Review of Juliet, Naked (2018) by Kenr — 28 Feb 2020

Sure are a lot of mixed reactions to this movie, it’s an odd mixture of romantic comedy and failed relationships set in the 60s. It’s as sad as it’s funny and hardly as family-friendly as some would have us think. The script is peppered with a non-stop barrage of needless four letter words - while this doesn’t seem to bother some modern audiences, it still limits the movie’s audience in some situations. Maybe certain writers have forgotten the adage; “Discretion of speech is more than eloquence” (words still matter) - why limit your audience capacity for the simple sake of being trendy? Not everyone talks like hip-hop-rap artists or Hollywood production types and besides, it was less prevalent in the 60s. The script is also very much in the PC gender style of ‘let’s include everyone’ - designed to represent just about all ‘types’ – it’s long been established that attempting to please everyone is perhaps a sure formula for failure - but that’s now the new ‘normal’ for better or worse in ‘entertainment’ terms.

Largely, the whole show is carried by the natural, easy to like personality of Rose Byrne (sporting a cute ‘English’ accent) though she does get able support from her international co-stars. The youths are equally impressive especially young Azhy Robertson giving a warm, natural performance as Jackson. The soundtrack features many pop songs from the 60s, and up, to accompany certain linking scenes and while this device has also become a cliché, the selections are used to the best advantage in this case. Nice English locations keep it easy on the eye.

Certainly won’t suit everyone but has a few relatable human failings and a sprinkle of warmth (and delightful Rose Byrne!) to keep it afloat and above average of its type. Pity about all the F...s .along the way.