Drinking Buddies
Magnolia Pictures | Release Date: August 23, 2013
6.5
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 95 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
55
Mixed:
25
Negative:
15
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8
SimpleMethodAug 31, 2013
Solid acting from the four leads, but it sagged in a few places. It was an interesting story, the writing was solid, but I wasn't thoroughly engaged throughout. But it was still enjoyable and unique, at least.
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8
DirigiblePulpJul 4, 2017
If Joe Swanberg's filmography has an essential work, I think this is it. His filmmaking style repels that term, his body of work speaks for itself more than individual films do. I would list him as a favorite director, eagerly awaiting hisIf Joe Swanberg's filmography has an essential work, I think this is it. His filmmaking style repels that term, his body of work speaks for itself more than individual films do. I would list him as a favorite director, eagerly awaiting his next work, but without being able to list one of his films as a personal favorite.

But this is the closest, it's partly because he's working with a more "veteran" cast -- Olivia Wilde owns this thing with her charisma and "cool" girl charm, and should be killing it in more movies like this -- but also because, like most of his films, there are things to learn but no lessons, and here he hits that balance rather perfectly. Lives are left as they are, with things that have happened, and a more standard studio version of this would have wrapped things up and let the characters know exactly how they should be living their lives. Not here, not exactly.… Expand
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7
adhamhanyJan 5, 2014
I think this movie has the most natural acting I've seen in a long time. It feels like everyday people talking to each other. I don't know if there was a script for this film, because it definitely felt like the cast were improvising. ItI think this movie has the most natural acting I've seen in a long time. It feels like everyday people talking to each other. I don't know if there was a script for this film, because it definitely felt like the cast were improvising. It doesn't matter, though, because their performances were interesting anyway. Especially Olivia Wilde and Jake Johnson.

The directing and editing were very good, giving room for the cast to breathe life into their characters. The plot, though, was way too simple. The ending was also a little disappointing, though realistic.

In the end, i really liked. A great movie about relationships.… Expand
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7
hoops2448Sep 11, 2013
I had an inkling on how Drinking Buddies was going to end going in but being right didn't mean I didn't enjoy the overall experience because I did. In fact its a smart and well directed film with a fresh improvised style that makes the filmI had an inkling on how Drinking Buddies was going to end going in but being right didn't mean I didn't enjoy the overall experience because I did. In fact its a smart and well directed film with a fresh improvised style that makes the film performances shine so much that it ultimately didn't matter how the film ended, the ride was enough. The film follows best friends Kate (Olivia Wilde) and Luke (Jake Johnson) who work at a Chicago brewery together. When Kate and Luke introduce each other to their respective partners things start to change for these two friends even though they don't realize it is happening. Director Joe Swanberg, uses his unique filming and story telling techniques to bring new life to a story as old as time. While an unrequited love story is my Kryptonite, Drinking Buddies is the anti rom-com, rom-com as it isn't concerned with the trivial questions of who ends up with who, it's a tale of life not just for Kate and Luke but everyone. It's a story of personality, how these people interact with each other, warts and all. Joined by Anna Kendrick as Luke's partner Jill and Ron Livingston as Kate's partner Chris. Kendrick turns in yet another stand out performance as a supposedly chilled out yet secretly neurotic girl seeking more from Luke, a man with a serious commitment phobia. Livingston is an unexpected touch but an excellent choice none the less. The real highlight though is Olivia Wilde who proves her worth after a slew of bad film appearances (Cowboys and Aliens, Ultimately a film like this doesn't come along very often despite Swanberg's impressive film turnout over the last 9 years and we should embrace it for what it is, a heartfelt look at the frustrating nature of man and their ability to miss the simplest of things. While a little long it all comes down to your personal taste as the film is all about the little things, the small inconsequential moments that make up a persons life. If that's not your thing thats fine but if it is your going to love it.… Expand
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8
MarkDetrelSep 20, 2013
Drinking Buddies is one of the biggest sorprises of this year, the story could be familiar, but the development is really great (ok, sometimes falls into the known), the script is really smart, and the performances are wow, incredible, AnnaDrinking Buddies is one of the biggest sorprises of this year, the story could be familiar, but the development is really great (ok, sometimes falls into the known), the script is really smart, and the performances are wow, incredible, Anna Kendrick, Olivia Wilde, Jake M. Johnson and Ron Livingston do a good job. Great movie.… Expand
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10
movielandia1Dec 9, 2013
Plot: Luke and Kate are co-workers at a Chicago brewery, where they spend their days drinking and flirting. They’re perfect for each other, except that they’re both in relationships. Luke is in the midst of marriage talks with his girlfriendPlot: Luke and Kate are co-workers at a Chicago brewery, where they spend their days drinking and flirting. They’re perfect for each other, except that they’re both in relationships. Luke is in the midst of marriage talks with his girlfriend of six years, Kate is playing it cool with her music producer boyfriend Chris. But you know what makes the line between “friends” and “more than friends” really blurry? Beer. Drinking Buddies (2013)
Now this right here, is what I call a true indie. The whole thing is stunning and marvelously done. Now this isn’t your typical romantic comedy film, this is very realistic and focused on a lot more than just two characters and love but more focused on the friendships and work. The characters are really brought to life by the fact that the whole film is improvised. No script, just a synopsis of what the movie was about and let me tell you these wonderful actors did a phenomenal job! I really felt like I was right there with them, with the laughs, camera setting’s, the emotional stuff, all of it. I almost cried at how well this film was made and produced. I highly recommend watching it, it’s realistic, cute, funny, beautiful and just a brilliant film. You also get to see the actors (Anna Kendrick, Ron LIvingston, Olivia Wilde, & Jake Johnson) in a different view, because everything that they’re saying is coming from them, not a script, them. And it’s just mind-blowing and I can’t wait too see more from Joe Swanberg. Watch this very brilliant, stunning, beautiful film. You will laugh, cry, and just fall in love with these characters and actors. Also in this film they really are getting drunk, that just shows how talented they truly are. In my opinion this is the best of 2013.

Rate:10/10

Rated: R (profanity throughout film)

Film Directed and Written by: Joe Swanberg… Expand
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7
greebsDec 19, 2014
The film has great performances by a very talented cast - in particular, Olivia Wilde, Jake Johnson and Anna Kendrick turn in really good work, and the style of the film - apparently called 'mumblecore' - makes it feel like we are witnessingThe film has great performances by a very talented cast - in particular, Olivia Wilde, Jake Johnson and Anna Kendrick turn in really good work, and the style of the film - apparently called 'mumblecore' - makes it feel like we are witnessing actual conversations between real people.

The downside to this is .. there's very little plot, no traditional character arcs, and at the end of the film, I was left wondering what I'd just seen. I enjoyed it all - but I'm not sure there's much "there" there. A fun film if you go in with the right expectations, but for those expecting a traditional film, this might be a disappointment.… Expand
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7
amheretojudgeJan 16, 2018
you coming..

Drinking Buddies

It may resemble too much to the real world and still offer us enough reason to hang on to it as it is so perfectly written that its tone is surprisingly acceptable.
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