Drinking Buddies - B

Rated R, 90 minutes

Effusive "Drinking Buddies" offers insight into complications of the friend zone

Jake Johnson and Anna Kendrick

It's never more frustrating to be in the "friend zone" with someone you're attracted to but may or may not feel the same way. The charming but low-key rom com "Drinking Buddies" refreshingly explores the complications of male-female friendship. Kate (Olivia Wilde) and Luke (Jake Johnson) are co-workers at a Chicago craft brewery, where they spend their days drinking and flirting. They're perfect for each other, except that they are both in relationships: Kate is with Chris (Ron Livingston), and Luke is with Jill (Anna Kendrick). Their relationship takes a different turn when Luke and Kate unexpectedly find themselves alone for a weekend. Directed and written by Joe Swanberg (also an actor seen recently in the horror film "You're Next"), it's a pleasant, open-minded and different take on young adult relationships. What's most refreshing is the solid direction and writing from unlikely but talented Swanberg, best known for starring in and/or directing low-budget horror films such as "V/H/S." It also helps that it's realistically acted by the leads, especially "New Girl's" Johnson and Wilde ("People Like Us"); maybe it's because Swanberg allowed his actors to improvise many of the scenes, which adds a natural, genuine feel to a story that could've taken more calculated turns in a more mainstream film. "Drinking Buddies" is remarkably affecting, well-acted and less predictable, with a braver ending than you would find in the genre. Worth a look whether in the friend zone or not.

Wes's Grade: B