It took a while for it to happen, but I can't shake the feeling that Netflix has finally arrived. Since it has been focusing on creating original movies for its streaming service, there have been a number of let downs, movies that have seemed to be ready to strike gold but then failed to do so. Okja, from Joon-ho Bong, appeared to be the first champion on Netflix since Beasts of no Nation, but I would have to say that felt like it was to be expected. Joon-ho Bong has a solid catalogue of movies under his belt, and it felt like it was going to be a winner regardless.
The movie that has given me the most confidence in the new Netflix model is the recently released The Incredible Jessica James. This is the film that feels like a perfect depiction of a director's vision come to the screen. It makes it feel like Netflix could be a destination stop for film-makers with a concept, just like Blumhouse Productions has become.
The reason why I feel this way is that there is an incredible amount of personality and style behind The Incredible Jessica James. It has heart, character, and emotion. It follows the standard beats of someone coming off of a long term relationship and trying to find out what love is, but it does this in its own unique way, keeping it from feeling like its contemporaries.
The backbone behind this tight little movie is the lead character, Jessica James (played by Jessica Williams). It is a performance from Williams that is worth writing home about. She not just plays the character, but breathes life into her, making her someone who stands out from the typical film. She adds energy, making Jessica James the type of person on screen that the audience wishes they were in the company of. It is the type of performance that transcends the screen and works its way into the heart of the viewer, ultimately causing them to wish nothing but the best for her.
This is a very key thing in a movie like this. Why would I care about aspects of love and life if I don't first fall in love with the person facing those things? The core of a film such as this is the journey travelled, and with Williams' performance it is a journey that is well had. We feel the highs and lows of Jessica James as she tries to move on from her life-engrossing relationship with Damon (Lakeith Stanfield) into a less descriptive one with Boone (Chris O'Dowd)
The chemistry between Williams and O'Dowd is truly something to behold. They fit well together as two people who are on the rebound and don't quite know what it is that they are looking for. I have long been a fan of the comedic talents of Chris O'Dowd, but here we get some good dramatic acting from him as well. It was clear from his performance in Bridesmaids that he was capable of it, and in The Incredible Jessica James he pulls through with some perfectly executed scenes.
Jim Strouse, who both wrote and directed the film, shows a great understanding of both pacing and style. The movie never lingers too long on any one element, moving at a comfortable speed that never feels rushed. It is also amped up by the choice of music to be its backdrop, pumping energy into the film that feels perfectly suited to the character of Jessica James.
This is one of those movies that starts with a beat and never deviates from it, even when the tone changes. While the movie takes us through a number of different circumstances and emotions, it never strays from its overall feel. It is jam packed with personality, great casting, well delivered comedy, and a message about sticking with your dreams. It could be the sign that Netflix has now become a contender in the movie distribution realm.
Rating - 3.5 out of 4 stars
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