USA 2022
Opening January 19, 2023
Directed by: B.J. Novak
Writing credits: B.J. Novak
Principal actors: B.J. Novak, Boyd Holbrook, Dove Cameron, Issa Rae, Ashton Kutcher.
New York journalist Ben Manalowitz (B.J. Novak) dreams of becoming bigger than just a journalist and wants to pursue the idea of becoming a podcaster. He typically hangs out in the New York City bar scene with his friend looking for next girl to hook up with, seeking no meaningful connection. The new online lifestyle suits him since it gives him freedom without commitment and different women can play different roles in his life, so he feels like he has it all under control. That is until he unexpectedly receives a phone call from Ty Shaw (Boyd Holbrook) living in the middle of nowhere in Texas. Ty informs him that his “girlfriend” Abby Shaw (Lio Tipton) (in actuality she was just one of those girls) has died from a drug overdose due to suspicious circumstances and convinces him to fly to Texas for the funeral. Once he meets the Shaw family, he realizes he has finally found the story for his podcast.
Before you know it, he is on a wild goose chase as he purses the truth of Abby Shaw’s death. This witty black comedy leaves no stone unturned as we ride high on the Texas oil fields. The Texan culture kicks him full in the face at every turn while he runs up against a whole barrel of characters. Although the film sets you up with stereotypical characters like the Mexican drug dealer, an eccentric music producer, and the multitudes of law enforcement agencies, you realize this ain’t no easy case to solve since it is telling the story of America in all its glory. 107 minutes (.)