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It’s a Disaster

It’s a Disaster: Dark, Off-Beat Comedy

  • America FerreraBlaise Miller...
  • ComedyDrama
  • Out now
  • Todd Berger
reviewed by
Marija Loncarevic
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It’s a Disaster: Dark, Off-Beat Comedy

What would you do if it was your last day on Earth? Well, you certainly wouldn’t want to be stuck inside a house with a group of highly dysfunctional and self-obsessed individuals, whose petty little issues keep getting in the way of living your final moments in style. 

As it happens, It’s a Disaster – the latest film from the up-and-coming director Todd Berger – attempts to put forth and explore the ups and downs of that exact scenario in an off-beat, apocalyptic kind of way.

It’s a Disaster opens up with the introduction of unlucky-in-love doctor, Tracy (Stiles), and straight-laced teacher, Glenn (Cross), who are out on their third date at a couples’ Sunday brunch, hosted by married friends, Emma (Hayes) and Pete (Miller).  Amongst the other guests is terminally-engaged couple, Hedy (Ferrera) and Shane (Grace), as well as the free-spirited spouses, Lexi (Boston) and Buck (Brennan).  

It doesn’t take long before the regular bickering, name-calling and gossiping kicks in and Glenn – who is an outsider to the group – needs to do his best to keep his head above water. Soon though, things kick into higher gear when the group gets a visit from the hazmat-suit-wearing neighbour, Hal (Berger), who informs them that a couple of dirty bombs have been set off in downtown,  and that the chemical fallout is spreading fast.

Now, with only a few hours left before the nerve-gas starts seeping through the door and windows, the group need to find a way to cope and deal with their looming fate, all the while trying to reach a common ground with their end-of-the-world cohorts. 

Director and writer Todd Berger’s second feature, after 2009 crime-comedy The Scenesters, presents a dark and cleverly written comedy about the end of days.  The story, which plays out entirely in the confinement of a suburban home, doesn’t really bother itself with the details of the impending demise; instead, Berger focuses on the central characters, whose peculiar dynamics are the core of the film.  

Their interactions move from witty to absolutely absurd; Berger’s cleverly constructed script keeps things tight the entire way through and even though we never leave the house, there isn’t a single dull moment.

Bearing in mind that this is a character-driven story, It’s a Disaster is nothing without its brilliant cast.  Stiles’ cold exterior is extremely amusing, Cross – best-known for his role as Tobias in Arrested Development­ – gives his straight-edged character great depth, and as the hosting, bickering couple, both Hayes and Miller are extremely entertaining.  Meanwhile, Boston and Brennan bounced off each other with great ease, while the forever-engaged couple, Ferrera – of Ugly Betty fame – and Grace, show a great range in their respective roles.de

It’s a Disaster is a cleverly written, low-key comedy that blends the darkness of its situation with plenty of wit and supreme absurdity; enough to make anyone question the prospect of their own impending death.

Like This? Try

Scenesters (2009), Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012), Dr. Strange Love or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

360 Tip

This is the End, starring Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill and Jay Baruchel, is another apocalyptic comedy we can look forward to seeing soon – that is of course if it ever gets released in the Egyptian cinemas.

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