JULIET, NAKED: A Lukewarm But Serviceable Romantic Dramedy

Duncan (Chris O’Dowd) and his longtime girlfriend Annie (Rose Byrne) seem to have a happy enough relationship. They reside in a picturesque coastal British town, he teaches and she runs a museum. Sweet, right? However, there’s a man standing between them, specifically in connection to Duncan. With Juliet, Naked the newest film by Jesse Peretz, he’s about to really come between them.

Juliet, Naked has a trio of talent, and a riveting premise, but it doesn’t completely live up to its potential. It’s like an aged record: it might skip, fall off balance, but if you give it some time, let it level out, it’ll sound, once more, velvety smooth.

Second Chances, Romantic Inclinations And Number One Fans

While Duncan isn’t quite Misery level obsessed, he’s definitely past the normal range of musical appreciation. The apple of his eye, (or perhaps it should be ear?) is  90’s alt-rocker Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawke). Not only does he have a room devoted to him, but also a website, where he converses with other appreciators of his music.

From a distance, with albums to keep you company and a strong personal connection, you feel like you know an artist. Their thoughts are your own, your heartache, joy; they become intertwined. You don’t necessarily think about what the artists are doing. Especially when they’ve been out of the limelight for some time. Tucker Crowe has been reclusive, keeping fans full of speculation on his whereabouts.

When an early acoustic copy, a “naked” version of his famed CD ‘Juliet’ comes in the mail, Annie takes it for a listen first. I get the idea that before now she never really connected to his music, but as seen here, she becomes consumed, letting time slip away. Her “betrayal” as Duncan states it, in that O’Dowd way, springs an argument that progresses into Annie spitefully giving her brutally honest opinion of the album on Duncan’s site. From there she’s contacted by someone else who agrees, Tucker Crowe himself.

The two begin emailing, finding it easier to divulge their disappointments and hopes across the ocean. One of my favorite aspects of Juliet, Naked was the You’ve Got Mail–esque virtual correspondence between these two. I enjoyed their banter, and their undiluted calculation of where their lives are. It’s what attracts these two to one another, and it makes for affluent entertainment. Tucker has several children from various mothers, and he isn’t as connected to them as he’d like to be. Annie has been looking out for her sister, content (enough) with Duncan, and runs her father’s museum. She wants to have children, but Duncan never did. Is she satisfied enough?

When the two finally meet it’s one of the film’s funniest scenes. After arriving in Britain with his youngest child, Tucker has a heart attack and ends up in the hospital. When Annie arrives so does the entirety of his family, all of his kids, all at once. As their first face to face, it’s not ideal, and his family isn’t exactly civil either, so it’s a humorous dynamic.

Time Flies, Regrets Build

When Annie and Tucker are making dinner in her home Duncan stops by. Once he’s past his initial shock he joins them, but the reception isn’t what he’s hoping, which sets up a particularly interesting concept. What happens when you meet your idol and they disappoint you? Duncan remarks on Tucker’s album, assuming there is some meaningful resonance, a story of romance and pain that drove the powerful lyrics. Unfortunately, it’s not the case. When Duncan realizes this, he proclaims that he doesn’t care what it means to Tucker because it means something to him. What’s wonderful about Juliet, Naked is the nature of fans and musicians, and their differing assessments of their work and its effect.

Based on the book by Nick Hornby, Juliet, Naked has an inspired idea. There’s a valuable context, and enough charisma squeezed out of our three leads that one can forgive its pitfalls. Despite its romantic and comical bones it also has a sorrowful soul that most people can find themselves in. Jesse Peretz does an admirable job adapting the material into a reasonably charming picture. An airy script, especially taking a dip in its closing act, Juliet, Naked isn’t the indie romance it could be, but it sparkles enough to shine. The writing team of Evgenia Peretz, Jim Taylor and Tamara Jenkins, mixed with Peretz‘s adept ability to procure comedic timing, matches the delivery of the actors, especially O’Dowd.

All of the characters are affable, especially because of their flaws. Neither of the men are an auspicious choice for Annie, but her arc is more about herself. O’Dowd does a terrific job, making me wonder: where has he been? As the disheveled rocker Hawke is weary but attentive, and strong as ever.

It’s really Byrne’s film though. She brings a level of yearning to her character, a comforting pathos, making her transition over the course of the film as she “wakes up” believable. It’s a role that could have been underwhelming in the wrong hands, but instead if bursting with warmth. Even when some of the dialogue is cold, and the chemistry between her and Hawke by all means shouldn’t work, these two pros keep it.

It is worth noting that some of the original music featured in the film is by Ryan Adams, Robyn Hitchc*ck, and Conor Oberst. These are some heavy hitters, and it’s noticeable. My only complaint is that I wish we could have heard more. Hawke also sings some of the tunes, not his first time behind a mic, which further drives home the gritty authenticity that’s aimed for here.

Conclusion: Juliet, Naked

There’s plenty about Juliet, Naked that isn’t ideal, but it is cozy and predominantly feel-good. With enough witty scenes to invoke emotion and laughter, this story will especially make a music fan’s heart flutter. The ideal casting makes this rom-com hard to dislike.

What did you think? Did you agree? How would you rate the film? Let us know in the comments below!

Juliet, Naked was released theatrically in the US on August 17th.