The tight-knit friendship between two younger males is disrupted after they meet an fascinating lady. That is arguably essentially the most primary description of Challengers, but it surely’s additionally the premise for Poetic License, Maude Apatow’s directorial debut. I could not assist however consider the 2024 Luca Guadagnino film throughout a key second in Apatow’s movie, although the latter is one thing decidedly totally different however nonetheless particular.
Within the central triangle, the point of interest is Liz (Leslie Mann), a former therapist who, within the absence of working, has turned her consideration utterly to her teenage daughter Dora (Nico Parker), who is only one yr away from going to varsity. After shifting to a brand new city so her husband (Cliff “Technique Man” Smith) can work on the native college, Liz audits a poetry class within the hopes of filling her out of the blue very uninteresting days.
It is there that she meets finest buddies and polar opposites Sam (Andrew Barth Feldman) and Ari (Cooper Hoffman). Sam is a reserved econ main primed for a flowery finance job after commencement, whereas wealthy child Ari tends to be extra emotive, free-wheeling, and self-absorbed. Regardless of their clear variations, although, the 2 boys have a transparent bond, however it is all thrown into disarray after they meet Liz.
Poetic License Works So Nicely Thanks To Leslie Mann & A Robust Script
Working off a script by Raffi Donatich, Apatow demonstrates a powerful sense of confidence behind the digicam. The Euphoria star’s acquired a eager eye for visible comedy and key emotional beats, hitting all the correct notes to get the meant reactions from the viewers. It helps that Poetic License‘s dialogue is whip-smart; Donatich’s script retains the quips flying, after which will sneak in a line that hits you proper within the intestine.
Mann has at all times been an underrated comedic star, and she or he will get a beautiful showcase right here with Liz. On paper, the character might be an overdone archetype, however Mann makes her really feel so actual and relatable that she appears brand-new. This additionally elevates the premise. We will see proper from the beginning that Sam and Ari are smitten with Liz, however from her perspective, she’s simply making buddies, and it someway by no means feels icky.
Sam and Ari quickly discover themselves competing with one another for Liz’s consideration and affection, their need to outdo one another rising extra fervent with every passing day. Liz is desperately attempting to reconnect with an more and more distant Dora, and her husband is feeling fairly distant, too. It is sensible why she’d be drawn to Ari and Sam.
One mushroom-fueled night provides all three the prospect to open up and confront their deepest insecurities. The core trio of Poetic License is well-developed, although the identical cannot fairly be stated for the opposite supporting characters. Parker’s Dora will get one of the best arc, with the mother-daughter dynamic resonating strongly. This was little doubt helped by Apatow and Mann’s real-life relationship, which solely appears to counterpoint the fabric.
Liz’s struggles together with her husband is a bit much less outlined, however we’re given sufficient to empathize together with her place. The climactic confrontation between all the important thing gamers is a large spotlight, brimming with hilarity and deep-seated harm. It virtually jogged my memory of the notorious reveal scene in Loopy Silly Love; between that, the aforementioned Challengers vibe, and some different visuals, I get the impression that Apatow is an actual movie pupil, continually studying from what she watches.
Mann deserves a number of reward right here, however Feldman and Hoffman are equally glorious. Their comedic timing is ideal, and each can do lots with a easy expression. Feldman particularly earned many laughs throughout my screening. Particular credit score must also go to the always-reliable Martha Kelly, who performs the poetry professor and drops some completely hilarious private tidbits.
Poetic License has a traditional kind of really feel that makes it a really gratifying watch. It retains a great tempo, mixes the guts with the hilarious, and spotlights an unimaginable assortment of performers. Apatow clearly is aware of what she’s doing right here, and I will be excited to see what she does subsequent behind the digicam.
Poetic License premiered on the 2025 Toronto Worldwide Movie Pageant.
Poetic License
8/10
- Launch Date
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September 6, 2025
- Runtime
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117 minutes
- Director
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Maude Apatow
- Writers
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Raffi Donatich
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Andrew Barth Feldman
Sam Soloman
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Cooper Hoffman
Ari Zimmer
- Leslie Mann will get an awesome showcase portraying a well-developed character.
- Andrew Barth Feldman and Cooper Hoffman garner a number of laughs.
- Raffi Donatich’s script is stuffed with glorious dialogue.
- Maude Apatow appears very assured behind the digicam.
- Some plot threads aren’t fairly as fleshed-out as others.