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Author Nick Hornby is known for his charmingly eccentric romantic comedies, full of music and awkwardness and difficult relationships. And the latest adaptation of one of Hornby’s novels, Juliet, Naked, tackles many of the beloved author’s typical topics with both heart and humor.
Juliet, Naked stars Rose Byrne as Annie, a mild-mannered art historian who lives with her boyfriend, Duncan (Chris O’Dowd), in a small seaside British town. For years, Duncan has been obsessed with Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawke), a popular singer-songwriter who disappeared in the middle of a show in 1993, and it’s taking a toll on their relationship. When Annie takes to his beloved message boards to criticize a long-lost album of Tucker’s songs, she’s contacted by the artist himself, and the two become unlikely transatlantic pen pals, sharing their deepest thoughts and feelings.
Hornby definitely knows how to write about things like romance and obsession and music—and the cast of Juliet, Naked perfectly portrays the awkwardness and snobbery of the characters he created.
O’Dowd’s Duncan is so ridiculously pretentious and amusingly insufferable. A pop culture professor, he spends his days talking to students about the joys of television before coming home to spend hours discussing the life, the music, and the potential whereabouts of a man who stepped out of the public eye decades ago. His office is a shrine—and he can’t tolerate anyone who doesn’t share his views of his idol.
Byrne’s Annie, meanwhile, makes an absolutely lovable lead. Awkward and insecure, she’s spent the last 15 years of her life living for everyone else—taking over her father’s job after his death, caring for her outgoing younger sister, quietly putting up with Duncan’s whims and obsessions. Her few small moments of strength lead her to Tucker—and to a digital relationship that allows her to be open and honest about her life and her dreams (and even about her opinion of his music).
There’s so much to these characters, their relationships, and their lives, that the film just can’t explore all of it—and, at times, you might find yourself wanting to dig a little deeper into a part of the story. But even when it just skims the surface, it’s still a thoughtful and undeniably charming romantic comedy.
If you’re looking for a rom-com that’s more warm and lovable than wild and crazy, Juliet, Naked is a worthwhile pick for your next movie night. You’ll fall in love with the characters and their story—and, after it’s over, you may find yourself feeling nostalgic for your favorite old artists and albums, too.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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