The Greeks found a way to fashion tragedy into an art form. Plays like The Iliad or Antigone still have a home within our modern media today. 2017’s The Killing of a Sacred Deer channeled Iphigenia at Aulis. While it’s even hit some modern Oscar films including Foxcatcher, The Godfather: Part II, and Chinatown Some could even argue that 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War’s ending was in lude of the ancient tradition. The themes of Greek tragedies are transparent for genres – they challenge us as viewers to understand that not everything has a happy ending. Despite what Disney would have you believe with its princess movies.

Why do we place ourselves through tragedies in the cinema? Back in 2016, maybe people complained about the darkness surrounding Batman v Superman. I can’t tell you how many conversations I had with people and heard that same complaint. It’s too dark, why can’t it be more fun? While that’s another conversation for another day. There is a truth to that complaint. Many of us go to the movies or to the various streaming services available as a form of escape. Films like Marriage Story, challenge us to look at our own relationships. Some of which are tragic. For whatever reason, I couldn’t escape the story that came out of our Divorce and Mental Health episode. The longer I thought about this film, the more I came back to that episode.

Ironic that I’m talking about Greek tragedies and divorce when talking about the romantic comedy, The Lovebirds. The film which stars Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani as a couple who witness a murder and then stumble upon some pretty bizarre stuff in order to clear their names of murder. The film opens up in typical romantic comedy fashion. Guy meets girls and they fall head over heels in love. Then flash forward four years ala Avengers: Endgame and their relationship is on the verge of destruction. While in some ways, there is a refreshing aspect to their approach of the genre. It is painfully, and I mean painfully, uncomfortable to watch these two for nearly 90 minutes. The film spends nearly its first act with the two arguing. Sure, there are some laughs to be had.

Outside of that humor, though, this is a painful viewing experience. In terms of comedy, I will admit that I had some genuine laughs. There is one scene in particular where the two are trying to obtain information and can’t get proper vocabulary words out to one another. It’s like charades but the two can actually talk. When the humor doesn’t land, once again: uncomfortable. I can’t think of any other way to describe it. I mean the movie definitely surprised me several times with its twists and turns. Though, how the characters reacted to said twists were one extreme or the other. They were either laugh out loud or genuinely terrible. When you spend the entire movie where your leads have tension for little to no reason, it’s flat out awkward. You may wonder why I attribute this movie to Greek tragedies. Honestly, it’s because of character decisions.

Overall, The Lovebirds, offers little to love – despite the title. While the film serves as a refreshment for the romantic comedy genre. It’s hard to get past the two annoying leads in Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani. Granted, that friction can provide some serious humor. Though, when it misses the mark – it misses to the extreme. It’s uncomfortable to say the least. The plot offers up some twists and turns – taking its narrative in bold directions. Though, it might be time for The Lovebirds to fly away.

RORSCHACH RATING:

Victims and Villains is written and produced by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey. Music by Yuriy Bespalov & Beggars. This post was edited by Erica Burkey. The Lovebirds is property of Paramount Pictures & Netflix. We do not own nor claim any rights. The Lovebirds is available to stream now exclusively on Netflix..

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