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Lead Critic for the site, as well as serving as an editor when needed.
Loneliness is often seen as a plague by many. However, the right solitude can often be found when one is lonely, or floating around the idea of loneliness. Jake Johnson (New Girl, Into the Spider-Verse & Across the Spider-Verse, Minx) has given a great exercise on the topic. He wrote Self Reliance‘s screenplay, as well as produced and directed. The Lonely Island also produced the film.
Written during the COVID pandemic, Johnson’s directorial debut is the first true feel-good film of the year. January releases are often not regarded highly, however, Self Reliance sticks out amongst this month’s streaming releases. The film doesn’t try all that hard, which makes the comedy feel fun and authentic.
Lonely, or Just Bored?
Self Reliance sees Thomas Walcott (Jake Johnson) living what seems like a mundane life, albeit disillusioned by his job and the loss of his relationship. One entirely random day, on his way home from his seemingly boring desk job, he is approached by Hollywood actor Andy Samberg in a limo. Andy bears an invitation to a game that Tommy has entirely no idea about. It’s from the Dark Web, and he’s lonely, so what the hell? He accepts and is briefed about the “biggest reality show on the Dark Web” in a random warehouse in downtown LA by two middle-aged Europeans (Bjorn Johnson and John Hans Tester). Is Tommy really lonely, or just bored? If he was honest with himself, it would be the latter.
The key to this “game” is that Tommy cannot be killed if he is in the presence of someone else. This plot device originally felt like it would be overused quickly, but Johnson keeps the comedic elements quick and neat. Oftentimes this results in near-constant laughter or a chuckle throughout. Yet, it doesn’t feel dry and forced. The comedy mixes with the elements of the story quite nicely.
Tommy continually forces others to be in his presence, to disastrous results or otherwise. He eventually posts a Craigslist ad about his experience with the game, attracting the attention of Maddy (Anna Kendrick). Kendrick continues to prove her comedic timing with Jake Johnson and Self Reliance. The two actors are truly fun to watch together. Johnson’s comedic chops come into play often during these scenes of chaos, and especially during these bits, it kind of just feels like this entire story is happening to Johnson’s character Nick, from New Girl. This is not a bad thing either; the payoff of these scenes is entertaining, and it doesn’t feel like comedy just for comedy’s sake. Ultimately, Tommy just needed someone to truly connect to.
Connection
Self Reliance is also the year’s first film that should come as easy to watch. Considering this, the film’s third act and resolution come quite quickly. Although, it’s still enjoyable for our main character. As the film’s director, Johnson attempts to call back to other popular directors like Martin Scorsese, Paul Thomas Anderson, or Quentin Tarantino, with shots that evoke those directors.
The final shot, in particular, features Johnson directing himself down the entryway of Maddy’s house to its door, and the camera cuts to him walking up to it. Tommy reacts, takes a deep breath, and feels almost reinvigorated by his experience. It’s so welcoming to really see the change in his face. The camera cuts to his back, and pulls in as he almost turns away, but then chuckles, smiles, and knocks as the screen cuts to black.
This is such a refreshing and neat action to see because Tommy attempted this with his ex-girlfriend’s (Natalie Morales) front door throughout the film, repeatedly walking away out of embarrassment and fear. It’s great to see a comedy embrace the change in its main character like Self Reliance did.
Technicalities
The biggest complaint with this film is its editing, which is extremely rough and feels a bit lackadaisical. The editing doesn’t really jive with Johnson’s directing and tends to bog it down at times. At the same time, Johnson’s writing keeps the film afloat and moving. Silver’s photography is great at first glance, but the lighting work also holds that down a bit, and it leaves an awkward color on the screen sometimes. Moreover, Dan Romer’s (Beasts of No Nation, Maniac, Pixar’s Luca, Station Eleven, Ramy) score is a fun addition to the film.
Self Reliance‘s title sequence is also something to be appreciated about the film. Tracy Stone’s graphic design is old school and reminiscent of classic 2000s comedies. The title design plays into the film itself as well, as Tommy goes through the game and each day passes, letting the audience know how many days he has left. The stunt work is also pretty good here, too. It can be appreciated in between the comedy because there are a few moments where Tommy gets his ass kicked, which is just fun to watch.
Final Thoughts on Jake Johnson’s Self Reliance
Choppy editing aside, Self Reliance will stand out among January releases, and Jake Johnson feels like he had an ultimate blast making this film. The supporting cast also excels in scenes where Tommy seems to be losing his mind, and everyone isn’t trying too hard; it really works. Some may feel the resolution is a copout, but honestly, it feels right considering the place Tommy felt he was in at the beginning of the film. Sometimes, attempting to wrap things up nicely and tight with a bow is the correct choice.
Self Reliance isn’t some absurdist comedy trying to tell some deep-seated meaning about life and death. It’s short and nearly right on the nose, but it gets the message across and entertains the audience without trying too hard, being too dumb, or coming off as nonsensical.
4/5 stars.
Jake Johnson’s Self Reliance streams on Hulu this Friday, January 12th!
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Lead Critic for the site, as well as serving as an editor when needed.
This article was edited by John Tangalin.