Watch The Californians

The Californians is a romantic comedy-drama film from 2005 directed by Jonathan Parker. The film follows the story of a young couple, Jane (played by Kate Mara) and Aaron (played by Noah Wyle), who are struggling with their relationship and their respective careers in Los Angeles. The film also features Illeana Douglas in a supporting role as Jane's mother, Mona, a former Hollywood starlet.

The story begins with Jane and Aaron attending a party in Beverly Hills thrown by Mona, who is trying to resuscitate her career by staging a comeback as a jazz singer. However, Jane and Aaron seem to be stuck in a rut. Aaron is a struggling writer who has been rejected by every literary agent in town, while Jane is a struggling actress who can't seem to land a role in anything other than commercials for feminine hygiene products.

Despite their problems, Jane and Aaron are clearly in love and are determined to make their relationship work. However, their plans are complicated by the arrival of Jane's ex-boyfriend, the handsome and successful actor, Sully (played by Clancy Brown), who still carries a torch for Jane.

As the film progresses, Jane and Aaron's relationship is put to the test. Aaron is offered a writing fellowship in upstate New York, while Jane is offered a starring role in a low-budget art film in Europe. Will their relationship survive the distance? Will they be able to overcome the obstacles that have been holding them back? And will Mona's comeback be a success?

The Californians is a charming and witty film with a great cast of characters. Kate Mara gives a standout performance as Jane, a young woman trying to navigate the ups and downs of life and love in Los Angeles. Mara is both funny and touching in equal measure, and she has great chemistry with Noah Wyle, who plays her boyfriend, Aaron. Wyle is also excellent in his role, bringing a subtle humor and authenticity to the character of a struggling writer.

Illeana Douglas is also superb as Mona, Jane's mother. Douglas brings a world-weary wit and a sense of vulnerability to the character, and her scenes with Mara are some of the film's best. Meanwhile, Clancy Brown is suitably charming and dashing as Sully, Jane's ex-boyfriend.

The film is also notable for its stylish cinematography and evocative score, which create a dreamy and romantic atmosphere that perfectly captures the mood of the story. Director Jonathan Parker has a distinct visual style, and he uses it to great effect in The Californians, creating a world that is both glamorous and melancholic.

Overall, The Californians is a delightful film that is both funny and poignant. It's a story about love, ambition, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The film's characters are charming and relatable, and the performances are excellent across the board. If you're in the mood for a smart and stylish romantic comedy-drama, The Californians is definitely worth a watch.

The Californians is a 2005 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.