If you’re having trouble getting over an ex, don’t go see this movie. Or do. No, don’t. Written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormick, Celeste and Jesse Forever is an entertaining look at a fizzled-out fling that attempts to subvert the structures of the shiny rom-com genre and take an honest, hard look at heartbreak.
As far as romantic comedies go, this one’s like an indie My Best Friend’s Wedding: innately depressing, but with a vaguely happy ending. The premise of the movie — a couple working to make sure their divorce doesn’t ruin their friendship — follows optimistic pair Celeste (Jones) and Jesse (Andy Samberg), who are still living together six months after their separation. Things go swimmingly until Jesse starts dating a former one-night stand, forcing a rebound-driven Celeste to go on a slew of uncomfortable, half-hearted first dates.
It’s hilariously touching to watch her trying to hold on to her dignity, whether she’s passed out at a pool party or giving a tear-jerking speech at her best friend’s wedding. We feel for her, though the film’s ending winds up feeling too tidy for all the emotional sturm und drang.
