Duck Butter

Duck Butter tells a story of two struggling artists (sigh, I know) that flee from their troubles into an intense relationship. The good part is that both Alia Shawkat and Laia Costa deliver amazing performances as reserved Naima and dramatic Sergio, respectively. The bad part is that the story elements are rather trite and the plot doesn't lead anywhere. Overall, it seems like a waste of talent. At best, Duck Butter is a movie to be enjoyed for the ride rather than the destination.

This film really is how Sergio talks about it at the start: 10 years in 24 hours. It was very frustrating because it was so realistic. Very raw and difficult to watch, but definitely worth the suffering.

This film is about two women who decide to spend 24 hours together in the hope that they will skip the learning period of a relationship.

This film is directed and co-wrote by Miguel Arteta (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day). It stars Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development) and Laia Costa (Victoria).

This films plot his ambitious and interesting, their are instances in the film where it feels like a storytelling experiment, and the cameos by Kumal Nanjiani and the Duplass brothers make for a fun part of the film.

However, the writing isn't so good, it does not capitalize on the interesting plot. The acting and directing isn't so good either, it is so plain and unimaginative.

There's nothing much more to this film than an interesting story. But I would recommend you see it just once if you like film.

6/10

Two girls meet at a bar. One is an actor who worries about her motivation (played by Alia Shawkat, who also shares the writing credits). The other was the evening's singer at the bar (played by rising star Laia Costa). The following day they agree to try and spend a complete 24 hours in each other's company to explore their relationship.

They start out liking each other but as we learn more about them it's not so clear whether we really like them quite so much or whether they'll stay together. The characters are realistic and well acted but they have some strange attitudes and an interest in what might be described as toilet humour if it was even remotely funny - but it wasn't. Each to their own, I suppose.

Not the best accompaniment to a TV dinner. 5/10.

From the photography to the story, it could not get indier than this. The film aims at throwing a light at the gay women dating scene, but often feels too focused on rich people's problems. Some parts are touching though. Oh, and the title is actually kind of gross.