Review of Ruby Sparks (2012) by Compi24 — 19 Oct 2020

Definitely more of a fascinating thought experiment than it is a satisfying romantic comedy, "Ruby Sparks" finds Zoe Kazan at her most metaphysically flexible, filling both the role of screenwriter and titular performer in a movie about an author whose creation literally blinks off the page and into corporeality.

Add in the fact that Kazan's real life partner, Paul Dano, occupies the role of the aforementioned writer and you've got yourself the potential for a real mind-bender. In reality, though, "Ruby Sparks" ends up playing things rather safely, focusing heavily on the ethical dilemma at hand and how the protagonist's neuroses revolve around, effect and even change in relation to it.

This approach is ultimately to the film's benefit, with Dano and Kazan's performances really anchoring the drama and philosophical urgency running throughout the narrative. Not a bad experience by any stretch.