"Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World" : Apocalyptic Love Catalyst

Some people tend to do good under pressure. When a deadline must be met we are forced to get the work done one way or another, leaving things till the last minute can be both a curse and a blessing. In modern society we tend to postpone the really important things, packing our agendas and schedules, never prioritizing the most meaningful events in our lives. What would happen if all material things, long term plans and responsibilities suddenly  lost meaning by the imminent destruction of civilization? Would we used this deadline and pressure to really seek what truly matters? Or would we reflect on our past failures and make amends? All societal expectations would vanish, moral codes, federal laws, the value of money and property. All of it useless. Being stripped of all the things that tie us down can be liberating, but also disturbing. As the countdown to the end of the world approaches, what would you do? This is the premise of Lorene Scafaria'a "dramedy" "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World", in the final days of humanity the meaning of life for her characters is very vague and they are send on a quest to seek closure; and maybe love for the first and last time in their lives. A film that at times feels full of extreme tonal changes, an apocalyptic romantic comedy that falls a bit short at times,but does hit some poignant notes. Two lost souls adrift in a world with no more hope, with a timed and dated sentence.However, in their story the Apocalypse seems like a sort of catalyst for love. When there is nothing left to lose, there is everything to gain.

The second the end of the world is announced by local radio, Dodger's (Steve Carell) wife leaves him and he must confront what he has done with his life. Always playing it safe, "dodging" anything that might create change or risk his passive existence, now faces guilt and regret for what could have been. Surrounded by people who take a different approach to spend their last days, a mixture of drug use, sexual misconduct, and a complete disregard for any moral code, Dodger feels lost. While contemplating suicide he is presented with an abandoned dog, which he baptizes as "Sorry" and once back home he meets Penny, (Kiera Knightley) a British hispter-looking young woman who seems rather disoriented herself. The two of them embark into an adventure to discover what really matters to them. Dodge decides he must find his High School sweetheart, while Penny needs to find a way back to England to see her family. As usual with road movies (although I must say this is a very peculiar one) they meet strange characters along the way including a trucker with a rather frightening secret, a devoted police officer, a group of raver-like waiters at a restaurant called Friendsy's, and one of Penny's Apocalypse-ready ex-boyfriends. The relationship between the two becomes a source of comfort, and although it seems unlikely, romance sparks. The ending is in a strange way satisfying; as it could have gone a different, more pleasant direction, but it doesn't compromise, and feels real. Although I must say the humor is rare in here, the story is touching, and a bit melancholic.

Steve Carell is good in his role, but it seems as if he has become typecasted into the passive aggressive, 40-something man who needs a change in his life but is inherently good at heart. Roles like those in " Dan In Real Life", "Dinner for Schmucks" or "Crazy Stupid Love" are on the same palette, and seem a bit rehearsed already. On the contrary, Kiera Knightley, who is the poster girl for English costume dramas based on literature, seems original and innovative as an actress here. Losing all the shiny clothing of the period pieces, she becomes the optimistic, warm, and free-spirited Penny. She is the completing piece to Dodger's life, as she mentions herself "opposites attract" just like her parents need each other to be whole. There is chemistry between the two leads, and that makes the film more enjoyable, getting more smiles than loud laughter, but still moving. The subject is already very relatable, as I'm sure we have all contemplate what would we do if our days where counted, but in Scafaria's script finding love seems to be the only thing that is worth doing while waiting for the end of the world.

We learn of Dodger's back story with his family, or his ex-wife, or of Penny's failed relationships and addiction to monogamy, but what is relevant is not their past but what is left of their lives. The closeness of the final hour serves as an eraser of all guilt as it all becomes meaningless. These two people have each other here and now, and even if the film fails in many instances, it is still a nice message. Not for those expecting a huge comedic feast, but maybe pleasant for the hopeless romantic who think its never too late for love...even if this is just 3 weeks before we are all turned to dust. Out in Blu-ray/DVD now. Grade B.