Review of The Pretty One (2014) by Joey S — 30 Jul 2013

Although it feels a little predictable at times, The Pretty One is actually a great romantic comedy and another showcase of Zoe Kazan's fantastic acting. Kazan plays both Audrey and Laurel, identical twin sisters who otherwise have little in common.

Audrey is (wait for it) the pretty one. She's confident and a little shallow, while Laurel is kind-hearted and quirky but also awkward and shy. Laurel is the protagonist, and after a tragic accident she assumes the role of her more popular sister Audrey by pretending to be her.

It's not exactly a freaky Friday situation (it's a bit darker than that) but it stems from a similar idea. Jake Johnson of The New Girl fame also co-stars as Basel, who is Audrey's neighbor and Laurel's love interest.

If the plot sounds a little typical of an indie comedy, that's because it is typical to a degree. The only two characters with much depth are Laurel and Basel, and they fit quite neatly into indie movie stereotypes.

What the movie has going for it though is a great sense of humor and good performances from Zoe Kazan and Jake Johnson. The movie's surprisingly dark premise could have been depressing and heavy, but instead it actually has a funny and enjoyable feel to it thanks to a script that manages to be funny without trying too hard to get laughs.

For the most part it's not funny in a laugh-so-hard-you-cry way, but rather just consistently amusing and chuckle worthy. I had only seen Kazan in Ruby Sparks prior to watching this movie, but just based on these two movies I can tell she's an amazingly talented actress who is destined to be either a wildly successful writer (she wrote and starred in Ruby Sparks) or a wildly successful actress.

Either way she's destined for great things. The Pretty One isn't the kind of movie that screams originality, but it's overflowing with warmth and subtle humor, so much so that its familiarity can be forgiven.

Come for the Zoe Kazan, stay for the indie charm (and the Zoe Kazan).