Drinking Buddies (2013)

Directed by: Joe Swanberg
Country: USA

Review: “Drinking Buddies” is a low-key rom-com directed by Joe Swanberg. The 32-year-old helmer from Detroit also appears as screenwriter, producer, actor, and editor. The story is about two co-workers, Kate (Olivia Wilde) and Luke (Jake Johnson), who really get along and whose physical attraction grows day by day. Both are already committed, but that should not be a problem because (guess what?) their partners, Jill (Anna Kendrick) and Chris (Ron Livingston), also showed to be attracted for each other. This slow-burning drama came labeled as comedy, yet I found very few real funny situations along the way. Furthermore, the story was totally predictable since its first moments, presenting minor surprises that weren’t sufficient to make me absorbed in what was going on into those couples’ lives. Sometimes it got close to those TV series, in which we can guess immediately the conclusions. The performances, not so inspired or compelling, had its share of responsibility in making the film uneventful. My advise here is: if you are an enthusiast of romantic films, go for it; otherwise don’t bother because “Drinking Buddies” is just another film that doesn’t stand out in any particular aspect.