If you read our coverage about the first released lineup of films playing at SXSW you may have noticed The Lovebirds. Michael Showalter’s follow up to The Big Sick re-teams him with Kumail Nanjiani. Joining them this time is Issa Rae and judging by the trailer, it’s a perfect pairing. Wrapped up in a murder mystery. Just press play already.
Once again, we humble offer up this official synopsis for you:
“A couple (Issa Rae & Kumail Nanjiani) experiences a defining moment in their relationship when they are unintentionally embroiled in a bizarre crime. 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.”
Trailers like this are usually made to sell the best bits, but excuse us for finding this a lot of fun. It’s hard to tell what the scope is, yet Rae and Nanjiani’s chemistry will go a long way to smoothing what over. Plus, who doesn’t like a good extended Eyes Wide Shut type sequence in the middle of a comedy?
It may seem odd having a movie like The Lovebirds at SXSW of all places, but that’s been the festival’s bread and butter, the last couple of years. Blockers, Long Shot, Good Boys, Stuber and Sausage Party have all had showings. As a way of drumming up good word of mouth before hitting theaters. Doesn’t hurt that most of those have turned out well. In the end it just adds to the overall eclectic mix. You can easily see an international arthouss film, emerging artist debut and Hollywood comedy all in one day. Not too shabby.
Did you enjoy what you saw in the trailer? Are you a fan of Insecure or Silicon Valley? Do you secretly have a hope that the film has a darker underbelly to go along with the goofiness? Tell us your opinions in yet olde comment section. The Lovebirds flutters its way into theaters on April 3rd. Should we be lucky enough to catch the movie at SXSW, we’ll toss up a review immediately after.
