Pop-Culturalist.com

The spirit of indie cinema is alive in Ivan Leung and Harrison Xu’s Extremely Unique Dynamic, a meta stoner-comedy about two guys making a movie about two guys making a movie about two guys making a movie. With a premise so absurd it shouldn’t work, the duo triumphs with a film that’s, ahem, uniquely entertaining, as its title suggests, delivering humor, heart, and self-aware charm.

At the heart of this hilariously layered concept are childhood best friends Ryan (Harrison Xu) and Danny (Ivan Leung), who have spent over a decade chasing their dream of breaking into the film industry. Now, with Ryan preparing to move to Canada with his fiancé, the pair finds themselves at a crossroads. Determined to make one lasting memory, Ryan pitches the idea of creating a movie together, with both of them starring as leads—an opportunity neither has had before. Danny, though more interested in a relaxed weekend of weed, hiking, and a food tour, begrudgingly agrees, setting the stage for a weekend that will test their bond in unexpected ways.

As Ryan dives into researching the four steps to making a movie—dynamic, acting, plot, and secret—the film begins to mirror his findings. The dynamic between Ryan and Danny feels deeply authentic, capturing the affection, levity, and occasional tension that define their lifelong connection. Xu and Leung deliver performances that are both genuine and richly layered, grounding even the most eccentric moments. The plot channels the unpredictable energy of their relationship, blending bursts of outlandish comedy with introspection. Danny’s secret—that he’s gay—unfolds as a profoundly personal revelation, adding depth while reaffirming the unconditional acceptance at the heart of their friendship.

Extremely Unique Dynamic takes its time finding its footing, starting with a modest setup that gradually builds into an emotionally rewarding payoff by the end. Along the way, you will undoubtedly laugh and experience moments of intentional cringe, thanks to Ivan Leung’s portrayal of Danny, whose antics bring a true-to-character awkwardness and an air of unpredictability to the story. While the film’s meta layer is an ambitious gamble that largely succeeds, its self-referential cleverness occasionally overshadows its emotional core, leaving some narrative arcs underdeveloped. As an indie feature, the project’s scope might have benefited from more simplicity, allowing for a sharper focus on its heartfelt moments and further exploration of its leads.

Self-awareness isn’t just a narrative choice in Extremely Unique Dynamic—it’s embedded in its DNA. Few films achieve this level of clarity, understanding their audience, cultural space, and purpose so seamlessly. Ivan Leung and Harrison Xu deserve recognition for taking control of their creative vision and delivering a story that’s as dynamic as the relationships it portrays. Leung and Xu demonstrate their unique perspective as filmmakers, delivering a story that feels timely and timeless.

★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5

 

Exclusive one-week preview run at Vidiots in LA starting January 3rd, expanding to additional theaters on January 10th, and available digitally on January 29th.

This review was written as part of NewFest 2024, where the film was screened