MPAA Rating: R
Directors: Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass
Film Pulse Score: 7.5/10
The brothers Duplass appear to be exploding onto the indie scene right now, and Jeff, Who Lives at Home is their latest, and strongest film to date. If you are unfamiliar with the name Duplass, you may be familiar with some of their previous endeavors including The Puffy Chair, Baghead, and Cyrus. You would also probably recognize Mark Duplass from the FX show The League. Pioneering the mumblecore genre of indie film, the Duplass brothers’ latest offering is both heart-warming and funny.
The film stars Jason Segel as Jeff, a pot smoking 30 year old, who still lives in his mother’s basement. He has little direction in life, and heavily believes in the concept that fate will guide him in the right path. His life mantra is basically centered around the M. Night Shyamalan film Signs. Jeff’s mother, played by Susan Sarandon, and brother, played by Ed Helms, are left with the task of taking care of Jeff, however they are also dealing with difficult life situations of their own.
And that’s truly where the heart of this movie comes into play. Each of the three main characters are at a crossroads in their lives, and although the obstacles may be different, be it a widow’s loneliness, a crumbling marriage, or a life being wasted away, the bonds of family and fate will help them through.
Jeff, Who Lives at Home has a very similar style to the Duplass brothers’ last film, Cyrus, in both cinematography and overall tone. Like all mumblecore movies, the camerawork can be intentionally sloppy, and the use of quick zoom-ins are abundant throughout. While the low-budget look isn’t for everyone, I quite enjoy films that employ this style.
While not as funny as Cyrus, Jeff, Who Lives at Home is still a superior film. It’s more grounded, and will certainly speak to a wider array of viewers. The theme is deeper than that of Cyrus, and the characters are much more likable.
Unfortunately, one of the only issues that the film has, is that it sacrifices much of the comedy aspect in favor of more tender, heartwarming moments. While this isn’t necessarily a problem, some may be disappointed that it isn’t hysterical.
Funny, genuine, and ultimately uplifting, Jeff, Who Lives at Home stands alongside those special comedies that have the ability to make us laugh, think, and generally feel good about life. Even if you aren’t a believer in fate, you will still appreciate this film for it’s great performances and charming storytelling.
