Good Posture

Good Posture (2019) is a witty and charming comedy-drama that marks the directorial debut of Dolly Wells. The film stars Grace Van Patten (The Meyerowitz Stories), Gary Richardson (Saturday Night Live), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Girls) in the lead roles.

The movie follows the story of a 28-year-old aspiring writer, Lilian (Grace Van Patten), who moves in with a family friend, Julia Price (Emily Mortimer), and her academic husband, Don (Jonathan Ames), after breaking up with her boyfriend. Lilian's arrival disrupts the couple's peaceful suburban life, and she quickly becomes a thorn in Don's side.

Don, a struggling writer himself, finds Lilian's self-absorbed and entitled attitude unbearable. But things take an interesting turn when Lilian discovers a diary belonging to Don's deceased ex-wife. Intrigued by the stories and ideas in the diary, Lilian decides to use it as inspiration for her novel, and enlists Don's help.

As they spend more time together, Don and Lilian form an unlikely friendship, and Lilian begins to learn the important lesson of good posture - both physically and emotionally - as well as finding a sense of purpose and direction in her life.

Set in a picturesque suburb of New York City, the film beautifully captures the suffocating sense of ennui that often characterizes life in an affluent community. The script, written by Ames, is sharp, witty, and full of humorous one-liners and clever observations, delivered expertly by an excellent ensemble cast.

Van Patten, in particular, shines as the millennial protagonist, Lilian. She captures the character's restless energy, entitlement, and occasional flashes of depth and sensitivity, creating a fully rounded character that is both likable and exasperating in equal measure.

Richardson is also superb as the long-suffering Don. He brings a quiet intensity and dry wit to the role, expertly conveying the character's cynicism and world-weariness.

The supporting cast, including Mortimer, Moss-Bachrach, and Norbert Leo Butz, all deliver strong performances, adding depth and nuance to their respective characters.

At its heart, Good Posture is a film about finding oneself, and the importance of having good posture - both physically and emotionally - in order to navigate the ups and downs of life. It's a witty, charming, and fun movie that will leave audiences with a warm feeling of satisfaction and a renewed appreciation for good posture.