Movie Review: ‘Guy Friends’- Love and Friendship, Explored.

“Guy Friends,” directed and written by Johnathan Smith, opens with the intriguing premise of blending documentary-style footage with a narrative presented in black and white. The film, starring Kavita Jariwala as Jaime, explores the complexities of platonic friendships and unspoken romantic feelings in a refreshingly humorous manner.

The film begins with a documentary feel, but soon shifts to a narrative format, cleverly maintaining its black-and-white visual aesthetic. This creative choice adds a layer of sophistication and nostalgia, making it stand out in the crowded rom-com genre. The visuals also capture some beauty and detail of the city of New York where the film is set.

The story follows Jaime, who describes herself as a “guy’s girl,” who after a painful breakup, discovers that all her male friends, whom she believed to be platonic, are actually in love with her. This revelation comes as a shock and introduces a comedic yet poignant exploration of her relationships.

Jaime is portrayed as a gorgeous, chatty, and very likeable character, making her predicament both relatable and engaging. As she navigates her daily life, we meet the men in her world, from her neighbour Brad, the doorman at her building, her taxi driver Ralph, and the coffee shop barista Simon, to the front desk person at her job. Even her difficult-to-please boss, Mr. Vanderbilt (played by Patrick Collins), becomes part of the narrative of the men in her life who are in love with her secretly.

Jaime’s best friend, Ted (Justin Clark), played with endearing charm, points out a crucial observation, she doesn’t have any female friends, only male ones. This insight sets the stage for the central conflict of the film. When Jaime‘s breakup becomes public knowledge via an Instagram post, it triggers a cascade of confessions from her male friends the following morning. Even her boss shows unexpected romantic interest, revealing that all these men have been hovering around her, waiting for her to be single.

Kavita Jariwala in Guy Friends (2024)

We realize that Jamie is just a beautiful soul who genuinely values her friendships. She gets blindsided by these declarations of love and affection as she has never led any of her friends on, but they have all been secretly crushing on her. One particularly touching subplot involves Terrence, a friend from another state, who is willing to travel just to express his feelings for her.

As the proposals pour in, Jaime declines them all, feeling overwhelmed and betrayed by the realization that her friends’ motives are not as pure as she believed. She begins to spend more time with Ted and his girlfriend Sandy, who is visiting New York. Sandy (played by Katie Muldowney), is a breath of fresh air. Blunt and humorous, she helps Jaime navigate the emotional turmoil she’s experiencing. Through Sandy, Jaime starts to understand the importance of having a female friend in her life.

The narrative then shifts focus to Jaime and Sandy‘s fast-forming friendship. This transition is punctuated by sporadic coloured visuals and inserts from a student documentary project about friendships. These documentary-style clips, while scripted, have a natural look and feel, highlighting the power and dynamics of female friendships. The film cleverly ties these clips into the main narrative, featuring typical tales of how various female friendships began.

The acting in “Guy Friends” is commendable for an indie film. The characters are inherently likeable, and the actors’ performances make them even more endearing. Kavita Jariwala shines as Jaime, capturing her character’s vulnerability and strength. The supporting cast, particularly Katie Muldowney and the various men vying for Jaime‘s affection, deliver solid performances that enhance the film’s charm.

Kavita Jariwala and Katie Muldowney in Guy Friends (2024)

The film’s production, while clearly on a lean budget, makes excellent use of its resources. There are a few minor continuity errors, but nothing serious enough to detract from the overall experience. The black-and-white visuals might not appeal to everyone, but they add a unique aesthetic that keeps the audience invested in Jaime‘s journey.

As the narrative progresses, we see a different side of Mr. Vanderbilt, who is still grieving the loss of his wife a year ago. His softening towards Jaime adds emotional depth to the story, showcasing how friendships can evolve and heal.

“Guy Friends” excels as a light-hearted, feel-good comedy that can hold its own against some larger studio films. It offers a fresh take on the rom-com genre. Its 80-minute runtime feels just right, effectively exploring themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery without overstaying its welcome.

I will score this film 7/10. It is a delightful indie gem that balances humour and heart. Johnathan Smith‘s direction and writing, coupled with strong performances and a unique visual style, make this film a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in the complexities of modern friendships and the unpredictable nature of love.

“Guy Friends” will be available in theatres starting Friday, May 31st. You can also catch it on Streaming starting June 4th.