Writer/director Noah Baumbach has a mixed record of success. Marriage Story (my review) was powerful, while I didn’t care for Mistress America (my review) or Frances Ha (my review). This time he’s combining some of the issues from his previous work to create this rather unusual meditation on life, love and happiness. Adam Driver and Greta Gerwig play parents in a blended family. First, it’s about their issues, then an evacuation notice causes a panic and finally they’re back to navel gazing. There are undoubtedly humorous moments and some interesting sequences, but there are also extended periods of introspective dialogue that’s more for the writer than for us. Driver (who’s grown a gut for the role) is compelling as always, but it’s hard to predict this film’s appeal since it’s an unusual mix. I appreciated it more than liked it. The credits are the most fun because Baumbach created a music video in the grocery store. 
(3 / 5)
