"Friends with Benefits (2011)" is a very enthralling romantic comedy that expertly balanced humor, passion, and shared its perspective on modern relationships. The blurring limits between friendship and romance were greatly explored in this romantic comedy. The 2011 movie which was directed by Will Gluck, and starred stars like Justin Timberlake and beautiful Mila Kunis, follows the life of two friends, Dylan and Jamie, who decided to have a "no strings attached" sexual relationship. But as they get closer, they discover their feelings for each other are more than just physical or no strings attached.
As one of those who enjoy a dose of humor and romance with a tinge of inappropriateness, this movie "Friends with Benefits" is my favorite, thanks to its funny banter, endearing characters, and heartwarming message that adds to its splendor. The movie raises some intriguing concerns as to the nature of some relationships and what it means to be "just friends." Though a lighthearted and thought-provoking movie, but it's definitely not for the whole family. Not even PG.
Here's the plot:
Like I mentioned earlier, Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis stars in the movie. And the movie focuses around Dylan (Justin Timberlake), a Los Angeles art director, and Jamie (Mila Kunis), a New York City headhunter. Who meets by chance when Dylan is hired by Jamie for a job in New York. They instantly sparked a relationship, but they decide to keep things casual at first, with the option for a 'friends with benefits' arrangement. However, as they move on in the nuances of their connection, both as professionals at work and romantically, they quickly understood that love and intimacy cannot be compartmentalized.
On the character*
The two main characters of the movie played by Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis, gave terrific performances giving their characters depth and relatability. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable and you could literally feel it. They took viewers along into their journey navigating the ups and downs of their blossoming relationship. Timberlake's inherent charm and Kunis' infectious enthusiasm made them a fascinating duo and they bore the emotional weight of the movie effortlessly.
What makes it my inappropriate movie
To be honest, the movie's premise is a little risqué, and it also contains a lot of sexual innuendo. Even the title suggests a naughty narrative at first glance. There's a lot of rough language, and the characters had very candid conversations on sex. Infact the picture clearly goes beyond the boundaries of what is acceptable for mainstream audiences. Whether you like it or not, "Friends with Benefits" is not your typical rom-com.
But in all these, it raises some interesting thoughts about relationships and what it means to be "just friends." As I previously stated, there were clearly some raunchy scenes of nakedness, quite a few of them actually, but beneath the surface of this provocative premise in the movie lies a genuinely intriguing story that avoids the normal clichés while delivering a thought-provoking issues on modern-day relationships.
Not only does "Friends with Benefits" stand out from the crows against other romantic comedies due to its brilliant storyline and biting humor. The witty conversation and amusing scenarios throughout the movie adds too, keeping the audience entertained from beginning to end.
But for me where the movie draw its actual strength from was the chemistry between Timberlake and Kunis. They have this natural chemistry that is communicable and the end result was making their characters believable and approachable. Oh also, the supporting cast, Woody Harrelson and Patricia Clarkson, also gave the movie the much-needed levity and compassion.
To top it all off, "Friends with Benefits" is a fun and highly inappropriate movie for a romantic night intended to be inappropriate with your lover or a night in with wild friends.