Self Reliance takes a premise usually reserved for tension filled horror movies. Tommy Walcott (Jake Johnson, Across the Spider-Verse) is walking to work one day when he receives an invitation to play a reality game show found on the dark web. He will win $1 million if he can spend the next 30 days outwitting killers who are out to get him. He is skeptical at first, but when he thinks he has discovered a loophole, he decides to take part in the competition.
In his feature length writing and directing debut, Johnson leans on his strong cast. Andy Samberg (Palm Springs) makes the most out of his appearances while Anna Kendrick (A Simple Favor) shows off her often underrated comedic skills. But the standout performance belongs to Biff Wiff (Everything Everywhere All at Once) as Tommy’s new friend James. Not only does he have the best one-liners, there is also a charm to him that makes him one of the best characters in Self Reliance.
The main reason James ends up making such a big impression is that all of the characters are shallow. Initially, Tommy’s ex-girlfriend seems to be a big reason for the malaise he is experiencing. She appears in one scene and is never mentioned again. Self Reliance tries to add depth to Kendrick’s Maddy, but there is not much there. Even Tommy does not give the audience much to latch on to. The script tells you the things that are bothering him,, but it never really comes across emotionally. (James is able to get away with it since he is there strictly for comic relief.)
The silly nature of Self Reliance leads to a number of laugh out loud moments. But this is more than a film that throws everything at the wall. Ultimately, it is a movie about human connections. While the relationship between Tommy and Maddy is supposed to take center stage, it is the arc between Tommy and James that is the most heartfelt. Johnson makes some expected missteps in his first movie, but it is a fun watch.
Self Reliance premieres on Hulu January 12
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