The Incredible Jessica James is one of the best comedies that I’ve seen this year.
Written and directed by Jim Strouse, the comedy stars Jessica Williams, Chris O’Dowd, Lakeith Stanfield & Noël Wells. Zabryna Guevera, Taliyah Whitaker, Sarah Jones, Will Stephen, Susan Heyward, and Megan Ketch also star.
Jessica Williams, The Daily Show alumnus, breaks out in her role as Jessica James, a young playwright in New York City who is recovering from a breakup and doing her best to make it in the theater scene. After one of her friends essentially forces her into dating again, she meets Boone (Chris O’Dowd). At first, their relationship seems like something that wouldn’t ordinarily happen but in this social media-obsessed culture, they are somehow able to make it.
James Strouse gives us a modern comedy that is both innovative and genuine. It shows what it means to be someone in their 20s in this decade. For Strouse, this was a passion project and without Williams, this film just doesn’t get made. Williams is an actress that Strouse wants in all of his work going forward.
The Incredible Jessica James premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Netflix will release the film on July 28th.
