By Keeva Stratton
Directed by: Will Gluck
Starring: Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis
Rating: 3/5
The hottest topic being explored by rom-com screenwriters at the moment, without doubt, is the modern account of friends with benefits, otherwise known as sex buddies. Although casual sex is far from new, the modern audience seems to be captivated by this notion that good friends can fulfil the need for sexual as well as emotional companionship—no relationship strings attached. It is a topic so popular that RESCU’s own Lady Friday has had cause to address the pros and cons.
In this, the latest screen rendition, we find a far more youthful exploration than in the previous Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman film, No Strings Attached. Jamie (Kunis) and Dylan (Timberlake) are young, and career driven. They’ve both had a few failed relationships, and have in essence decided that it’s all too hard. Still needing physical release, they decide that like tennis, sex should be a game played between friends, and for a time this arrangement proves mutually beneficial. That is, until one of them decides they are ready to re-join the dating game. As can be predicted, the new relationships don’t work out, and they soon find themselves back in each other’s arms—but is this a long-term solution?
Friends with Benefits seems to have its sights aimed clearly at a Gen Y audience. These young characters don’t seem legitimately damaged enough to give up entirely on the dream of fairy tale romances. Here, having a sex friend seems less about convenience and more about not knowing what they want, or how to commit to it. They both struggle with their parents’ relationships, and use this example as one to avoid for themselves—which eventually moulds their own experiences of love.
The film is funny and feisty. There are some cute moments, which are clearly intended to play towards Timberlake’s strengths as a singer and dancer, but overall the film skirts the real issues that surround the inevitable complications that tend to result from turning a platonic friendship into a physical relationship. Bit parts by Emma Stone, Patricia Clarkson and Jenna Elfman serve the film well, and Mila Kunis is simply jaw-dropping as the lead, but ultimately this is a very superficial look at a form of relationship that is rapidly gaining genuine interest.
A light film heavy on laughs and fun, flirty moments, Friends with Benefits is now in cinemas.
