Aardvark

I really enjoyed this film and you will too, if you like movies that are not spoon fed to you. For the most part, it follows a pretty simple linear narrative, with occasional 'imaginary' sequences. Unless you are drunk while watching, these will make total sense based on the overall narrative structure.

The acting and directing is very good, especially if you are fan of Jon Hamm and Zachary Quinto.

Overall, it is a refreshing and interesting examination of how mental illness effects a person and those around them. While some people might find the film's themes of loneliness and despair too depressing, this film always keeps things light and moving.

It's a surrealistic movie that seems to be about isolation for the most part as each charter seems to be dealing with the fact that they are alone in some form or matter.

It's a little too surrealistic for me to the point that I don't know what's going on, which would not be too bad if not for the fact that I found the characters very uninteresting. The characters are played by interesting actors which is the only reason why I was able to hold onto any interest but...

I'm sorry to say, this movie didn't work for me at any level. The cast is strong and the ending is decent, but those are all the positives I can come up with.

The dialogue is terribly stilted and the storyline consistently doesn't seem to know where it wants to go. I would say save yourself the awkward and painful trek here. In a postscript, Jenny Slate's character may be the worst therapist in the history of movies (maybe she missed the classes on therapist/patient boundaries).

I went into this with low expectations because of the rating and came out with a big old smile on my face. There are some slightly fantastical elements to this film because the lead character has mental health issues, one of the main reasons I wanted to see this film. Josh is confused about his reality. And so is the viewer. It sets us in the mind of Josh, smart, vulnerable, but hopeful. The only awkward moments for me were between his therapist and the brother. It was messy, but that's the point, right? Life is messy, regardless of who you are. The film was beautifully shot. The night scenes with Josh especially, and the acting was fantastic. Josh makes a statement towards the end and I screamed. Because why not? At that point I was up for anything. This film isn't perfect but it IS thoughtful. It's all about perspectives and how we don't all see things the same way, whether it's a single event, or the world in general, but that doesn't mean we're not happy. Josh is a benevolent catalyst for change that leaves you wondering who really needed help the most. The last minute or so were perfect.

Josh (Zach Quinto) is seeing a therapist, and says and does in-appropriate things right from the start. A more serious role for him, after Star Trek. We keep seeing images of the aardvark, although at this point, we're not sure why. and Josh sees his brother's face here and there. and he rarely answers the question asked by Dr. Milburton (Jenny Slate). Jon Hamm from MadMen is in here as Josh's brother, and of course, his therapist is sleeping with his brother. SO inappropriate. kind of a mind stretcher. the whole time, we're not sure what's real and what is not. and more images of aardvarks. clearly Josh is delusional, and some questions do get answered. kinda freaky. interesting study in therapy. it's very okay. Writer/director Brian Shoaf seems to make relationship films.