Categories: FilmReviews

To See or Not to See: Better Off Single

If you’ve ever been on the dating scene, you know it can be…awkward. Let’s be honest, it’s a scary and daunting process. Whether you’re jumping in for the first time, or coming out of a long-term relationship, it never gets easier. And, that’s not even considering society’s pressure to find “the one.” Director-Writer Benjamin Cox tackles all of this in his relatable new comedy, Better Off Single.

When we’re first introduced to Charlie Carroll (Aaron Tveit), life couldn’t be better. He’s seemingly in a happy relationship with Angela (Abby Elliott) and killing it at his job. But, in the course of one day, everything changes. He quits and breaks up with his girlfriend. Talk about making a lot of life changes in twenty-four hours. Amirite? But, after swimming in the dark waters of the NYC dating pool, Charlie begins to question whether he’s made a mistake. And, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Will he find “the one”? Or has that ship already sailed?

The charming Aaron Tveit is everything you hope for in a leading man. He carries the film like a pro and quickly makes audiences fall in love with his character. The film uses flashbacks and hallucinations (that work more often than they don’t) to poke fun at all our favorite dating clichés and to highlight Charlie’s inner turmoil.

At the heart of Better Off Single is a universal message about letting things happen the way they are meant to. And, who can’t get behind that?

★ ★ ½ out of 4

Photo Credit: Red Square Pictures/Gravitas Ventures

Kevin

Kevin is a writer living in New York City. He is an enthusiast with an extensive movie collection, who enjoys attending numerous conventions throughout the year. Say hi on Twitter and Instagram!

View Comments

  • Good review--written by someone who likes movies and who focuses on what the movie achieves rather than on all the things the movie was not. Reviewer has a future.

Recent Posts

Exclusive Interview: Co-Writer and Director Ruth Du Talks ‘Samson,’ Genre-Bending, and Taking Creative Leaps

Ruth Du is a multifaceted creative celebrated for her ability to tell relationship-based stories with…

1 day ago

‘UnBorn’ Creator Trisha LaFache Takes Us Behind the Scenes of Her Hit Podcast

With a career spanning acting, writing, producing, and podcasting, Trisha LaFache has established herself as…

2 days ago

Exclusive Interview: Alice Lee on Taking Creative Risks, Co-Producing, and Her Role in ‘Samson’

Known for her ability to seamlessly navigate multiple artistic realms, Alice Lee steps into a…

4 days ago

Exclusive Interview: Stephanie Hsu and Zosia Mamet on ‘Laid,’ Chosen Family, and Redefining Representation in Storytelling

Peacock’s new original comedy Laid is anything but your typical rom-com. When Ruby (Stephanie Hsu)…

1 week ago

Exclusive Interview: Michael Angarano and Andre Hyland on How ‘Laid’ Balances Comedy, Drama, and Everything In Between

Romantic comedies have long grappled with the question, “Why can’t I find love?” But in…

1 week ago

Exclusive Interview: Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford Talk ‘Laid,’ Female Friendship, and Guest Stars

What if the search for love revealed an unsettling truth—that the problem might actually be…

1 week ago