Review: Jake Johnson’s New Comedy ‘Self Reliance’ Plays It Too Safe
by Manuel São Bento
January 10, 2024
Yet another film I knew nothing about before watching to continue New Years viewings. Yet another feature directorial debut, this time from American actor Jake Johnson. Yet another movie that caught my eye due to its interesting cast. After Night Swim and Role Play at the start of 2024, it’s time for Self Reliance to try to surprise me with a high-concept premise that promises entertainment from all parts of the comedy-thriller spectrum. The movie’s plot follows Tommy Walcott, portrayed by Johnson himself, a lonely man trapped in the monotony of his daily life who seizes the opportunity to participate in a dark web reality show where he must survive 30 days without being killed by others – addressed as the “hunters” – and win a million dollars. The catch? Participants can only be attacked when they’re completely alone. This loophole is obviously explored by the character, who begins a self-discovery adventure within a life-and-death scenario.
Self Reliance opens with a promising start, setting the stage for a thrilling competition with the potential for tons of humor, but also a deeper examination of the vitality of human connection. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that the film falls short of fully realizing most of these aspects. The competition side lacks a clear delineation between reality and illusion, resulting in ambiguity about the actual stakes involved. While it’s true that Johnson purposefully introduces misdirections, leading viewers to question whether events are unfolding in Walcott’s mind or not, this technique doesn’t always serve the narrative well, resulting in a lack of genuine urgency or peril. The scarcity of hunters and the absence of a palpable sense of danger contribute to an overall emptiness in the movie’s tension and suspense.
Another of the movie’s shortcomings lies in Johnson’s handling of action. The third act, feeling rushed and burdened with a forced action-heavy conclusion, fails to inject the necessary adrenaline into the plot at that point. Johnson’s inexperience as a filmmaker – let alone an action director – becomes apparent, and these final moments lack the impact needed to break the growing repetitiveness of the main storyline.
On the character front, Self Reliance does a better job. Johnson manages to deliver a decent character study, albeit without reaching an emotional crescendo. The movie effectively conveys a coherent message about the importance of human connections, emphasizing the joy derived from shared experiences with friends and family. While not groundbreaking, exploring this theme adds depth to the protagonist and his motivations. Despite its flaws, Self Reliance offers a rather enjoyable viewing experience. The cast, led by Johnson and supported by the always charming Anna Kendrick, elevates the material with their performances. In this particular film, Johnson shines more as a writer and actor, than as a director. The script provides numerous opportunities for the cast to showcase their comedic prowess, and Kendrick’s magnetic charisma steals the spotlight during her on-screen moments – please, cast her in more movies!
A brisk pace and a short runtime (85 minutes in total) feel appropriate for this type of storytelling. Despite occasional tonal imbalances, the transitions between the different moods are handled well enough to avoid jarring shifts. I certainly can’t state that Self Reliance reaches its potential – far from it – but I would still recommend it to most viewers, who I believe will have lots of fun with it.
Final Thoughts
Self Reliance possesses an intriguing premise but ultimately plays it too safe. More audacity and bite were required to truly leave a mark with Jake Johnson’s feature directorial debut. Good work as an actor in the lead role (Anna Kendrick steals the show, though), a decent showcase of his strengths as a writer – despite failing to fully capitalize on the narrative’s real potential. However, the lack of a firm grip on the thriller elements and some tonal inconsistencies prevent the movie from reaching the next level. Some humorous moments and a sweet message surrounding the importance of human connections make it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a lighthearted comedy-thriller.
Manuel’s Rating: C+
Follow Manuel on Twitter – @msbreviews / Or Letterboxd – @msbreviews
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