CCFF: The Incredible Jessica James is innovative, genuine

The Incredible Jessica James is one of the best comedies that I’ve seen this year.

Written and directed by Jim Strouse, the comedy stars Jessica Williams, Chris O’Dowd, Lakeith Stanfield & Noël Wells.  Zabryna Guevera, Taliyah Whitaker, Sarah Jones, Will Stephen, Susan Heyward, and Megan Ketch also star.

Jessica Williams, The Daily Show alumnus, breaks out in her role as Jessica James, a young playwright in New York City who is recovering from a breakup and doing her best to make it in the theater scene.  After one of her friends essentially forces her into dating again, she meets Boone (Chris O’Dowd).  At first, their relationship seems like something that wouldn’t ordinarily happen but in this social media-obsessed culture, they are somehow able to make it.

James Strouse gives us a modern comedy that is both innovative and genuine.  It shows what it means to be someone in their 20s in this decade.  For Strouse, this was a passion project and without Williams, this film just doesn’t get made.  Williams is an actress that Strouse wants in all of his work going forward.

The Incredible Jessica James premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.  Netflix will release the film on July 28th.

Danielle Solzman

Danielle Solzman is native of Louisville, KY, and holds a BA in Public Relations from Northern Kentucky University and a MA in Media Communications from Webster University. She roots for her beloved Kentucky Wildcats, St. Louis Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and Boston Celtics. Living less than a mile away from Wrigley Field in Chicago, she is an active reader (sports/entertainment/history/biographies/select fiction) and involved with the Chicago improv scene. She also sees many movies and reviews them. She has previously written for Redbird Rants, Wildcat Blue Nation, and Hidden Remote/Flicksided. From April 2016 through May 2017, her film reviews can be found on Creators.

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