Note: This I Don’t Understand You review contains plot spoilers for the film’s ending (which will only be discussed in the final section of this review).
What’s The Story?
I Don’t Understand You introduces viewers to Dom (Nick Kroll) and Cole (Andrew Rannells), a married couple. The pair fly to Italy to enjoy their wedding anniversary. Little do they know that things will go awry.
For any viewer that wants to go in unspoiled, skipping the trailer is a must. Unfortunately, this film falls into the marketing trap of revealing the majority of the escalating events in the trailer.
Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells have a considerable amount of experience in performing comedy. Does this film put those skills to good use?
The Dark Comedy
Being that the film is a dark comedy, the film toes the line between the more heartfelt love story between Dom (Kroll) and Cole (Rannells) and the more intense escalations that come in the second half. Oftentimes the outlandishness of the circumstances are the main source of attempted comedy.
Anyone familiar with Kroll and Rannells knows that they are capable of fast-paced, high energy line delivery. That signature delivery comes more so in the second half. The dramatic narrative begins with their love story and desire to start a family. But once the film takes its darker turn, the energy becomes unstoppable.
The Heart Of It All
I Don’t Understand You opens with one of the stand-out comedic sequences. Dom and Cole attempt to record a pitch video in their quest to adopt a child. With the help of a few shots of liquor and montage editing, it truly comes across like Kroll and Rannells are having fun with it.
Early on, Dom and Cole’s adoption trauma is revealed. Previously, they were on track to adopt a child. Unfortunately, the mother was lying. She was never pregnant to begin with. Moreover, Dom and Cole’s home remains littered with baby supplies.
Presently, Candice (Amanda Seyfried) calls Dom and Cole on their Italy trip. She was particularly charmed by their adoption video and offers for them to adopt her soon-to-be-born baby. Thus, Dom and Cole are even more determined to get home when their trip goes wrong.
About That Ending… (Spoilers!)
Dom and Cole are undoubtedly sympathetic leads when it concerns their desire to become fathers. However, the ways that they play into a negative tourist stereotype may ruffle some feathers. If you have a darker sense of humour, the endless parade of ‘accidental’ murders can be enjoyed as toeing the line into camp. There are no consequences for their actions. They make it home safely. Candice goes into labour and they adopt her baby.
Although I might have preferred a harder foray into a camp delivery, it’s understandable why the film holds back from taking things that far. The story, particularly the first half, is a deeply personal one for co-writers/directors David Joseph Craig and Brian William Crano. A mishap on a holiday to Italy while the couple were in the midst of the adoption process.
Ultimately, the most important outcome is not to get away with murder. It’s about growing their family.
I Don’t Understand You releases in cinemas on June 6.
Watch the I Don’t Understand You trailer here:
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