While there are some elements of predictability in Seeking a Friend at the End of the World, the details and sentiment shines through beautifully. There was a certain grace about the film, not in the somewhat forced love story, but the general compassion to each and every character, no matter what little screen time they have. The result is a pleasant and sentimental movie that doesn’t feel gimmicky.
The film takes place about three weeks before a giant astroid is set to collide with Earth, killing everything and everyone. To the credit of writer/director Lorene Scafaria, the typical pre-apocalyptic fanfare isn’t just sex, drugs and drinking (although there are some great moments of that). It was sincere in the way that some people just continue on with their lives to the very end; lawns are still mowed and checks are still paid. It was these little moments that were the heart of the film, holding up what otherwise would be one of those manic pixie dream girl opening the closed off guy genres.
Sure, that may turn you guys off a bit. I get it. But tonally the film hits in the same ballpark as Stranger than Fiction and (500) Days of Summer. Even though there are moments you see coming, and plenty of borderline corny changes of events, you still find yourself emotionally invested in the journey. It’s comforting and never panders to the audience. It’s most certainly demonstrative, which is welcome in the general forced schlock of the genre
Like Stranger Than Fiction’s more serious Will Ferrell, Steve Carell pulls off the blank stare of existential crisis well, but it’s Kiera Knightely that impressed me the most. Her character of Penny definitely hits the aforementioned manic pixie trope, but she walks the fine line of annoying and charming very, very well.
While I wouldn't say that this is the movie is THE movie to see before the end of the world, it's still something that's worth a shot if you're in the sweet but not cheesy mood.
SumOlogy: Additionally, Connie Britton's performance alone is enough to see this movie.
Side note for the parents and such: This is a very soft R. The subject material is naturally dark, but in no way did I see this is rated so strictly. I'd say 14+ is safe.
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