You know those “everything goes wrong in one night” movies? I call the genre “frustration cinema”. Partially because the protagonist have one frustration after another. Partially because the films frustrate me. Just call the police or tell your mom or do whatever the really simple thing is you need to do to solve your problem. Of course doing that would make these movies about 15 minutes long, and I guess all movies need some conflict. The newest film to join the frustration genre? The Lovebirds. Sure, it had all of the hallmarks of a frustration film, yet this time it managed to charm me. I’m as surprised as anyone at just how much I enjoyed it.
In The Lovebirds, Jibran (Kumail Nanjiani) and Leilani (Issa Rae) are a couple four years into a relationship that is showing significant signs of strain. Their romance is put to the ultimate test when they’re caught up in a mysterious murder plot and decide to solve the crime to avoid being accused of the murder themselves.
The Lovebirds was fast-paced. Almost too fast. Nanjiani and Rae both have a comedic style that requires a little breathing room, which the movie didn’t provide. That pacing allowed the film to avoid feeling too tedious, though, so it’s hard to complain about that directorial choice.
Nanjiani and Rae have great chemistry on the screen, to the point that I need to see them together in future projects. The whole murder mystery that sets them off on their evening adventure? That could have used a little work. Sure, it creates some fun moments, but overall it was just a little too ridiculous. Think Adventures in Babysitting meets Eyes Wide Shut. Yes, it was just as weird as that sounds. The supporting cast is strong, although Anna Camp’s generically southern accent was a bit distracting. It’s also disappointing that the movie takes place in New Orleans yet only minimally recognizes that fact. You’re in one of the coolest cities in the country. You can do more than show a few strands of Mardi Gras beads.
The pandemic shifted The Lovebirds planned theatrical release to direct to streaming. I can’t help but think this was to the film’s benefit. I’m not sure the movie needed the big screen, and The Lovebirds is probably more enjoyable without the pressure of justifying the cost of a seat in the theater. Nanjiani and Rae’s chemistry and comedy more than make up for the ridiculous murder plot. At least when you’re grading on a home-release curve.
The Lovebirds is streaming now on Netflix.
About The Lovebirds
A couple (Issa Rae & Kumail Nanjiani) experiences a defining moment in the relationship when they are unintentionally embroiled in a murder mystery. As their journey to clear their names takes them from one extreme – and hilarious – circumstance to the next, they must figure out how they, and their relationship, can survive the night.