Watch The Go-Getters

The Go-Getters, a 2018 Canadian comedy-drama film directed by Jeremy LaLonde, follows the misadventures of a homeless junkie girl and a drunken slacker, both with seemingly no prospects in life. Our anti-heroes, Owen (Aaron Abrams) and Lacie (Tommie-Amber Pirie), meet after a punch to the face, quite a painful first encounter. Owen, desperate for money to pay off his debt to his drug dealer, uses Lacie’s bloody nose as an opportunity to fake an injury and sue a business owner. The plan goes haywire, and Lacie gets involved. After getting chased by one of the goons of Owen’s dealer, the duo ends up stranded in the city's underground sewage tunnels.

To tackle this new predicament, Owen comes up with a harebrained scheme to make some quick money: steal a car and sell it to a chop shop for cash. But to do that, they have to navigate the harsh city streets and interact with shady characters, each more eccentric than the last, all while dealing with a wide array of physical injuries and hilarious misfortunes. With each passing minute, the unlikely duo learns more about each other and their own situation, which becomes the driving force of the film.

One of the most outstanding aspects of The Go-Getters is its humor, by no means graceful or politically correct. The dark comedic style, often tinged with physical comedy, fits perfectly with the film’s overall grittiness. Owen and Lacie’s dialogue play off each other with sharp wit and often offensive one-liners, one of the film’s main strengths.

Yet, the movie also offers emotional depth, with both characters struggling deeply on their own. Lacie attempts to escape a deteriorating family situation that she lacks the strength to face head-on, and Owen tackles his addiction and responsibility, albeit in his own passive-aggressive way. Throughout the film, these characters find friendship, rescue, and hope in the least likely of places: each other.

The cinematography follows suit with the film’s raw and gritty tone, with low-key lighting and washed-out colors, adding to the overall realism of the movie. The use of handheld cameras and close-ups creates an intimate feeling in each scene, primarily during the multiple mishaps and comedic set pieces.

The Go-Getters’ cast carries the film’s humor and charm, starting with Aaron Abrams, who portrays Owen brilliantly. He navigates his character's complex personality with ease, mastering both the comedic and dramatic moments. Tommie-Amber Pirie, who plays Lacie, is the perfect foil to Owen's character, providing a breath of fresh air in the story's bleak atmosphere. Their chemistry lights up the screen in every scene, providing a vital anchor to the film’s progression.

Kristian Bruun, known for his portrayal of Donnie Hendrix on Orphan Black, also makes an appearance in the film. In a similar comedic role, Bruun plays the owner of the stolen car Owen and Lacie aim to sell. His stereotypical “bro" persona is masterfully done, delivering the film's most memorable lines.

The Go-Getters isn’t just about laughter; it’s an insightful glimpse into the human condition. It’s a story about perseverance, hope, and unlikely friendship—a heartwarming story that (despite the dark comedy elements) inspires and uplifts. It’s a refreshing addition to the genre of buddy comedies, distinguishing itself from its predictable root formula by using humor to explore complex social issues.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a hilarious and heartwarming adventure with unconventional heroes navigating through life’s most unkind scenarios, then The Go-Getters is the movie you don’t want to miss. This compelling duo’s story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome all odds, with laughter as its guiding light.

The Go-Getters is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.