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Your Friends and Neighbors: A Review
The midlife crisis narrative, often characterized as a cinematic exploration of white dissatisfaction, has traditionally occupied a notable space in film. Classics such as Fight Club, American Beauty, and Lost in Translation have portrayed the ennui of financially stable men grappling with existential discontent. While these films certainly have their merits, a growing sense of skepticism accompanies this storytelling as it can often verge on redundancy. This skepticism informs my response to the new Apple TV+ series Your Friends and Neighbors, which struggles to present new insights within a familiar framework.
Nonetheless, it is essential to acknowledge the series’ commendable elements. The casting is exemplary, the production quality is high, and the narrative unfolds in engaging ways. The characters display intriguing complexity, and the occasional nod to classic film noir adds an interesting layer to the story. However, if you’ve encountered similar plots before, particularly those centered around self-absorbed individuals in privileged circumstances lamenting their lives, Your Friends and Neighbors may feel repetitive.
Jon Hamm’s Role as Andrew Cooper
Jon Hamm showcases his comedic and dramatic talents in the role of Andrew Cooper. His portrayal of a once-successful man grappling with his fading charm and competence resonates well, fitting into a typecast that highlights both his strengths and vulnerabilities. Hamm’s previous roles in Mad Men and The Morning Show display this facet of his acting, and he continues to explore this theme in Your Friends and Neighbors.
Initially presented post-disaster, Andrew finds himself grappling with the aftermath of his wife, Mel, having an affair with his friend, Nick. This turn of events has left him economically and emotionally drained, introducing themes that resonate within certain cultural critiques. Throughout the series, Andrew’s character reflects a common sentiment found in narratives concerning middle-aged men navigating issues of loss and entitlement in contemporary society.
As the story unfolds, Andrew’s preservation of pride prevents him from communicating his struggles with those around him. He refrains from revealing his job loss to Mel, who persists in her financial demands under the misconception he remains financially secure. Adding to the tangled web is Sam, another character in turmoil, who complicates Andrew’s life further with her own needs. Although the series leans into familiar tropes of resentment and gender dynamics, it gradually develops some female characters into more robust figures, enhancing the narrative depth.
The Descent into Crime
Andrew’s pride and desperation culminate in a troubling moral decline when he resorts to theft, stealing valuables from friends who maintain their lavish lifestyles while he struggles. This descent into crime serves as a pivotal moment in the series, ultimately raising questions around privilege and integrity. The introduction of characters like a shady pawnbroker adds an element of danger and tension, propelling Andrew into unexpected and precarious situations.
Reception of the Show’s Aesthetic
The plot, while rife with dramatic turns, does occasionally veer into implausibility, with certain narrative developments feeling forced or unrealistic. However, these aspects also contribute to the show’s unique charm. It exhibits a flair for exaggeration, typified by moments such as Andrew’s audacious theft of an expensive bottle of wine, which he then unwittingly brings to a social gathering. Such clumsiness does not undermine the overall production quality; rather, it reaffirms the genre’s often exaggerated portrayal of life’s absurdities.
While the series may not rank among the most sophisticated depictions of a midlife crisis, its solid execution and familiar themes create a compelling, if predictable, viewing experience. In the end, Your Friends and Neighbors stands as a noteworthy addition to the genre, resonating with audiences familiar with the emotional landscapes portrayed in past films.
Source
movieweb.com