Nuked Review | A Raunchy Good Time in the Apocalypse

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Nuked Review | A Raunchy Good Time in the Apocalypse

Summary

  • Nuked
    combines raunchy humor and heartfelt truths about relationships with a likable ensemble cast and lots of cannabis.
  • Couples gather at an opulent dinner party and face a nuclear crisis, leading to surprising honesty and revelations.
  • The film may be contrived and stretch believability in its plot, but still delivers an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.

As a seasoned gamer and film critic with a soft spot for quirky indie comedies, I found Nuked to be a delightful and thought-provoking surprise. The film’s unique blend of raunchy humor and heartfelt truths about relationships resonated deeply with me, as I could relate to the characters’ complexities and their struggles with honesty.

As a huge fan of Nuked, I can tell you that in this podcast, the host and her husband throw a birthday bash while they’re on a mission to expand their family. The events that unfold are nothing short of explosive! With its raunchy humor, colorful language, and hilarious visual gags, Nuked leaves no stone unturned when it comes to tickling our funny bones. But beneath the surface lies a deeper layer of heartfelt truths about openness and honesty in relationships. The charming cast manages to make even the most predictable parts of the script feel fresh and engaging. While it’s clear where the story is headed once the characters are introduced and the premise is set, the strong chemistry between them and the constant supply of slapstick laughs make for an enjoyable ride!

Jack (Justin Bartha) and Gill (Anna Camp) make their way to their luxurious bedroom in their rented mansion in rural California to carry out their plan. The task is completed not long after, with Gill quickly grabbing her phone to capture the moment for her numerous social media followers. Having gained a large following from her successful podcast, “Marriage in the Middle Ages,” Gill is an ex-teacher who has been married to Jack for 20 years. They have chosen to expand their family and start trying for a baby, but have encountered difficulties in doing so.

Jack strongly dislikes the notion of his personal life being made public. In contrast, Gill revels in her new popularity and its financial perks. She points out to Jack that without this newfound wealth, they wouldn’t have been able to afford the extravagant birthday celebration. To welcome their college friends, Gill dresses Jack in a flashy shirt and tight leather pants. First to arrive are Damien (Step by Step Guarino) and Ishaan (Webmaster Pancholy), a queer couple. They are followed by Logan (Serricchio), a famous rockstar, and his ex-girlfriend Mo (Newsome), who now works for the government instead of pursuing music. The last guests to arrive are Sam (Young) and Penelope (Punch), a British couple. Penelope, who has just given birth, was initially uninterested in attending the party.

A Birthday to Remember

Jack and I were excited to add some mischief to our dinner party. To do that, we invited the famous cannabis chef, Sasha (Natasha Leggero), known for her delicious meals and unique presentation style. She assured us of a memorable experience with promises of full bellies and heightened senses. But just when we thought the evening couldn’t get any more intriguing, they announced it would be an “unplugged” party! Jack collected everyone’s phones, but Penelope hesitated. With a newborn at home and a babysitter in place, she refused to give up her connection to the world. Eventually, with Sam’s persuasion, she agreed to let me have her sister’s number as an emergency contact. We were only gone for one night; what could possibly go wrong?

In this engaging debut by director-co-writer Deena Kashper, known for her TV shorts “Cannabis Moms Club” and “Baby Love,” the characters plunge headlong into hidden secrets. The opening scene reveals that everyone is harboring something, with even their guests sporting furtive glances upon recognizing old acquaintances. With a rich history connecting them, the group’s revelries in drugs and alcohol gradually chip away at the collective wall of shame.

Kashper’s message rings loudly and amusingly. Time doesn’t diminish honesty. Jack and Gill were high school sweethearts. She exclaims aloud that they’ve spent more time together than apart. They should be intimately familiar with each other. Chaos ensues when a catastrophic incident pushes the group into the basement in abject fear. Trapped with no escape, and cue the drums, they’re running out of time to reveal what needs expression.

The End Is Nigh: Let’s Get Real

Nuked Review | A Raunchy Good Time in the Apocalypse

As the end approaches, feelings of panic, fear, and regret cause people to reveal their deepest thoughts. If doom were imminent, what final words would you share with your loved ones? The novel “Nuked” explores this grim situation in a relatable way. The characters aren’t unsavory figures like drug dealers or mass murderers, but rather individuals who have been living deceitful lives to some degree. Revealing their secrets brings a significant burden for each character, leading to reactions ranging from intense betrayal and disgust to heartfelt connections and understanding. “Nuked” takes a serious turn in its poignant conclusion, yet maintains its humor without undermining the narrative’s gravity. Author Kashper skillfully balances the tone, ensuring the story remains engaging until the very end.

As a fan, I’d admit that Nuked can be a bit hard to believe at times. I mean, it’s not rocket science to turn on the TV or radio. But the characters seem to struggle with even the most basic situations. Kashper tries to explain it away by saying they’re all stoned, but it’s a stretch when you see Penelope’s genuine worry for her baby’s safety. She wouldn’t act that way under the influence. If only Kashper had spiked Chef Sasha’s cannabis feast with some magic mushrooms too! That would have made things a lot more believable.

Nuked Review | A Raunchy Good Time in the Apocalypse

Nuked keeps you engaged throughout its swift 86-minute duration. The action may be fabricated and set in a limited environment, but there’s never a moment of boredom. Kashper’s conversations between the couples resonate with authenticity. You can spend every day with someone and consistently tell lies to keep them content. But that’s not a recipe for success. The truth has a way of surfacing.

At the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival held in New York City’s Village East by Angelika Theatre, “Nuked” made its premiere as a collaborative production between Dandee Films, Hardball Entertainment, Rockhill Studios, and Tandem Pictures.

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2024-07-16 02:02