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Overnight Slumber Party

Of all the films I saw at this year's Tribeca Film Festival, "The Overnight" caught me the most off-guard. It's not often that you see an American film where male genitalia is so openly on display, other than in porn, of course, and while this isn't porn, it certainly adds a little edge to your typical romantic comedy.

Alex (Adam Scott) and Emily (Taylor Schilling) have just moved to Los Angeles along with their young son. They don't know anyone in their new surroundings, but fate steps in at a local park, in the form of Kurt (Jason Schwartzman) and Charlotte (Judith Godrèche). The sons of the two couples had just met, but it was clear that they were hitting it off. Hearing that the family had just relocated, Kurt extends a dinner invitation to them. He sure is a trusting and friendly sort.

In the very first scene of "The Overnight" we learn that sex between Alex and Emily is less than satisfying for Emily. It is utterly passionless. Emily is a workaholic who is incredibly stressed out at work. Alex is a stay-at-home father, who is very insecure, especially about his undersized genitals. When they meet the uber-confident Kurt, the contrast is glaring.

When Alex and Emily arrive at the other couple's home, they are blown away by its size and beauty. They are welcomed in and they are somewhat uncomfortable despite the openness and friendliness bestowed upon their family by both Kurt and Charlotte. Viewers may share some of their discomfort, because it's hard to peg exactly what their new friends are about. Drinking and smoking pot loosens up the scene and we find out, along with Alex and Emily, what the real deal is.

Everyone's questions get answered, but it's the unveiling of the answers that is the strength of "The Overnight". Writer-director Patrick Brice does a nice job of walking the very difficult line between comedy and dramatic tension, moving back and forth effortlessly, even within a single scene. By the time Brice is done with the four adults and the audience, all of us have experienced a pretty eventful evening. The multiple secrets are revealed and everyone is left to reflect upon what has just happened overnight.