Review: Irresistible

Release date: June 26, 2020
Running time: 101 minutes
Starring: Steve Carell, Rose Byrne, Mackenzie Davis, Chris Cooper

From writer/director Jon Stewart comes the comedy of Gary, a Democrat political consultant (Carell), who helps Jack, a retired Marine colonel (Cooper), run for mayor in a small Wisconsin town.  However, what starts out as a small town campaign soon gains national attention as the hopes and dreams of both parties are tied into this race.  And as the stakes get higher, this small town transforms into a political battleground of sorts, with all the underhanded tactics, money, and ads you would expect.  

This film is driven by Steve Carell's great performance as political strategist Gary.  He is energetic, funny, and perfectly suited to play a Washington elite in a small town.  His rival and counterpart, Rose Bryne, provides a wonderful opponent for this larger-than-life, overblown mayoral race.  The stunts that the two pull, while not outlandish, feel like exaggerated versions of what really happens in these types of high stakes political contests.  And Cooper as the Mayoral candidate Jack and Davis as Jack's daughter both play their part perfectly, as small town individuals who are suddenly thrust into the national spotlight.  

This movie is written and directed by Jon Stewart, and you can really tell.  This film has his characteristic wit and charm, but also a biting social commentary that he has become known for.  The humor is equal parts funny and uncomfortable, with plenty of dark comedic moments that will make you laugh as much as you cringe.  And through it all, there are important lessons about our political system, our news, and our preconceptions on people and their viewpoints.  But the most interesting thing about this movie is that although it is completely an exaggerated political experience, it is also one that feels very real.  You could definitely see some variation of all the tactics, analytics, political theater, and obscene amounts of money in a battleground state.  And some of the insights, while hilarious and biting, are also very painful when you realize that this is the system we have to elect our representatives. 

Irresistible will make you laugh, cringe, and think a lot about our political system, in this hilarious dark comedy that sheds a satirical light on our political process.  

Watch it.

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