Watch Wanderlust

Wanderlust is a light-hearted comedy film that follows the lives of George (Paul Rudd) and Linda (Jennifer Aniston), a Manhattan couple who find themselves struggling to make ends meet, due to the recent financial crisis. After George loses his job, they are forced to leave their posh Manhattan apartment and move in with George’s younger brother in Atlanta. Along the way, they stumble upon a hippie commune called Elysium, and promptly find themselves embroiled in its carefree way of life.

As its name suggests, Elysium is a place of unbridled joy and freedom, free love and unlimited sex. Led by a quirky guru named Seth (Justin Theroux), the commune’s residents are a colorful bunch, who welcome Linda and George with open arms, much to their chagrin. Despite their initial hesitations, the couple eventually gives in to the commune’s charm and decides to call it a home.

However, their newfound bliss is not without its fair share of trials and tribulations. Linda finds herself attracted to Seth, the charismatic leader of the commune, while George struggles to keep up with the communal living requirements - including nudism, group therapy sessions and psychedelic drugs. As their relationship deteriorates, the couple is forced to confront some hard truths about the way they live their lives, and the compromises they are willing to make to keep each other happy.

Wanderlust is a witty and humorous portrayal of love, life and the pursuit of happiness. The performances by Jennifer Aniston, Paul Rudd, and the rest of the cast are top-notch, and the chemistry between the characters is undeniable. The film is both a nostalgic ode to the 1960s hippie culture, and an honest representation of contemporary society and all of its foibles.

One of the central themes of the film is the pursuit of happiness and what it takes to achieve it. At the commune, George and Linda find themselves confronted with a different definition of happiness than their own. For the residents of Elysium, happiness is about letting go of societal expectations, embracing individual freedom, and finding joy in small things. Through their time at the commune, George and Linda learn that true happiness lies in finding a balance between competing desires, and that sometimes, the path to happiness is not easy.

Another significant aspect of the film is the portrayal of communal living, and the challenges it presents. George and Linda are initially drawn to Elysium’s carefree lifestyle, but they quickly discover that communal living is not all sunshine and rainbows. At Elysium, every decision is made by committee, and personal space is practically nonexistent. George and Linda are forced to adjust to this new way of life, and in doing so, learn to appreciate their own independence and individuality.

Overall, Wanderlust is an engaging and immensely entertaining film that blends humor, romance, and social commentary into an enjoyable viewing experience. The film is a lighthearted reminder that sometimes, finding happiness requires stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown. With its relatable themes, and stellar performances, Wanderlust is a must-watch for fans of witty romantic comedies.

Wanderlust is a 2012 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 53.