Juliet, Naked (2018)

Directed by: Jesse Peretz | 97 minutes | comedy, drama | Actors: Chris O’Dowd, Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke, Alex Clatworthy, Lily Brazier, Lily Newmark, Denise Gough, Phil Davis, Azhy Robertson, Eleanor Matsuura, Daniel Shaw, Ayoola Smart, Enzo Cilenti, Florence Keith-Roach

Juliet, Naked is based on Nick Hornby’s book of the same name. This author specializes in literature in which music and human behavior play the leading role. In the case of this book adaptation, it is about obsessive and immature behaviour. Also, the fondness with celebrities is discussed. There is a lot to enjoy for romantic comedies and drama lovers alike. Music freaks also get their money’s worth.

Annie (Rose Byrne) has been together for 15 years with Duncan (Chris O’Dowd), a film teacher and huge fan of Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawke), a rock musician who, after the release of his successful album ‘Juliet’, is 25 years old. years ago, has completely disappeared from view. She takes out Annie’s frustration about her unhappy relationship and Duncan’s fondling with Crowe by completely sacrificing a recently-surfaced demo on Duncan’s website with acoustic versions of Tucker’s songs. Much to her surprise, she receives a response from Tucker Crowe himself via e-mail. He agrees with her review.

‘Juliet, Naked’ is about relationships, music and emotions. While the issues are real, this movie is suffused with humor. Scary at times, but still. There is a lot to laugh about, while the characters always remain human and do not fall into stereotypical caricatures. The chemistry between Byrne, O’Dowd and Hawke is very pleasant to watch and the soundtrack is also very good. Hawke has sung his parts himself and he does it well. Tucker Crowe does have some similarities with the late Jeff Buckley.

The finale is the highlight of the film, because that is where all the clichés that come with the genre of romantic comedies are shattered. They don’t take the easy road and that graces the charming ‘Juliet, Naked’. In addition, at the end you also discover how much you have come to empathize with the characters. No character is good or bad and their choices are quite empathetic. Nice movie.