Review of The Overnight (2015) by Ian H — 24 Oct 2015

A wickedly dark, raunchy comedy that probes the dissatisfaction, boredom, doubts, and unfulfilled curiosities that lie underneath the skin of committed relationships, and pointedly exposes the fleshy heart of male insecurity and the fragile, needy ego that sustains it.

Although the film presents a classicly structured and neatly framed narrative taking place within the classic unity of time during a 24-period in LA, The Overnight is certainly less than conventional or orthodox. A small ensemble cast filled out by Adam Scott, Jason Schwartzman, Taylor Schilling, and Judith Godrèche show great comedic chemistry as they all awkwardly and hilariously edge along the precipice of an abyss that the plot barrels toward but never quite takes the plunge. The ending may be frustratingly unsatisfying to some, but it is par for the course and serves well to drive home its overarching themes.