The charming comedy “Loves Company” feels like someone took “Misery,” added a healthy dose of camp, celebrity satire, karaoke, and queer humor, and came up with something delightfully odd. Writer-director Jason Laurits runs with the absurdity of the premise and for the most part, the film works thanks to the chemistry of its two leads.
Jack Plotnick plays the flamboyant Blake de Troy, a washed-up television personality whose glory days are long behind him. His biggest claim to fame is appearing on a decades-old game show, and he’s spent years desperately trying to maintain some level of relevance. After a car accident leaves him stranded in the Florida Everglades, he’s rescued by Antoinette Funk (Rachel Dratch), who also happens to be his biggest (and apparently only) remaining fan. Convinced he’s been kidnapped by an overly devoted admirer, Blake initially wants nothing more than to escape. But when he realizes a kidnapping scandal could be the publicity boost his career desperately needs, the situation becomes much more complicated.
It’s a terrific story and strong script, and the casting is nothing short of perfect. Dratch has never been known for subtlety, and thankfully the film doesn’t ask for any. Her performance is broad, theatrical, and frequently ridiculous, but it fits Antoinette perfectly. She’s lonely, socially awkward, emotionally needy, and just a little bit unhinged, yet Dratch somehow keeps her sympathetic throughout. Antoinette could easily have become a one-note joke, but there’s enough vulnerability beneath the comedy to make her feel like a real person.
Plotnick is equally good as Blake, a man whose ego and desperation constantly battle for control. The character could have been insufferable, but Plotnick finds just enough humanity underneath Blake’s self-absorption to keep him likable. Watching these two characters interact is an absolute pleasure, especially as their relationship evolves in unexpected ways. Both actors seem to understand the delicate balance between absurd comedy and genuine emotional connection, and together they’re a great comic pairing who make bouncing off each other’s eccentric energy look easy.
The humor is wonderfully offbeat. Some of the funniest moments come from conversations that sound completely ridiculous on paper, like an extended debate in a supermarket over whether tofu or Cheez Whiz is the superior food choice. There’s a dark comedy edge throughout, but it’s softened by an underlying affection for these deeply flawed characters. I really enjoyed spending time with them, even during the karaoke interludes.
Laurits has some fun poking at celebrity culture and modern fame. Blake’s obsession with staying relevant, combined with the appearance of absolutely insufferable YouTube beauty influencer Tyler (Lady Camden) gives the film plenty of opportunities to satirize the endless pursuit of attention and validation. Beneath the jokes, there’s a surprisingly thoughtful commentary about loneliness, parasocial relationships, and the dangers of building your identity around public approval.
The biggest problem is that the movie starts to run out of story before it runs out of runtime. The premise is strong, but by the final act it feels like it’s spinning its wheels a bit, unsure where to take its characters next. Even so, I never stopped liking them, which goes a long way.
Despite the narrative eventually circling the same ideas, “Loves Company” is funny, quirky, and full of personality. If you’re in the mood for a dark comedy that’s a little weird and a little heartfelt, this one is a hidden gem.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 