Subtlety is dead. Well, at least in the modern Hollywood sex comedy, the art of subtext or understated humor is becoming increasingly sparse. The major issue is that most comedies fail to deal with sex in a way that ascends the immaturity that accompanies the spectacle of sexual humor. Films often rely on star power and shock, forgetting to explore the cinematic possibilities within cinematography, editing, and storytelling. The Overnight is a fine example of what can happen when a film concocts a fine cocktail of artsy and fartsy.

Headlined by a strong core cast of four respected comedians and comediennes, the film follows the story of Alex and Emily (Adam Scott and Taylor Schilling), a couple dealing with sexual frustrations of varying sizes who have recently transplanted from Seattle to Los Angeles with their young, coitus interrupting, son.

The story begins to pick up steam when they meet the self employed, artistic couple that will be sharing the comedic spotlight, Kurt and Charlotte (Jason Schwartzman and Judith Godrèche), who also happen to have a son of the same age. In a single Overnight encounter, Alex and Emily are taken on a journey of promiscuous exploration of identity by the artistic, charming and eccentrically cultured new couple.

The film’s structure is a classic set up: a creation of a binary between the two relationships, the reaction of how the two parties mix, revelations about the character’s identities, concluding with a moment of reflection and clarity on how everyone involved was affected by the encounter.

For this story to work, it was absolutely necessary that there be no weak spots in any of the actors’ performances. In a sex comedy, it is crucial for the audience to believe the performances on screen, especially during any scenes of intimacy. Otherwise, the film may become a highly uncomfortable experience for the viewers. After all, if they remember where they are and the fact that they are in a theater watching a movie about such a socially taboo topic as sex, the viewers could shut down. However, in this case, the chemistry of the cast is fantastic and allows them to truly delve into very impressive and very real emotional depths and comedic range.

The real superstar of the production, however, is up and coming writer/director, Patrick Brice. The Overnight is Brice’s second production and second time teaming up with producer Mark Duplass of the Duplass Brothers production team that has been thriving within the indie comedy scene.

Brice show’s a postmodern sensibility and a playful nihilism within his writing, and a colorful, handheld indie feel to the aesthetic, courtesy of John Guleserian’s cinematography. The film’s structure is a classic set up: a creation of a binary between the two relationships, the reaction of how the two parties mix, revelations about the character’s identities, concluding with a moment of reflection and clarity on how everyone involved was affected by the encounter. Reminiscent of the swinger comedy Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, the film maintains its focus on two, while fictional, very contemporary relationships and the role sex plays within them.

While the film picks up pace when the dinner begins, it lacks a sense of energy to get them there, yet serves well to establish the mundane scope that Alex and Emily see the world through initially, and perhaps it is more of a testimony to the potency and raucousness of the second and third act. It serves its purpose establishing their relationship and perspectives, and the circular theme of coitus interruptus, but could’ve been completed in about half the screen time. Still, it’s very clear that Patrick Brice is a director to pay attention to, especially if he continues to team up with Duplass Brothers Productions.

The Overnight is an excellent sex comedy to kick off the summer. Backed by a talented cast and crew, it’s a sweet story with contemporary twists that give it a fresh and easy-to-swallow feel. Sex, drugs, artistic rectal humor…what’s not to love?

The Overnight is now playing at the Landmark Theatre and ArcLight Hollywood.