Social critique and satire is rarely charming, however Our Idiot Brother, directed by Jesse Peretz, is a relaxed tight-rope walk. Structurally the film is aloof for some segments, much like Paul Rudd’s titular Ned. Also like Ned, once the film finds its footing, it’s a pleasure to be a part of. Ned is a carefree organic farmer who makes the mistake of selling pot to a uniformed officer; he’s a likable and trusting guy who later makes the mistake of treating his parole officer as a counselor, whom he wins over.
His sisters include a struggling writer (Elizabeth Banks) with a crush on her neighbor (Adam Scott), a passionate, if ditzy, bisexual (Zooey Deschanel) who lives with her hipster girlfriend (Rashida Jones) and the eldest and most responsible, (Emily Mortimer) with two children and a documentary filmmaker husband (Steve Coogan). The first thing Jesse Peretz, a punk musician-turned-filmmaker, does right is casting. But then he has been around longer than most people know, with two excellent comedies (The Chateau, which also starred Rudd, and The Ex) as well as the atmospheric romantic drama First Love, Last Rites under his belt.
Our Idiot Brother is about something far more interesting than its title character. Like Jerry Seinfeld in the sitcom that bore his name, he serves a connective tissue for an ensemble piece. Take Rudd away and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve landed in a Nicole Holofcener film. Like Holofcener’s films, especially Please Give (also a critique of upper middle class New York City), here is a family that functions because they are politely independent: they have a standing policy not to loan each other money.
Yet, they all (and their significant others) come to the aid of their idiot brother. Carefully balancing the cynicism, Peretz is wise to keep Steve Coogan a supporting character (after sharing several meals with him in The Trip he near wells out his welcome). Coogan’s filmmaker has a vague through-line. The actor and the character both have very strong and difference presences – tension in moderation, especially in a film this relaxed is controlled. Just because its relaxed doesn’t mean it’s incompetent.
The family needs this idiot brother of theirs, who otherwise is a charming, honest and likable guy. This is story where everyone has a certain privilege – they are all comfortable opting into a certain class structure. This is the type of indie film rarely made anymore without the consciousness of an economic structure that has led to extreme winners and losers – a throw back to the indie films I grew up and loved.
Our Idiot Brother is, like its title character, enormously likable: he’s able to make friends with the elite as well his ex-girlfriend’s current boyfriend (one T.J. Miller, who advocates for the return of his beloved dog Willie Nelson). The film resolves itself in a matter that may be be too cute for its own good, but it’s as carefree late summer/early fall entertainment, it’s fitting and a great deal of fun.