“A film about a man ready to make a connection.”
I’ll admit—I delayed watching this movie because the premise didn’t immediately grab me. A guy who fires people for a living? Sounded dry. But to my surprise (and this keeps happening lately), it turned out to be profound, witty, and deeply human.
The film follows Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a corporate downsizer—a man paid to deliver life-shattering news with sterile professionalism. For years, he’s never questioned it, never looked back, never regretted a single termination. More than that, he’s never wanted roots: no family, no relationships, just the sterile freedom of airport lounges and loyalty points.
But then—he meets someone.
Not just anyone, but Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), a fellow traveler who mirrors his detachment—or so he thinks. Their chemistry is sharp, effortless, and for the first time, Ryan starts giving emotions he’s always withheld. The film perfectly captures that elusive feeling between like and love—the one we still don’t have a word for.
With gentle nudges from his colleague Natalie (Anna Kendrick)—a young, idealistic newcomer—and his own distant family, Ryan begins to wonder: What if he’s been wrong? What if a “+1” isn’t just a logistical hassle, but something… necessary?
But this isn’t a fairy tale. The business world doesn’t do clean resolutions, and neither does life. What Ryan learns—the hard way—is that some doors close permanently, and the things you let go don’t always circle back. The ending isn’t neat, but it’s devastatingly real.
Why It Works
- Emotional Pull: The film doesn’t just tell you Ryan’s story—it makes you feel it. You’re right there with him—the fleeting hope, the quiet loneliness, the gut-punch realization. Few movies achieve this level of raw immersion.
- Performances:
- Clooney is flawless—charming yet hollow, then slowly fraying at the edges.
- Farmiga is mesmerizing, playing a role far more complex than it first appears. (That ending reveal? Brutal.)
- Kendrick brings youthful optimism, grounding the film with heart and humor.
- No Frills, All Substance: Beyond some airplane visuals, there’s no flashy CGI—just sharp writing, layered characters, and a story that lingers.
A brilliant blend of comedy, romance, and existential weight. If you want smart humor, razor-sharp dialogue, and a story that sticks with you, this is it.
Best for: Anyone who’s ever wondered—Is this all there is?
