“Jeff, Who Lives at Home,” the new comedy from the Brothers Duplass follows Jeff (Jason Segal), a 30-year-old stoner who won’t leave his mom’s basement. He would much rather wax philosophic about the interconnectedness of the universe and the film “Signs.” So, one morning, when his mother (Susan Sarandon) calls Jeff and asks him to fix the shudders or else he has to move out, Jeff embarks on a journey across town to get wood glue.
Of course, this is all masquerading as a philosophical quest, or a theological quest, depending on how one reads it. Along his journey, Jeff keeps running into his brother Pat (Ed Helms) who is convinced his wife (Judy Greer) is cheating on him.
Meanwhile, back at the office, Jeff’s mom begins receiving mysterious messages from a secret admirer in the office.
“Jeff” weaves all these subplots together in its climax in a rather touching way. But the film never insists on itself. The tragic is always funny and the funny is never just funny. It’s a tight tone to walk, and the Brothers Duplass have shown a knack for always striking it right.
Like their previous effort “Cyrus,” “Jeff” is ultimately about human relationships. Jay Duplass attending the screening and received the Contemporary Cinema award. During the Q&A, he talked about his naturalistic cinematic style – using dramatic zooms, a handheld camera, and improvisation. While I understand the benefits of this – more organic performances – I can’t help but feel as though it distracts from careful shot construction and mise-en-scene. It’s a trade-off the Duplass’ are willing to make, but one that leaves me wanting for more “Cinema.”
But, “Jeff” has a warm, beating heart. Like “Cyrus,” it brings humanity beautifully to a community of misfits. Duplass cited the Coen Brothers as a major influence. While the Coens are better filmmakers, they are not as successful as the Duplass’ at consistently bringing humanity to their characters. Unlike the Coens, the Duplass’ are never just plain mean to their characters.
“Jeff” is a fun film, both moving and funny. It’s sincere and genuine, but never too heavy or too serious. It struck a perfect tone and the performances (like in “Cyrus”) are solid across the board. I especially appreciated Sarandon as a woman who is trying not to get too excited about one last chance for love. Though a twist in her subplot felt contrived, forced and not fully-thought out, Sarandon helps to distract from this with a playful turn.
I wish there were more films like “Jeff.” This one won’t win any Oscars. It doesn’t contain any classic sequences, but it is an independent film entirely devoid of hip cynicism. It’s a story in love with people. And for that, I say “to life!”
3.5/5
