Written and directed by first-time feature filmmaker Sophie Brooks, The Boy Downstairs is the newest mumblecore movie about a young aspiring novelist, Diana (Zosia Mamet, best known for GIRLS), who relocates back to NYC after pursuing her career in London for three years.
She moves into what she thinks is the perfect apartment, however, soon discovers her ex-boyfriend Ben (Matthew Shear), lives in the apartment downstairs. She is determined to form a friendship with her ex, but after multiple awkward encounters, he wants to be nothing more than estranged neighbors. The crisp cinematography and bright urban setting create a modern take on this young romantic comedy.
The dilatory plot, grounded and entertaining, follows Diana as she struggles with her own fears, anxieties, and uncertainties while trying to find direction in her messy life. The timeline is intertwined with intriguing flashbacks of Diana and Ben’s first date, meeting each other’s parents, and their inevitable breakup before Diana moves to London. The Boy Downstairs captures the unique point of view of the ex-girlfriend with playfully dry humor, engaging dialogue, and sincere performances from lovable characters. For Brooks’ first feature film, she eloquently depicts a universal journey of finding yourself through all of your own mistakes.
‘The Boy Downstairs’ captures the unique point of view of the ex-girlfriend with playfully dry humor, engaging dialogue, and sincere performances.
After having some success writing short stories in London, Diana returns home in an attempt to write her first novel. After unknowingly moving into her ex-boyfriend’s apartment building, she is forced to deal with the unresolved feelings she thought she left behind. Both Ben and his new girlfriend, Meg (Sarah Ramos), aren’t too thrilled about his new neighbor. Ben completely rejects Diana’s many attempts to try and become friends.
As the plot progresses, an unforeseen situation sees Ben move out of the apartment, with Diana losing focus on her writing with the gaping void of loneliness in her life, now that Ben is gone. Wrapped with an ambiguous final scene, Brooks leaves it up to you to interpret how you want it to end.
The Boy Downstairs is a well-executed film with a delightful cast, great performances, and a lovely story. The relatable themes of wrestling with self-identity and the endeavor to figure out what you want in life, hold to entertain as this silly scenario unfolds on screen. The darling characters are fun to root for, even as Diana becomes her own worst enemy. This film leaves you with the important lesson that failing and learning from your mistakes is the best path to self-discovery, and pushing people away will not make that easier to endure.
‘The Boy Downstairs’ is rated PG-13 for some strong language, drug references, and sexual material. 91 minutes. Opening February 23rd at the Laemmle Monica Film Center.
