyfriend Sean (Jay Ellis) and they spend the night catching up while going to popular landmarks in their hometown. Ally begins to question if this is a sign that she and Sean should get back together and things become complicated when Ally finds out that Sean is engaged to Cassidy (Kiersey Clemons). Things get even worse when Sean’s family demand that Ally be the videographer for the wedding. The story goes into an even further whirlwind still as Ally believes that her and Sean are meant to be together, but she begins to form a bond with Cassidy who reminds Ally of herself.
My first thought while watching this film is that the plot is nothing new and in fact sounded like numerous other films. However, I was pleasantly surprised that while the story is nothing new, it does have its own personality. It was also refreshing to watch a rom-com where all of the characters are flawed and are not very likable as opposed to your standard rom-com where I feel it is usually the opposite.
I also liked the film’s small-town feel. Even though it is set in America, I think we have all been to a small town more than once that doesn’t really change no matter how long it has been between visits. So, I believe the person that found that location did a wonderful job of finding a place that you can relate to.
When Ally returns to her hometown, she stays with her mum and her bedroom seems very typical of someone who would have had aspirations to work in film or television as her bedroom walls included posters of Cult Films such as Dazed and Confused and American Movie, which I noticed as I am a fan of those films and I am aware of the cult status that those films have. I also want to acknowledge the set designer for including them as part of the set.
Alison Brie carries the film as the lead actress and provides plenty of laughs as Ally, and even though her character is going through a hard time, she still has a sense of fun that makes you want to like her. But because she is trying to end Sean and Cassidy’s engagement, you can’t help but feel conflicted about whether you really like her or not.
Alison Brie also proves that she has more to offer than just being funny, as she also shows off her dramatic side during the more emotional parts of the film. As much as Alison Brie leads the film, I would like to give a special mention to Haley Joel Osment. His character Jeremy is only featured a couple of times throughout the film’s entirety, but in every shot he is in, he will make you laugh and be the highlight of the scene. A huge credit to his acting and his talents, considering he made a small role so memorable.
Somebody I Used To Know is a film that may look and feel familiar but don’t let that put you off. It has its own identity, its own voice, and it is unconventional enough that it can stand on its own among other rom-coms.
Somebody I Used To Know is streaming on Amazon Prime Video now.