The Incredible Jessica James

Netflix

            James C. Strouse is swiftly becoming one of my favorite indie directors and writers with the inclusion of this Jessica Williams star vehicle. She previously starred in his 2015 film People, Places, Things where she played a talented student in a graphic writing class. In this film she is the principle character, and my goodness, does she shine through in all her exquisiteness. Williams is well-known as a former Daily Show correspondent, co-host of the podcast 2 Dope Queens with Phoebe Robinson, and a frequent performer with UCB. She is outspoken, self-loving, and crucially unique. After seeing this Netflix film, I am desperately hoping that she continues doing more independent projects and perhaps some great TV shows. (She is in the new Fantastic Beasts movie).

            Reasons why Jessica James is a great character: she is a strong African American woman with diverse interests, and she is woke, awkward, and funny as hell. She remains constantly honest, works hard, believes in her dreams, and yet suffers through self-doubt like all twentysomethings in today’s world. I’m not sure how much of this mirrors Jessica Williams in real life, but I’m hoping that she is as frank and un-relentlessly herself as she appears onscreen. This is definitely one of the best coming of age, millennial comedies of the past five years and should be better recognized for its fresh approach to our generation’s priorities and social consciousness.

Chris O’Dowd, who is slowly worming his way into American TV shows and movies, plays opposite Williams as a disparate love interest. Surprisingly their chemistry and back and forth makes for a believable pairing, and makes their unorthodox relationship that much more complex. Besides their obvious age difference, O’Dowd plays a man hung up on his ex, a situation that Jessica James finds herself acquainted with as well. Other great casting choices include Noel Wells, Lakeith Stanfield, and Taliyah Whitaker, who are all foils to Jessica’s antics. This is another solid Netflix property that was put together with earnest care, and it shows. Hopefully we will see more films like this, that need distribution, at the highest levels.