I've watched this movie several times, and it's difficult to describe it without pigeonholing it as something it's not.
I'd classify it as romantic comedy or dramedy, however it is not some Meg Ryan, feel-good, bullshit.
_The Boy Downstairs_ is an indie love story, which means the type of mainstream cliches are nowhere to be found. In fact, I'd say this is the most honest movie about a break up I have ever seen, where moments of comedy are also included.
I'm a huge fan of Woody Allen, and this feels every bit like one of his better movies about love, and loss.
The story is simple enough: Diana and Ben are a couple. We get to see the arc of their relationship in flashbacks, all while Diana has to handle living in the same building as her former boyfriend - directly above him, as the title suggests.
I can't stress enough how, in less capable hands, this movie would be corny trash.
So much depth is poured into the ninety-minute runtime. We are given fully fleshed-out characters in Diana, and Ben. Hell, even Diana's friend, Gabby, gets a B story. Amy, Diana's landlord, gets a backstory. There is no fat on this film. Every stitch of it feels real.
Yes, it’s a love story, but it’s a reminder that part of love is heartbreak. Yes, it’s a comedy, but it’s also heart wrenching.
I want to say this, as well: this is not a fun couples movie. If you are in a relationship, this is not going to be the right choice. This is the movie you watch after a relationship has ended.
I doubt I need to mention it, but the production is great, the acting, the editing, everything. I love this movie.
Zosia Mamet is adorable, in such an I'm-cute-and-I'm-not-even-trying kind of way.
I look forward to more films from Sophie Brooks.