Written by Amanda Salazar
Like the countless wedding-themed movies that have been made, something always goes wrong that needs to be fixed and as soon as possible for the big day. The same goes for Bachelorette, when four friends reunite for the first wedding in the group, and while we find out more about the ladies and how close they really are, we sadly find out that these women are pretty despicable, but at least they are funny.
The story started as a play and then was made into a feature film by first-time director and playwright Leslye Headland. Although she has never directed a film before, it is not noticeable; the comedic timing and pacing of the film is spot on and keeps the film fresh as the story is fast paced. Beginning with the reveal of Becky’s engagement (Rebel Wilson) to her closest friend, Regan (Kirsten Dunst), the film fast-forwards to the day before the wedding as soon as the opening credits finish.
As the four friends are reunited for the first time in years, they announce that there will be a bachelorette party the night before the wedding. It is very clear from the beginning what stereotypes they each are playing up, spending the rest of the film fighting against them. Regan is the overcontrolling bridesmaid, wanting everything to be perfect but shallow enough to want to make the day about her. Gena (Lizzy Caplan) is the sexually active, drug user that still can’t get over her high school sweetheart. Katie (Isla Fisher) plays dumb, clueless, and eventually completely incapable of taking care of herself, and the bride to be seems harmless enough until her wedding day, when she snaps into a ruthlessly mean person.
The night before the wedding, after Becky has gone to bed, the three women wallow in drugs and alcohol and accidentally rip the bride’s dress. The next 24 hours become a whirlwind evening filled with sex, strip clubs, tailors, and vomit, all while trying to find the solution for fixing the dress. We don’t just follow the girls on this journey, as a very strong supporting male cast enters the picture, one for each female. Adam Scott plays Clyde, Gena’s high school boyfriend, who is worth mentioning as his performance seems the most genuine and stable of the troupe. Even as a character, he admits to his faults and selflessly helps the girls when they are in need.
Throughout the film we find out that their past is more dark than expected, riddled with tough teenage issues like abortion and anorexia. When the film hits on these notes, it grounds the film in reality, allowing for the comedy to alleviate the pressure and make for sincere laughs.
Bachelorette succeeds marginally as it honestly, often forcefully, makes jokes about drugs and sex that are not often talked about. But it becomes so obvious that the blonde, the brunette, and the redhead are trying to represent the spectrum of all females, but none of them have any real redeeming qualities. This makes the film definitely fun to laugh at but if you get too close, what it has to say about women, marriage, and a dress won’t make you anyone want to get married.
The Blu-ray extras are very limited, including a very short blooper reel and a behind-the-scenes featurette that is only about five minutes long. The substantial and very informative commentary by the director is definitely worth watching.
