Over the years we’ve had quite a few sex comedies hit movie theaters, some that are quite memorable. BOB & CAROL & TED & ALICE comes to mind, or multiple Woody Allen comedies from the late 1970s and early 80s. It seems like every few years we get another film that falls into that mold, and in some rare instances they find a way to stand out and really make an impression. The latest to make this attempt is THE OVERNIGHT, and we feel it’s already destined to become a classic.
Alex (Adam Scott) and Emily (Taylor Schilling) and their son RJ (R.J. Hermes) are new to Los Angeles, trying to fit in but finding the town’s reception to be closed off or just odd. One day in the park they meet Kurt (Jason Schwartzman) and Charlotte (Judith Godrèche) and their son Max (Max Moritt). The couple seems a little strange, but after a friendly exchange they group decide to have an overnight playdate for the kids, which of course leads to the adults spending the evening together as well. Once the boys are asleep, things begin to unwind, alcohol begins to flow, and these two couples start to discover things about each other. Alex finds out Kurt does giant paintings of buttholes (yes, buttholes), and Emily learns Charlotte has some weird secret sexual activities. The more the curtain is pulled back, Alex and Emily seem to be equal parts repulsed and intrigued… and of course their own weaknesses start coming to light as well.
If you’ve never spent any time around people who have lived in L.A. for many years, the idea of Kurt and Charlotte may seem exaggerated at first, but there’s a very real quality in their behavior that I immediately appreciated, especially as someone who frequently visits the City of Angels. What’s great about this couple is that every ounce of their weirdness is parallel to their own insecurities and dark secrets. We all have character flaws that we hide behind our public persona, hoping to fool others into thinking we’re as normal as can be. And at its core that’s exactly what THE OVERNIGHT is about, the difference of who we are versus who we pretend to be. There’s no big story to be told here, no standard start to finish script, more of a character study looking at four people and how they deal with each other. In many ways it feels like a adult-themed play, almost all in one location, and balance between four primary players. Writer/director Patrick Brice crafts an interesting dynamic with these two couples, finding a way to keep the audience interested and engaged without ever once pandering or resorting to cheap outcomes. Even when you think you’ve got things figured out, the script moves in an unexpected direction that shows you this isn’t going to play out in any sort of traditional manner.
Adam Scott and Jason Schwartzman, two actors who are usually seen in comedic roles, turn in phenomenal and fearless performances as Alex and Kurt. There are certainly funny moments between the two of them, but it’s the dramatic exchanges that really impress and solidify just how brilliant it was to cast them in these parts. Taylor Schilling, who is already wowing audiences in ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, plays a more observational role here. She is the eyes of the audience, witnessing and reacting honestly to the strange things happening before her. It’s a delicate task as she never get to overplay a scene, but rather has to keep her reactions controlled and believable, much the way most of us would be in these same circumstances. Judith Godrèche is also excellent as the quieter but equally bizarre half of the L.A. couple, evoking an even more mysterious and uncertain past for her character. Patrick Brice mentioned that in France she’s known for comedic roles, so seeing her excel in a dramatic part like this is perhaps even more impressive as a result. To put is simply, the casting is inspired and absolutely perfect considering the material. In the hands of bigger actors or maybe even more “fitting” names, this script may not have worked at all, but with these four it feels just right.
Make no mistake, this is an “adult” comedy, not for sensitive ears or eyes, but if you’re in the right mindset it’s highly entertaining. THE OVERNIGHT in many ways is the modern day answer to the old fashioned sex comedy, or at least the next logical step to take it to. It’s also a film worth seeing with an audience, if only to feed off the energy and reactions they’ll undoubtedly have.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
