I’ve never seen any of Birbiglia’s work and know next to nothing about improv, but this is a fantastic, lovable film about holding on to a moment in life. and when to let go.

the characters here are a sort of “Inside Out” for struggling artists, with each improv member representing a different personality trait. the egoist who steps over his friends to make it. the delusional who can’t see his own talent flaws. the realist worried about complete failure. the procrastinator filled with self-doubt. the hesitant dreamer who loves the way everything is now and wants to keep it that way forever.

there are very few movies that see failure all the way through to the end -- usually the protagonist hits rock bottom, then comes out even better. here it’s confronted head-on. loved that aspect of it, as well as the aforementioned necessity of moving on from a time and place in life. not necessarily moving on, either -- just adapting. because life and friends and goals never stay the same.

on a super limited run right now (100 theaters, I believe) but highly recommended as soon as you have the means to see it.

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