Watch The Boy Downstairs

The Boy Downstairs is a romantic comedy-drama film released in 2017. Directed by Sophie Brooks, the film stars Zosia Mamet as Diana, a 20-something aspiring writer who moves back to New York City after spending three years in London. Upon her return, she finds an apartment in a brownstone in Brooklyn and discovers that her ex-boyfriend, Ben (played by Matthew Shear), is living in the apartment downstairs.

The film follows Diana as she navigates her complicated and tumultuous relationship with Ben while dealing with the stress of starting a new job and trying to focus on her writing career. Diana has mixed feelings about seeing Ben again, as she still feels hurt by the way he ended their relationship before she left for London.

As Diana settles into her new life in New York, she discovers that her landlady, Mrs. McCutcheon (played by Deirdre O'Connell), who lives on the first floor of the brownstone, is a strange but lovable woman who seems to know everything about Diana and Ben's relationship. Over time, Diana and Mrs. McCutcheon form a close bond, and Mrs. McCutcheon becomes a source of guidance and wisdom for Diana as she tries to figure out her feelings for Ben.

The Boy Downstairs tells a relatable story about love and heartbreak, as Diana grapples with her unresolved feelings for Ben and struggles to move on with her life. Mamet delivers a standout performance as Diana, capturing the character's vulnerability and emotional turmoil with sensitivity and nuance. Shear is equally impressive as Ben, bringing depth and complexity to a character who is at times frustrating and maddening, but also endearing and charming.

One of the strengths of the film is its exploration of the different ways people cope with heartbreak and loss. Diana and Ben have both experienced pain and disappointment in their relationship, but they deal with it in different ways. Diana throws herself into her work, trying to distract herself from her feelings, while Ben takes a more passive approach, avoiding confrontation and clinging to the hope that things will work out in the end.

The film also touches on themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the challenges of pursuing a creative career. Diana's relationship with Mrs. McCutcheon is one of the film's highlights, as the two women share a bond that is both touching and humorous. O'Connell brings a warmth and quirkiness to the role of Mrs. McCutcheon, infusing the character with a sense of whimsy and a zest for life that is infectious.

Overall, The Boy Downstairs is a charming, heartfelt film that explores the complexities of relationships, the pain of heartbreak, and the joys of self-discovery. With its strong performances, smart writing, and authentic portrayal of life in New York City, the film is a must-see for fans of romantic comedies and indie dramas alike.

The Boy Downstairs is a 2018 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 59.