Watch Joshy

Joshy is a dark comedy that follows the titular character, played by Thomas Middleditch, as he tries to come to terms with the sudden cancellation of his engagement. The movie is directed by Jeff Baena and was released in 2016. The story begins with Joshy's fiancée committing suicide just months before their wedding. In an attempt to get away from his problems, Joshy decides to take a weekend trip to Ojai with his friends. The group consists of Ari, played by Adam Pally, Adam, played by Alex Ross Perry, and Eric, played by Nick Kroll. The premise is simple enough, just a weekend of bonding, drinking, and partying. But things quickly get complicated as tensions start to rise within the group, and secrets about each character are revealed.

The film has a very naturalistic feel to it, with long takes and improvised dialogues that help to create a sense of intimacy between the actors. It's clear that the characters are extremely comfortable around each other, as they joke and banter like old friends. However, the more they drink and the longer they stay, the more the cracks in their friendship begin to show.

As the weekend unfolds, the characters' true selves are revealed. Ari, who initially presents himself as a playful and carefree guy, is revealed to be deeply troubled by the recent death of his wife. Adam, who at first seems like the group's intellectual, is revealed to be deeply insecure and prone to self-destructive behavior. Eric, who initially comes across as a cheerful and fun-loving guy, is revealed to be deeply selfish and willing to betray his friends for his own benefit.

Despite the dramatic tension that builds between the characters, the film is still able to maintain its comedic tone. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, ranging from the subtle and understated to the crass and outrageous. For example, there's a running gag involving a pair of nudist neighbors that the group encounters, which leads to some hilariously awkward situations.

The performances in Joshy are all top-notch, with Middleditch giving a particularly standout performance. He manages to convey the grief and confusion that Joshy is feeling about his canceled engagement, while still maintaining his comedic energy. Adam Pally also shines as Ari, giving a nuanced and well-rounded performance that captures the character's depth and complexity.

One of the most impressive things about Joshy is the way that it deals with heavy subject matter without ever feeling heavy-handed or preachy. The film touches on topics like grief, trauma, and mental illness, but does so in a way that feels organic and true to life. These themes are woven into the fabric of the story, never overwhelming it or taking away from its humorous tone.

In terms of its production values, Joshy is a relatively low-budget film, but it never feels cheap or poorly made. The cinematography is impressive, with beautiful shots of the Ojai landscape and intimate close-ups of the characters. The score, composed by Devendra Banhart, is also a highlight of the film, adding an ethereal and dreamlike quality to certain scenes.

In conclusion, Joshy is a smart, funny, and thought-provoking film that manages to balance its darker themes with its comedic energy. It's a testament to the talents of its director and cast, who are able to create a true sense of community and camaraderie on screen. While it's not always an easy watch, the film is ultimately rewarding, providing a poignant and relatable examination of friendship, loss, and the complexities of the human psyche.

Joshy is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 62.