B.J. Novak is probably best known for appearing in the U.S. version of The Office. Here he has written, directed and stars in this new slyly comedic murder mystery. He plays Ben Manalowitz, a writer from New York, who desperately wants a hit podcast. He travels to Texas to investigate the murder of Abeline Shaw, an aspiring singer who he had a one night stand with, as her family are under the impression that he was her serious boyfriend. Her brother is convinced that the police were wrong to write off her death as a drug overdose and Ben, sensing that this is his opportunity to have a successful show, agrees to aid an investigation into her possible murder.
There is an excruciatingly funny initial scene as Ben talks to a friend at a party about dating. Every time, instead of saying “yes” to a question they respond with “100%”. That is an increasingly common vocal tic that has been annoying me more and more recently, and from that point on I felt like I was on Novak’s wavelength. The targets for his satire are widespread, with the sharpest barbs aimed at the big city snob (his own character) although the gun-toting Texans are not let off the hook. The jibes at people willing to exploit grief for their own ends feel particularly relevant, as well as the more obvious examination of how people struggle to connect in a social media dominated world.
Novak’s screenplay is extremely impressive, the highlight being the first meeting between Ben and Quentin Sellars, Abilene’s record producer. Ashton Kutcher plays Sellers in a career best turn and he superbly delivers a note perfect speech about how Ben is a ‘playlist guy’. They meet again later, when Sellers is again riveting, though the end of that scene features the only major misstep in the film.
One of the most surprising movies this year.
Rating: 9 out of 10