Review of Laggies (2014) by Cody F — 20 Mar 2016

A woman in her later twenties is in a lengthy quarter life crisis. She avoids looking for a career and leans on her parents, friends and boyfriends until they pressure her to find a path in life. It takes most of the movie to understand this character played wonderfully by Keira Knightly.

The character is easy to like because sweet and fun loving, but she has the major flaws that are so apparent to her family friends. When she no longer relates to the people around her, she flees everything.

While running away she befriends a typical slightly rebellious high school girl played by Chole Grace Moretz. She sees herself and her friends when she was happy as a teenager when she is around the high school girl.

It is an unorthodox friendship, but it is sweet. Both the woman and teenager grow and gain perspective from their friendship, but the girl's divorced father takes an interest in his daughter's older friend.

The plot is constantly unfolding in unexpected ways with the irrational decisions Knightly's character makes. Splashes of humor, touching realizations, and moments of rewarding character growth keep the loose story moving well.

Even if the main character is reckless, a bit selfish and lost Knightly plays the part in a way that we come to understand her and sympathize with her. The talented cast is particularly good. I enjoy seeing this fun lighter side of Keira Knightly, but she still plays a part with complexity and a serious side.

She handles it so well. Chloe Grace Moretz, Sam Rockwell, Mark Webber, Jeff Garland and Ellie Kemper are superb as well. This is a strong pick slipping in under the radar. It is touching without being insultingly dumb or plagued by clichés.

It is messy, complicated, and meandering, but overall beautiful, much like life can be for a confused dreamer floating through their twenties.