Rough Night – Film Review

Jess is an engaged politician who reunites with three of her college friends for a wild bachelorette weekend in Miami. The night of hard partying soon takes a hilariously dark turn when a male stripper accidentally dies at their beach house. Amid the craziness of trying to cover it up, the women ultimately find themselves becoming closer when it matters most.

Rough Night is a comedy film directed by Lucia Aniello that attempts to deliver a wild and raucous night out with a group of friends. With high expectations of laughter and entertainment, the film falls short in many aspects, leaving the audience feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. While it boasts a talented cast and a promising premise, the execution and overall comedic timing leave much to be desired.

The film revolves around a bachelorette weekend getaway that takes a dark and unexpected turn. The ensemble cast, including Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, Jillian Bell, Ilana Glazer, and Zoë Kravitz, features a talented group of comedic actors known for their ability to generate laughs. Unfortunately, their collective talents fail to salvage the weak script and lackluster direction.

One of the film’s major flaws lies in its inconsistent tone. It struggles to find a balance between comedy and drama, leading to awkward shifts in mood that disrupt the flow of the story. The attempts at humor often feel forced and contrived, relying heavily on crude and vulgar gags rather than intelligent and witty dialogue. While some viewers may find this type of humor appealing, it quickly becomes repetitive and predictable, diminishing the comedic impact as the film progresses.

Another glaring issue with Rough Night is its lack of character development. The main characters are introduced with shallow backstories that are never fully explored or given any depth. This lack of investment in the characters makes it difficult for the audience to truly care about their experiences or the outcome of the story. The film fails to capitalize on the potential for emotional engagement, instead opting for surface-level laughs and cheap thrills.

In terms of pacing, Rough Night struggles to maintain a consistent rhythm. The first act sets up the premise reasonably well, establishing the main characters and their relationships. However, as the film transitions into the second act, it loses its momentum and becomes bogged down with unnecessary subplots and meandering scenes. The pacing issues result in a lack of tension and energy, making the film feel longer than its runtime suggests.

Visually, the film is unremarkable. While the setting of a Miami bachelorette weekend should provide ample opportunities for vibrant and visually striking scenes, the cinematography and production design feel uninspired. The film fails to capture the excitement and vibrancy of the location, opting for generic and forgettable visuals instead.

Despite its shortcomings, Rough Night does manage to offer a few redeeming qualities. The chemistry between the cast members is evident, and their camaraderie shines through in certain moments. Scarlett Johansson’s performance as the film’s lead is commendable, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Kate McKinnon, known for her comedic prowess, delivers some of the film’s few genuinely funny moments, injecting much-needed energy into the proceedings.

Furthermore, Rough Night attempts to explore themes of friendship and female empowerment. It briefly touches upon the complexities of adult friendships and the challenges that arise when trying to reconcile past and present selves. While these themes are promising, they are largely overshadowed by the film’s superficial and predictable humor, failing to resonate on a deeper level.

In conclusion, Rough Night falls short of its potential as a comedic film. Despite a talented ensemble cast, the film suffers from an inconsistent tone, weak character development, pacing issues, and uninspired visuals. While there are moments of genuine humor and some commendable performances, they are not enough to salvage the overall experience. Ultimately, Rough Night fails to deliver the laughter and entertainment it promises, leaving audiences longing for a more satisfying and well-executed comedy.