Quiz Lady – Film Review

Published November 3, 2023

Movie Details

Rating
B+
Director
Jessica Yu
Writer
Jen D'Angelo
Actors
Awkwafina, Sandra Oh, Will Ferrell, Holland Taylor, Jason Schwartzman
Runtime
1 h 39 min
Release Date
September 9, 2023
Genres
Comedy
Certification
R

The comedy Quiz Lady, written by Jen D’Angelo and directed by Jessica Yu, is full of funny moments, endearing characters, and good humor. The film, which stars Awkwafina, Sandra Oh, Jason Schwartzman, and Holland Taylor among its stellar cast, follows two sisters as they negotiate complicated family dynamics and financial hardships in a humorous and frequently chaotic journey.

Quiz Lady is primarily about Anne Yum (Awkwafina), a tightly wound personality and trivia enthusiast who loves game shows. In an attempt to keep their family from going bankrupt, Anne and her adventurous sister Jenny (Sandra Oh) set out on an unanticipated journey after their mother accumulates large gambling debts. The sisters’ journey is sparked by the abduction of Anne’s cherished dog, which forces them to band together and travel cross-country in order to raise the funds necessary to save their furry friend.

The film’s quirky characters, which are portrayed brilliantly by a talented ensemble cast, are one of its strongest points. As Anne, Awkwafina excels, giving a performance that perfectly conveys the ferocity and fragility of the role. By portraying Jenny as a carefree spirit in contrast to her sister’s seriousness, Sandra Oh gives the story more depth and makes Awkwafina’s character the ideal counterpoint. Will Ferrell, Jason Schwartzman, and Holland Taylor are among the supporting cast members who each add their own special flair to the film, adding to its humorous energy.

Though not wholly novel, the movie’s concept presents a novel viewpoint on the traditional road trip category. The story is given a distinctive touch by incorporating Anne’s knowledge of game shows, which results in humorous and engaging moments when the sisters encounter different game show situations. Not only are these scenes hilarious, but they also offer a perceptive critique of the pervasiveness of game show and trivia culture in contemporary society.

The movie does a great job of capturing the nuanced relationship between Jenny and Anne. Their relationship’s transformation from early conflict to sincere sisterly affection gives the movie a poignant undertone. The audience is drawn into the sisters’ journey and cheers them on because of the vulnerable moments they share, which give emotional depth.

Quiz Lady‘s vivid and colorful visuals perfectly convey the spirit of the many places the characters stop along their road trip. The film’s lighthearted tone is expertly complemented by the cinematography, which improves the overall viewing experience.

Jessica Yu is a skilled director who carefully controls the characters’ erratic but charming antics. She has a great sense of humor. The film has a contagious energy, and Yu skillfully strikes a balance between serious moments and humor to keep the audience interested throughout the narrative.

Unfortunately, Quiz Lady has trouble keeping up at times; some scenes seem hurried or unduly drawn out. Though mostly successful, the humor in the film mainly focuses on situational comedy, so not everyone will find it funny. The movie occasionally veers into clichéd territory, and some of the jokes may come across as predictable, which makes it harder for it to fully stand out in the crowded comedy genre.

Quiz Lady is a delightful comedy that skillfully combines heart and humor. Although the plot may not be novel, the film’s excellent performances—especially those of Awkwafina and Sandra Oh—lift the content and make it a fun watch. The film’s touching moments and enjoyable game show sequences make it a worthwhile addition to the comedy genre, despite some pacing issues and an occasional reliance on well-known comedic tropes. A fun diversion into the world of oddball trivia and sisterly adventures, Quiz Lady is sure to satisfy your cravings for a lighthearted and humorous movie with a hint of family drama.