The Boy Downstairs is like Woody Allen writing Instagram motivational quotes
Romcoms don't need much to go on, but what they usually have up their sleeves are some lovable characters and belly laughs — for me, this had neither, writes Jamie East
DIANA (Girls star Zosia Mamet) is a novelist who returns to Brooklyn after a few years in London only to discover her ex Ben (Matthew Shear) living in the apartment below.
We learn of their previous relationship via some extremely confusing flashbacks, while joining the pair on what could be some kind of reconciliation.
That’s pretty much it. Not that romcoms need much more to go on, but what they usually have up their sleeves are some lovable characters and belly laughs - for me, this had neither.
I didn’t like the characters – they didn’t feel fleshed out, were incredibly selfish and constantly overwrought.
I’m showing my age here, but do people really talk like they do in this movie?
Waffling incessantly about nothing but themselves and constantly trying to second-guess and “internalise” every single one of their thoughts or intentions?
It’s like Woody Allen writing Instagram motivational quotes. Ross and Rachel without the jokes.
It seems as though director Sophie Brooks went out of her way to remove the many punchlines this film was begging for.
THE BOY DOWNSTAIRS, 87mins (12)
★★☆☆☆