Somebody I Used to Know (2023)

Somebody I Used to Know sneaks up on you: it looks like a familiar rom-com setup, then quietly deepens into a smart, grown-up story about the selves we outgrow and the ones we miss. Alison Brie is terrific as Ally—sharp, funny, and a little raw around the edges—while Jay Ellis and Kiersey Clemons give the triangle an unexpectedly warm, human pulse that keeps the movie from turning anyone into a villain. Dave Franco’s direction keeps the vibe breezy and candid, with laugh-out-loud awkwardness and a surprisingly tender undercurrent that lingers after the credits. It’s not for the prudish (the film is frank about sex, nudity, and messy impulses), but if you want a romantic comedy with bite, empathy, and an ending that feels earned rather than engineered, this one’s an easy recommendation.

Somebody I Used to Know is clearly aiming for a modern rom-com with a self-reflection streak—career burnout, hometown nostalgia, and the uncomfortable question of whether you’ve outgrown your old self. The problem is it often feels like it’s borrowing familiar beats without adding enough bite or surprise, and the story can get messy and hectic in ways that make the emotional turns feel more convenient than earned. Ally’s choices are intentionally flawed, but the movie doesn’t always give you enough reason to stay on her side, so if you need a consistently likable lead or tight pacing, this may test your patience. That said, the cast has charm and there are a few genuinely sweet moments (plus some very adult, very blunt humor), so it’s best suited to viewers who don’t mind a predictable setup as long as the vibe is breezy and slightly raunchy.