New to Me is a series here at The Nerds Templar where we discuss a film that has been out for a while. It’s most likely available on DVD or streaming services, but it’s our first time seeing it. Hence, it’s “New to Me”!
Review:
About Alex is The Big Chill for a new generation. In The Big Chill old friends get together for the death of a friend. In About Alex, they get together because of a friend’s attempted suicide.
The film stars Maggie Grace and Nate Parker as a couple. Jason Ritter as the friend that tries to take his life. Max Minghella as the friend dating a much younger woman (Jane Levy). Max Greenfield as the cynical, anti-social media friend and Aubrey Plaza who may still be in love with Minghella and still thinks the group is super tight and close.
What I liked about the film is that it’s honest and realistic. Plaza has a good job, but isn’t happy with it. She’s not happy in life yet seems normal. Grace and Parker have their own problems with Parker struggling with writer’s block and Grace getting a job offer across the country. Minghella is well established, but is the punching bag of the group for being with a younger woman. Greenfield plays a fantastic jaded man who pokes fun at today’s need to document everything and post it online. No one really understands why Ritter would try to kill himself till they realize they are all wrapped up in their own lives and don’t find time to talk to one another. Parker was screening Ritter’s calls and Greenfield doesn’t think most of them are friends anymore.
That’s the reality of life. A close knit group of friends can go their separate ways as they distance themselves from college and their younger ways. Life happens. Relationships happen. Work and careers happen. People think because you liked a picture on Facebook it keeps you close. It doesn’t.
Of course all their issues and problems come out and they realize they are all going through stuff. It’s amazing what happens when you open up to someone or if someone asks you a question and you answer honestly.
It’s very similar to The Big Chill because there’s drugs and booze and dancing and food. It’s authentic and shows friends being friends. Every character is relatable and feels genuine.
I’ve wanted to see About Alex for a while now and I’m glad I finally got to see it. I like Aubrey Plaza doing these grounded characters and the rest of the cast is good as well. I don’t watch New Girl, but the more I see of Greenfield, the more I like. If you like authentic, relatable friends and situations then this is…
RECOMMENDED!
Cast & Crew:
- Maggie Grace
- Jason Ritter
- Max Minghella
- Max Greenfield
- Nate Parker
- Aubrey Plaza
- Jane Levy
Recommended If You Like:
- 10 Years
- The Big Chill
- Life After Beth
The Nerds Templar 