Duplex

Duplex tries to blend humor with a touch of dark absurdity, but it struggles to balance its tone. While there are some laughs, the film often feels uneven and predictable.

A New Home, A New Nightmare

The plot revolves around Alex Rose (Ben Stiller) and Nancy Kendricks (Drew Barrymore), a couple excited about their new home. However, their dreams quickly turn into a nightmare when they find out their upstairs neighbor, Mrs. Connelly (Eileen Essell), is not just a sweet old lady but a source of relentless torment. From constant noise to absurd antics, the couple's idyllic life spirals into chaos as they try to cope with their uninvited housemate. The film mixes slapstick comedy with elements of dark humor, but its predictable nature often undermines the tension it tries to create.

Performances That Don't Quite Click

Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore deliver performances that are serviceable but not particularly groundbreaking. Stiller leans into his usual neurotic charm, while Barrymore often plays the supportive spouse role that lacks depth. Eileen Essell as Mrs. Connelly is a standout, bringing both menace and humor to her character, though her potential feels underutilized in the script. Supporting characters, like Justin Theroux’s Coop, feel like missed opportunities, often overshadowed by the central duo. Overall, while the main cast does their best, the thin character development leaves much to be desired.

Basic Direction, Missed Opportunities

Danny DeVito's direction in Duplex is functional but lacks the flair needed to elevate the material. The film's visual style is basic, relying heavily on familiar comedic tropes rather than innovative cinematography. The pacing is uneven, with moments dragging on longer than they should, making the 89-minute runtime feel longer at times. DeVito's comedic timing is evident, but the film doesn’t utilize its potential for visual gags as effectively as it could have. The setting of a quaint suburban home contrasts sharply with the chaos unfolding, but the visuals rarely push the narrative forward or enhance the comedic elements.

Laughter Mixed with Frustration

Watching Duplex feels like a mixed bag. There are certainly moments of humor that elicit genuine laughs, particularly when Mrs. Connelly's antics escalate. However, many scenes drag on, leading to moments of frustration rather than engagement. The film’s attempts at tension often fall flat, making it difficult to fully invest in the couple's plight. By the end, you might find yourself feeling more exasperated than entertained, which is not ideal for a comedy. The emotional arc, while present, is shallow and fails to leave a lasting impact.