Jeff, Who Lives at Home

Jeff, Who Lives At Home is a beautiful film. An unconventional and unassuming comedy - a little bit quirky and at times, whimsical, yet heartwarming and funny. Jason Segel's monologue in the opening scene sets the tone of the film. There's an endearing innocence and naivety about him when he poses some intriguing questions after watching M. Night Shyamalan's Signs - what if, everything in this universe is inter-connected in some sort of way. The philosophical ramblings of a dreamy pothead man-child gives way to a series of misadventures as he embarks on a journey trying to find a certain Kevin, being convinced that his destiny is leading him to Kevin through a number of vague signs. As he pursues these signs, he bumps into his brother played by Ed Helms, who's following his wife suspecting her of having an affair with another man. Ed Helms is a revelation as a disgruntled man with a mediocre job stuck in a loveless marriage about to crumble. Their mother, played by Susan Sarandon, steals the show with a brilliant performance. The insecurities and loneliness of impending old age, the mixed emotions of exasperated dismay and moderate hopefulness when she receives messages from a 'secret admirer' are portrayed flawlessly. The unexpectedly invigorating climax brings all the central characters together after a bunch of inexplicably bewildering coincidences. Maybe the universe does have a plan for everyone!