Jaime Bratton
Reporter
Director Jeffrey Blitz’s romantic comedy Table 19, released in 2017, was a new and interesting take on the genre. Why revisit it two years after its original release date? Because the film captures a sense of honesty and realism that, although portrayed comedically, rings truer to most than the stereotypical romance. Table 19 has romance, but it is not dependent on it nor does it rely on the usual movie tropes that are often cliche` to sustain the plot, which helps make this fun yet slightly sad movie the perfect one for Valentine’s Day.
The movie starts the ball rolling with its protagonist Eloise (played by Anna Kendrik) as she is unceremoniously dumped by her long-term boyfriend (Wyatt Russell) via text. She is replaced in her oldest friend’s wedding by her ex-boyfriend’s new love interest who is also a friend of the bride, but decides to travel to Michigan to attend the ceremony anyway. To her chagrin, she is seated far away from the wedding party with the social outcasts who she has never met and who are just as uncomfortable as her.
As the story progresses, playing into more of its romantic aspect, Eloise and her ex-boyfriend are analyzed from different angles that make the story much more interesting to watch play out. Not everything was as clear as it first appeared to be, and the characters develop into more self-aware people as the afternoon goes along. Despite some of their exaggerated quirks, the characters seated at Table 19 are an accurate portrayal of the human condition in modern America and are easily recognizable.
But the movie’s characters sometimes have a little bit too much going on for them at the same time. While the characters endeavor to reach their respective story arcs there are a few scenes that fall a little flat or don’t get their respective spotlight, but the character development as a whole remains unaffected. The occasional poorly written lines or awkward moments are saved by their overall charm or relatability, oftentimes the actor’s or actress’s own talent and quirkiness saving the effectiveness of the scene.
Also, the light setting of a wedding made room for the more uncomfortable topics that were tackled without making the film feel to heavy. This movie’s paradox of not being dependent on romance yet set up as one was an interesting contrast that played out well. It still felt romantic without being too romantic, which helps make the film more visually interesting.
I found the film to not be as disappointing as critics portrayed it to be. It was sad, but the sadness was lined in humor that made it feel almost like a light comedy film. Table 19 isn’t a great movie, but it is a good movie that appeals to multiple genres and doesn’t concentrate on any one aspect. This film doesn’t try and strive for greatness, it portrays true-to-life events from a mildly exaggerated comedic standpoint that still manages to be potent.
While this movie isn’t necessarily for a newly formed couple, it can be appreciated by those who have a little more experience under their belts. The film is relatable, dealing with the ever-present stigma of the outcast and touching up on the difficult side romance that is not often portrayed in the usual romance film. Displaying the messy side of relationships, not just the romantic kind, with a humorous lilt, Table 19 provides an insight on aspects of life that can be appreciated years after its release.
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