Written by: Charlene deGuzman, Mark Duplass, Sarah Adina Smith
Starring: Charlene deGuzman, Melissa Leo, John Hawkes, Paul James , Jake McDorman
Rating: [4/5]
Trying to fill a void in life explains one of the many reasons why an individual may slip into an addiction. They find something that can fill the need through the insatiable consumption of an action that provides momentary pleasure. Unlovable presents the story of a woman battling her addiction to sex and romance challenging her to connect with others differently and discovering a new outlet. Incredibly sweet and held together by a tremendous lead performance, this film proves to be an underseen gem.
After her failed attempt to kill herself through the use of drugs, Joy (Charlene deGuzman) continues her struggle with sex and love addiction, which causes her to cheat on her boyfriend. After some rough nights she can barely remember, she enlists the help of a sponsor, Maddie (Melissa Leo) who agrees to help her as long as she can go 30 days without succumbing to her addiction.
At times there’s nothing like a small independent film about friendship that truly hits the spot. A story so grounded in its character that allows the exploration of their life as something worth investing in, which we undoubtedly receive in Unlovable. It speaks of a type of addiction that does not receive the type of attention substance abuse does but has an equally devastating impact on the way the person connects with others. Joy finds herself in a terrible circumstance to the point where she does not find life worth living because of it making her battle to fight and recover from it all the more meaningful.
Exhibiting how her struggle with this addiction impairs her relationship definitely takes a more tame approach, especially compared to other features discussing this topic like Shame where we fully get into the depravity of it all. Through the lens of Joy, we witness what typically triggers her to want to engage in sexual activity and exactly what it provides to her as she utilizes it as a crutch. Even small things the average person does not think about can flip a switch for her. Some scenes show the aftermath of some regrettable behavior on her part that does just enough to drive home the message that she needs some help if she’ll get over this seemingly insurmountable hump and have healthy friendships in the future. That status quo will no longer suffice.
The outlet she finds to embattle this addiction comes through playing the drums and creating music with the brother of her sponsor, Jim (John Hawkes). The friendship they strike up has this beauty in the way they both need each other in ways they did not know making for something quite special. Jim has his general awkwardness and Joy has the aforementioned addiction she’s battling. Through the simple use of music and listening to each other they conjure something that speaks to the inherent simplicity of human connection that needs no further explanation but reciprocated kindness extended from one person to another. A beautiful sweetness and just what the other person needs.
With the awkwardly fun moments this film provides, it mostly gets propelled by the incredible Charlene deGuzman. Holding this idea close to her based on personal life experience she demonstrated the determination to tell this story and find a way to get it made as well as starring in the role where she does a tremendous job. She handles everything this feature calls on her to and she helps make this journey not only impactful but also full of life and in the best moment aligning with the titular character’s name in what it evokes. With the tragic nature of battling this addiction, it never loses sight of the inherent comedy found in moments throughout the film that make it enjoyable to watch. Around her, she gets some fun supporting roles portrayed by Melissa Leo playing her sponsor and then John Hawkes as the sponsor’s brother who helps Joy find an outlet through music. They bring great texture to their roles and the film as a whole as they serve as the support system and the elements challenging Joy to get better. These three make a lovely trio and one that effortlessly makes this an enjoyable film to watch.
Wildly playful and beautifully effective in telling this feel-good tale, Unlovable introduces a more than lovable character that becomes easy to fall in love with. She knows she has this issue and must overcome it for her good. As well as Suzi Yoonessi directs the film, everything that succeeds from this narrative begins and ends with Charlene deGuzman in the way she helps craft this character and ultimately plays her so well. I can only hope she gets even more opportunities to flex her talent as she stands out impressively well with everything she does here both in front of the camera and in penning this script.
Films with Josh 
