If you are looking for a drama that is out of the ordinary, check out The Trouble with Jessica. It’s a dark comedy that has a lot going for it including some twists that make you chuckle at some very austere moments. Now on DVD for home viewing, the movie is worth the watch.
Sarah (Shirley Henderson) and her husband Tom (Alan Tudyk) invite old college friends Richard (Rufus Sewell) and Beth (Olivia Williams) to their home for and impromptu dinner. Sarah and Tom are celebrating the looming signing of their house that’s up for sale due to financial problems and drinks and desert are in order. Accompanying Beth and Richard however is an unexpected old classmate Jessica (Indira Varma), who has been stirring the pot over some very long ago relationships. They settle in to a small dinner and it’s not too long before Jessica disappears. When she turns up hanging , having committed suicide, the two couples are perplexed.
The film moves along at a fast pace helmed by Matt Winn who wrote the script as well. The reason why I mention speed here is that it saves the film from losing the much needed punch necessary for the twisted finale. Why Jessica kills herself however seems meaningless, but if you accept that she has been brooding all the years since college, I guess its reason enough to off herself. Beyond that, hiding the body and disposing of it is quite ridiculous and the way the police get involved comedic. The film would serve itself more as a theatre play.
The film now on DVD has not been rated but contains a lot of profanity.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Shirley Henderson, Alan Tudyk, Rufus Sewell, Olivia Williams, Indira Varma
Directed and co-written by: Matt Winn
Genre: Comedy
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 1 hr. 29 min.
Video Release Date: July 2025
Original Theatrical Release Date: April 25, 2025
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Distributed by: Music Box Films
Released on:Digital, DVD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
