Treading the dicey path of a comic actor stepping into the director’s spokes is a challenging feat rarely accomplished flawlessly. However, Jake Johnson, known for his acting stints in "New Girl" and "Minx," accomplishes it through his first film "Self Reliance". Even though the COVID-19 pandemic inspired the timing of the project, the concept was in Johnson's ideas arsenal for years.
In "Self Reliance," Johnson, who also writes, plays Tommy, an average Joe stuck in the drudgery of a midlife LA routine. An unexpected invitation from actor Andy Samberg to take part in a dark web reality show introduces a wild twist to Tommy’s life. The proposition: survive 30 days from a group of anonymous "Hunters" trying to kill him, and a million dollars await on the other side. The catch though – he must always be around other people to ensure his safety.
This premise nudges Tommy through a spiral of heightened self-awareness and perpetual worry leading him to seek help from his estranged family and, unfortunately, meeting a dead-end there due to long-buried resentments. So, he turns to strangers, the first one being a homeless guy named "James", and the camaraderie between them shines as the heart of the movie. Venturing further, he discovers Maddy (Anna Kendrick), another contestant and a fellow loner, opening doors to more profound human connection depths.
"Self Reliance" portrays compelling subtext about humans shaking off the chains of inactivity and rediscovering social interaction in the post-pandemic world. Maddy’s vivacious persona, which pushes Tommy out of his comfort zone, embodies this allegory. However, the film's enchantment takes a backseat when the focus shifts too much toward the game's logistics, with Johnson swaying between the game being real and being a mere spectacle for audience amusement.
While "Self Reliance" basks in Johnson's knack for casual humorousness and the delightful absurdity of guest appearances from actors like Samberg and Wayne Brady, the film struggles with a solid comic punch. The humor in several scenarios relies heavily on Johnson’s signature deadpan delivery and the bizarre presence of production assistant ninjas assuring Tommy of his special place in the reality show.
But at its heart, "Self Reliance" sets out to explore the theme of human connection and friendship, distinct from its promising inception of tackling the nuances of reality TV. Nevertheless, Johnson’s undeniable charisma makes this comedic enterprise a worthwhile watch, arousing anticipation for his future endeavors beyond the bounds of LA.
"Self Reliance" debuts on Hulu on Friday, January 12th.
