I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore

I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore is a 2017 dark comedy-drama directed and written by Macon Blair. The film stars Melanie Lynskey as Ruth Kimke, a nursing assistant who is fed up with the lack of respect in her daily life. Chris Doubek plays Tony, Ruth's awkward neighbor who is eager to help her get her stolen belongings back. Marilyn Faith Hickey plays Ruth's eccentric and blunt therapist.

The movie begins with Ruth coming home one day to discover that her house has been burglarized. Feeling violated and angry, Ruth decides to take matters into her own hands and track down the thief. She enlists the help of a reluctant Tony, and the two embark on a chaotic and violent journey that takes them through the world of petty criminals, bumbling detectives, and dangerous gangsters.

At its core, I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore is a movie about the frustrations and indignities of everyday life, and the way that small annoyances can build up to create a feeling of overwhelming hopelessness. Ruth is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, and Lynskey's performance as a woman on the brink of a breakdown is both humorous and heartbreaking.

One of the film's strengths is its use of humor to undercut the tension and violence of its plot. The banality of the criminals that Ruth and Tony encounter is played for laughs, and the absurdity of their actions is contrasted with the very real danger that Ruth and Tony are in. The film's violence is often shocking and brutal, but it is also stylized and exaggerated, which creates a surreal and almost cartoonish atmosphere.

The relationship between Ruth and Tony is also a highlight of the movie. Their dynamic is awkward and uncomfortable, but it is also endearing and genuine. Tony is a shy and socially awkward man who is clearly attracted to Ruth, but he is also unsure of how to express his feelings. Their interactions are often cringe-worthy, but they are also sweet and funny.

One of the film's themes is the idea of justice and the question of whether it is ever possible to achieve it outside of the legal system. Ruth's quest to retrieve her stolen belongings quickly turns into a larger mission to right the wrongs of the world around her. As the film progresses, she becomes more and more obsessed with the idea of bringing the thief to justice, even if it means breaking the law herself. This theme is explored in an interesting and thought-provoking way, and it adds an extra layer of depth to the movie.

Overall, I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore is a quirky and entertaining film that defies easy categorization. It is a mix of genres – part black comedy, part crime thriller, part character study – and it blends them together in a unique and effective way. The movie is buoyed by strong performances from Lynskey, Doubek, and Hickey, as well as a witty and clever script from Blair. It is not for everyone, as its violence and dark humor could be off-putting to some viewers, but for those who appreciate a movie that takes risks and defies expectations, it is well worth watching.