Tommy (played by Jake Johnson) stumbles upon a seemingly harmless website offering a million dollars to anyone who can avoid being killed by professional bounty hunters for 30 days in a self reliance movie. He signs up, thinking it’s a prank, only to discover it’s all too real. Now, with assassins targeting him when he’s alone, Tommy exploits a loophole—the hunters can only strike when he’s isolated. Thus begins his hilarious and frantic quest to stay surrounded by people 24/7, dragging his skeptical friends and family into his chaotic reality.
Critical reception: Self Reliance received positive reviews, praised for its comedic timing, Johnson’s performance, and the clever premise. Critics lauded the film’s ability to seamlessly blend action, humor, and heart, with some calling it a “hilarious take on social media dependence and trust.” However, some reviewers criticized the predictable plot and some over-the-top gags.
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Written and directed by: Jake Johnson (in his feature directorial debut)
Starring: Jake Johnson, Anna Kendrick, Natalie Morales, Mary Holland, Emily Hampshire, Christopher Lloyd, and Wayne Brady
Release date: March 11, 2023 (SXSW premiere), January 3, 2024 (theatrical), January 12, 2024 (streaming)
Themes: The film explores themes of self-reliance, dependence, trust, and the impact of technology on our lives. Tommy’s journey forces him to confront his own insecurities and learn to rely on others, even as he’s driven to maintain physical proximity at all costs. The film also satirizes the absurdity of reality TV and the voyeuristic nature of social media.
Box office and legacy: While its theatrical release was limited, Self Reliance garnered impressive viewership on Hulu, becoming one of the platform’s most-watched films in early 2024. It solidified Jake Johnson’s comedic talent and sparked conversations about the role of technology in our relationships and the ever-blurring lines between reality and entertainment.
Also Read: The Bastard Sons Movie: A Blood-Soaked Symphony of Vengeance
Fun facts:
- The film was produced by The Lonely Island (Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone), where Jake Johnson is a frequent collaborator.
- Christopher Lloyd plays a mysterious billionaire who funds the deadly game, adding a quirky and unpredictable element to the story.
- The film’s soundtrack features, however, original music by The Lonely Island and other artists, blending pop, electronic, and comedic elements.
