Like a Boss

Like a Boss, released in 2020, is a comedy-drama that provides a fun mix of friendship, beauty, and entrepreneurship. The film stars the comedic powerhouse duo, Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne, while Salma Hayek is seen leveraging her charm with a dash of malice in her role.

The film centers around two lifelong best friends, Mia Carter (Tiffany Haddish) and Mel Paige (Rose Byrne). The pair run a small, quirky cosmetics company in Atlanta, Georgia. Being the cheerful, optimistic individuals they are, Mia and Mel aren't just business partners, they're inseparable best friends who've known each other since middle school and share everything, including an apartment. Their business, however, is on the verge of bankruptcy, laden with debt and struggling to stay afloat.

Promise of salvation for the defenseless friends arrives in the form of Claire Luna (Salma Hayek), a cosmetic mogul who commands the beauty industry. Luna represents one of those stereotypical hard-nosed business tycoons with a heart of steel. Behind a façade of helpfulness, Luna is an ambitious and cunning entrepreneur who seeks to exploit Mia and Mel's financial dilemma for her own gains. She puts forward an offer to buy a controlling share of their company to alleviate their financial problems, promising to let them maintain creative control of their beloved brand. The film explores how the duo navigates this tricky and often hilarious situation, confronting their fears while embracing their dreams.

The movie thrives on the chemistry between Haddish and Byrne, which exhibits here in copious amounts. Their convincing on-screen relationship, peppered with bantering and quick-fire humor, becomes the film’s backbone. Tiffany Haddish's Mia is the inventive and passionate risk-seeker, pumped full of outrageous, wild-child energy; a complete contrast to Rose Byrne's Mel, who is the conscientious, worry-prone half, keen on getting their financial books in order. Although different in approach, their shared goal of saving their business ties their unique character arcs together.

Salma Hayek’s Claire Luna is a riot to watch. Hayek plays her role with immense gusto, resulting in a practical caricature of a corporate shark, with a glaring red hairdo, towering stilettos, a startlingly white smile, and a flamboyant fashion sense. Her significantly larger-than-life portrayal of Luna's character provides an exotic and amusing contrast to the nine-to-five world of Mia and Mel.

The movie is beautifully sprinkled with raunchy jokes, slapstick humor, and fun cameos that keep the audience on their toes. Lighthearted, snappy dialogue and a vivacious soundtrack add an extra dose of energy to the film. The movie's beauty scenes are profuse with glitz and glamour, a homage to the cosmetics industry itself. It also delves into presenting the stark contrast between the boxed cosmetic bigwigs and the natural, home-grown beauty that Mia and Mel's small enterprise represents.

Like a Boss also explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-worth. It examines the evolution of Mia and Mel's friendship through several high-pressure situations and emphasizes the importance of solidarity amidst hardships. The film affirms that genuine relationships stand tall against manipulation and adversity.

Furthermore, the movie sends a significant message regarding the importance of owing up to individuality, self-reliance, and independence, especially in a corporate world that seldom offers any compassion or homage to originality. It underscores how personal conviction and creativity should not be compromises for success.

Like a Boss combines humor with heart and is a feel-good watch for an audience seeking light-hearted entertainment. Its authentic portrayal of friendship and the warm chemistry between its lead actors make it a delightful cinematic experience. It subtly underscores the struggles faced by women in business and their strength when they stick together and face their challenges head-on. It’s a charming, fun film that celebrates the power of friendship and following one’s dreams.