Movie Review: The Lovebirds (2020)

Genre: Crime Comedy

Director: Michael Showalter

Starring: Kumail Nanjiani, Issa Rae

Running Time: 87 minutes

Synopsis: After four years together, New Orleans couple Jibran (Kumail Nanjiani) and Leilani (Issa Rae) are constantly bickering and ready to call time on their relationship. While driving to a party they accidentally hit a cyclist, then they are carjacked by a mustachioed man and a murder is committed. Worried that they will be implicated, Jibran and Leilani go on the run and attempt to find the killer themselves, leading to madcap adventures involving blackmail and a secret cult.

What Works Well: Whether arguing (often) or agreeing (rarely), Nanjiani and Rae carry an easy chemistry that energizes this Date Night-like adventure. The humour is steady and often excellent, and the script avoids excess to thrive within the concise running time. The many highlights include the initial murder scene, a kicking horse, frequent and witty wardrobe changes, and best of all, the masked sex cult ceremony. Along the way, the couple stay true to their characters but add a dash of romance by rekindling their connection.

What Does Not Work As Well: The conspiracy details are barely explained, the profanity is more excessive than necessary, and while some jokes miss, others are over-stretched. 

Conclusion: Lovers' quarrels are not the worst thing that can happen on a night out.



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