Watch Melvin Goes to Dinner

Melvin Goes to Dinner is a story about four individuals who come together for a casual dinner and start talking. As the night progresses, they share their life stories, personal beliefs, and hidden secrets with each other. The movie, directed by Bob Odenkirk, is based on Michael Blieden's play 'Phyro-Giants.' The protagonist of the story is Melvin (played by Michael Blieden), who is having dinner with his friend Joey (played by Matt Price). During the conversation, they decide to invite two women they don't know, Sarah (played by Stephanie Courtney) and Alex (played by Annabelle Gurwitch), who Melvin briefly met at a cafe earlier that day.

As the four of them sit down for dinner, they start talking about various topics, ranging from politics to religion and philosophy. Melvin, who seems to be the most introverted of the group, takes a back seat and mostly listens to the others.

As the night progresses, the conversation becomes more personal, and they reveal their individual struggles and experiences. Sarah talks about her abusive relationship with her ex-husband, while Alex shares her story of loneliness and isolation. Joey talks about his fear of commitment, while Melvin opens up about his issues with his estranged father and his last unsuccessful attempt at a relationship.

As they continue to talk, they realize that even though they come from different walks of life, they share similar experiences and struggles. The movie raises questions about the reality of human interaction and the hidden depths of our seemingly ordinary lives.

The film is shot in a single location, a restaurant, and it relies solely on the dialogue to carry the story forward. The naturalistic acting and the seamless flow of conversation make it feel like we're watching four friends having dinner and talking about life.

The movie is not just a simple story about a dinner party; there is an underlying sense of melancholy and a profound sadness that permeates the film. The characters are flawed, struggling, and vulnerable, just like real people. Bob Odenkirk's direction creates an intimate space where we can connect with the characters and their emotions.

The film has an indie feel, with its low budget and simple settings, but it doesn't compromise on quality. The dialogue is smart, insightful, and funny in parts, and the actors deliver the lines with ease and authenticity.

One of the strengths of the movie is how it explores human nature and the complexities of relationships. It portrays how individuals can come together, share their vulnerabilities, and form meaningful connections. It's a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre, where the focus is not on finding love, but on finding connection.

Overall, Melvin Goes to Dinner is a poignant and thought-provoking movie that will leave you thinking about the nature of human interaction and the hidden depths of our everyday lives. It's a movie that will resonate with anyone who has ever had a meaningful conversation with a stranger.

Melvin Goes to Dinner is a 2003 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.