Watch Better Living Through Chemistry
- NR
- 2014
- 1 hr 31 min
-
6.2 (15,757)
Better Living Through Chemistry is a 2014 dark comedy-drama film directed by Geoff Moore and David Posamentier. The film tells the story of Doug Varney (Sam Rockwell), a small-town pharmacist who is stuck in a loveless marriage and a mundane routine of filling prescriptions. However, things take a turn for the better when he meets Elizabeth Roberts (Olivia Wilde), a seductive trophy wife who lives in his town. As they begin an affair, Elizabeth introduces Doug to a world of drugs, sex, and thrill-seeking.
Doug's life takes on a new, exhilarating pace as he becomes more and more involved with Elizabeth. He starts to experiment with different drugs, taking them himself and selling them to his customers. Elizabeth, who is bored with her life, spreads rumors about him, framing him for various criminal activities, and making him out to be a dangerous figure in the community. Doug, who has grown tired of his mundane life, finds himself enjoying the excitement and power that comes with being involved in a world of sex and drugs.
However, Doug's life begins to spiral out of control when Elizabeth pushes him too far, and he gets caught up in a dangerous web of deceit, betrayal, and revenge. Things come to a head as Doug realizes just how much he's been manipulated, and he must make some tough decisions to save himself and the people he loves from the dangers that surround them.
The film is a commentary on the idea that sometimes people are willing to do whatever it takes to break free from their ordinary lives and find the excitement and passion that is missing. It explores the idea that sometimes, people don't even know what they're searching for until they find it.
Sam Rockwell delivers a standout performance as the tragic hero of the story. His portrayal of Doug Varney is of a man who falls from grace due to his own desire for something more in life. Olivia Wilde is excellent as Elizabeth Roberts, a woman who is both seductive and dangerous. Michelle Monaghan, who plays Doug's wife, provides a strong counterpoint to the wildness of Elizabeth, representing the dullness of a life left unfulfilled.
The film explores the duality of human nature, showing how people can be both caring and ruthless, loving and uncaring, and how those contradictions can drive them to do things they never thought possible. It takes its viewers on a journey that is both exhilarating and terrifying, as they witness Doug's descent into madness and his eventual redemption.
The film's pacing is excellent, with a perfect balance between lighter comedic elements and darker, more intense moments. The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, with beautiful shots of the small town in which the story takes place, providing a stark contrast to the ugliness and chaos that ensues.
Overall, Better Living Through Chemistry is a darkly humorous and thought-provoking exploration of the pitfalls of seeking happiness outside the bounds of what is considered socially acceptable. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving into temptation and losing oneself in the pursuit of something more. The film is a must-see for fans of dark comedy and drama, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.
Better Living Through Chemistry is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 40.