For Worse: A Charming Yet Underwhelming Romantic Dramedy
In one of the most delightful moments of For Worse, Lauren (Amy Landecker) and Dave (Bradley Whitford) share a cigarette, their chemistry palpable amidst the odd circumstances that brought them together. This scene encapsulates the essence of romantic comedies, where unexpected connections spark warmth and possibility. Unfortunately, this moment comes late into the film’s 90-minute runtime, leading viewers to ponder why the preceding hour didn’t capture this engaging energy. While the film has its intriguing elements, much of it feels bland, leaving a sense of disappointment as it falls short of what could have been a wonderful romantic tale.
Character Development: A Missed Opportunity
Landecker, who has shone in notable roles in films like A Serious Man and series such as Transparent, doesn’t deliver a particularly rich character in her directorial debut. Her portrayal of Lauren, who is navigating the complexities of finalizing her divorce from Chase (Paul Adelstein), is sympathetic yet lacking depth. The couple’s interaction feels more like a display of exhaustion rather than the emotional turbulence typically associated with breakups, leaving the audience to wonder about the implications of such significant life changes on individuals.
Embracing New Beginnings
In a moment of rebellion, Lauren enrolls in a commercial acting class led by the formidable Liz (Gaby Hoffmann), another familiar face from Transparent. This small act of defiance leads her to a new social circle of younger friends, including the attractive Sean (Nico Hiraga). Their flirtation begins with an undeniable spark, although it lacks the depth needed to engage the audience fully. A significant portion of the film revolves around their hesitant romance, set against the backdrop of a Palm Springs wedding for their classmate Maria (Kiersey Clemons).
Unconventional Themes in Romantic Comedy
Notably, For Worse breaks ground by candidly addressing the realities of aging and sexuality, particularly for women in postmenopause. One scene humorously touches upon the awkwardness of bodily mishaps during intimacy, while another addresses vaginal dryness, highlighting a conversation often avoided in mainstream media. If this film contributes to reducing stigma around middle-aged women’s sexuality, it deserves commendation.
Potential Overlooked in Characterization
Despite a promising premise, the film often sidesteps the engaging subplot of Lauren and her classmates pursuing careers in commercial acting—deemed “the most low-rent form of acting”by Liz. These moments showcase a vibrant corner of the entertainment industry but remain largely unexplored, leaving the movie deprived of its potential characterization.
Myopic Narrative and Underdeveloped Characters
Beyond brief flashes of inspiration, For Worse largely presents a tepid narrative that avoids delving into Lauren’s complex emotions or the world surrounding her. While grief often narrows focus, making the protagonist seem self-absorbed, the film’s myopic depiction means characters, including Lauren’s BFF Julie (Missi Pyle) and even Sean, are underdeveloped and serve primarily to support Lauren’s storyline.
Humor Falls Flat
A film’s shortcomings can sometimes be overshadowed by wit and humor, yet For Worse struggles in this area as well. The comedic moments feel uninspired and overly simplistic. Instances where humor is drawn from a character’s unfamiliarity with social issues come off as outdated rather than funny, relying on clichéd stereotypes that fail to register with audiences seeking fresh and engaging satire.
Concluding Thoughts: A Charming Moment Amidst Mediocrity
The film’s high point lies in the intimate exchange between Lauren and Dave, potentially bolstered by their real-life marriage. This scene evokes hope and joy, emphasizing triumph over past pain. However, it ends up highlighting a crucial flaw: the journey to this exhilarating moment lacks the necessary depth and complexity to make viewers thoroughly invested in the characters’ experiences.