Bad bridal party behaviour has become a cinematic staple in recent years, from the juvenile exploits of a groom and his best men in The Hangover, and local release A Few Best Men, to the pre-ceremony conniving and chaos of the titular Bridesmaids. The latest film to ponder the poor decisions made in preparation for a wedding is Bachelorette, which tells its story from a female perspective.
Debutant feature writer/director Leslye Headland’s adaptation of her own off-Broadway play is predicated upon more than the apparent comedic mismatch of women adopting the immature traits normally associated with the opposite gender. Amidst a plethora of unruly acts, the Sundance hit offers an examination of three 20-somethings forced to confront the gulf between their high school dreams and their current realities.
The impending nuptials of Becky (Rebel Wilson, What to Expect When You’re Expecting) spark their quarter-life crises, with the bride-to-be the least popular and attractive of the group. Though immediately offering to organise the event, the perfect life of alpha-female Regan (Kirsten Dunst, On the Road) suddenly seems to pale in comparison to her happy pal. The disparity is heightened when the sarcastic Gena (Lizzy Caplan, TV’s Party Down) and ditzy Katie (Isla Fisher, Burke and Hare) join the pair on the eve of the ceremony, with grand plans for a night of partying and debauchery.
Accordingly, although outrageous antics abound in Headland’s smart script – ruined dresses, drugged bridesmaids, stripper altercations and other incidences of slapstick silliness – Bachelorette delves well beyond the confines of its wedding subgenre. Indeed, as amusing as many of the scenarios become, the character’s journeys through both honourable intentions and despicable downward spirals prove pertinent and poignant. Further, the incisive exploration of stereotypes, from the skewering of expected bridal party conduct to the competition and catharsis of female friendships, move beyond the feature’s darkly humorous undercurrent.
Despite its shrewd observations of the ways women behave badly to cope with traumatic situations, Bachelorette offers an increasingly uncomfortable viewing experience. Dripping with cynicism and missing saccharine padding, the film is far from sympathetic to its protagonists or their cruel male counterparts (Friends with Kids’ Adam Scott and Robot & Frank’s James Marsden among them), ensuring a constant unease infiltrates any moments of hilarity. Such an approach is not only refreshing and realistic, but provides a canvas for stellar performances. Eschewing the confines of the genre, the end result offers an astute example of tragi-comedy, albeit wavering in execution.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Bachelorette
Director: Leslye Headland
USA, 2012, 87 min
Now showing in cinemas
Distributor: Hopscotch
Rated MA
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