SPREAD (2024)

 

Directed By: Ellie Kanner 

Written By: Buffy Charlet 

Cinematography: Corey MacGregor 

Editor: Jason Dale and Freddie DeLaVega

Cast: Elizabeth Gillies, Harvey Keitel, Diedrich Bader, Doira Bird, Teri Polo, Keith Walker, Dia Frampton, Bryan Craig, Blake Harrison, Jonah Platt

To make ends meet, an aspiring journalist is forced to take a job at the world's largest porn magazine-beginning her journey to change her life, and the porn industry, forever.

I will admit I didn’t know what to expect from this film as at first when I saw the trailer I thought it was for a comedic series, not a movie. 

The movie does at times feel more like a pilot for a series. As it has a similar foundation of a workplace comedy that mixes in with life. The quirky coworkers, the love interest, the interesting characters that are more comedic that they do business with or come into contact with.

At heart, this is a raunchy sex comedy that luckily exploited and is a bit clean-cut as there is barely any nudity nor that many sex scenes. It’s not as Taudrey as one would expect.

The person who actually got me to watch this is lead actress, Elizabeth Gillies. I have followed her for quite a while, and while this is in her wheelhouse of characters, she is in her element with the wisecracking in one-liners, still endearing, and not to mention charismatic when it is called upon. It’s the first time I’ve seen her play a leading role in a movie. One hopes to see more of you.

It’s the story of an ambitious young woman who finds her niche and helps to build a business. She’s not perfect, but she is identifiable. As well as entrepreneurial.

This is a good film. That’s easy to watch and stays entertaining throughout. It’s simple easy-going and happy-go-lucky. That does offer conflict, but it never seems quite tragic.

There might be a lack of big comedic pieces, but the comedic moments and dialogue are satisfying, and it keeps you engaged and paying attention throughout.

Grade: C