Juliet, Naked - A Movie Review

Creativity can change people’s lives.

Juliet, Naked is a 2009 romantic comedy-drama based on the novel by Nick Hornby. Annie is unhappy in her relationship with Duncan. Duncan is obsessed with the singer Tucker Crowe, a now-faded musician. Getting in touch with him through letters, Annie and Tucker connect and talk about the deepest desires in life.

Have you ever imagined what it would be like if you met your favorite musician? Juliet, Naked answers that question. People are never who you think they are. Juliet, Naked primarily intends to recognize our flaws and overcome past mistakes.

Rose Byrne and Chris O’Dowd did great in their roles as Annie and Duncan. Byrne was excellent as Annie, a woman struggling to gain purpose. She was great at conducting her character’s journey, becoming more confident with a zest for life.

I wasn’t so fond of Duncan, but he takes fault for his actions. O’Dowd sets a fine example of being proud of your passion. Hundreds of pictures and music albums of Tucker McGuire are in the basement.

Annie and Duncan have different interests and little spark for romance. Their relationship defines as an example on finding people you have more in common with to make a relationship work. On a positive note, Annie and Duncan recognize this dysfunction and move on.

Ethan Hawke is the main star of the film. Somehow, I missed that Hawke was a good singer! He is a multi-talented actor. Tucker McGuire is by no definition a perfect man. Hawke did a spectacular job in the role, selling an emotional monologue about his struggles to come to terms with his failures as a musician, husband, and father.

Supporting characters were underdeveloped. To make Tucker’s life more complicated, he has a big family. In one scene, Tucker’s family has an unexpected reunion of all half siblings and exes. As funny as this scene was, why didn’t they stick around for the rest of the movie?

Lizzie’s (Alooya Smart) role deserved to be expanded more. I wanted to see more of her story. Azhy Robertson (Jackson) was funny as Tucker’s youngest son. Asking several questions that derived beyond his age, Jackson has a memorable role in the story.

One of the film’s best strengths is blending humor with poignant moments. The comedic scenes are well-executed, like the scene on the beach when Duncan meets his idol. What makes the scene funnier is that Duncan won’t believe that it is his idol.

Juliet, Naked is a heartfelt story. At the same time, the movie doesn’t shy away from exploring the more emotional aspects of the story. The performances of the lead actors retain depth and sincerity in the character’s struggles.

The setting for Juliet, Naked has a strong sense of place. I liked when the characters walked through the small seaside town. The locations add to the movie’s charm and emphasize a unique atmosphere.

Music has a world of its own. Jesse Peretz resonated with viewers on how passions change us - be it the creator or the listener. We all have a different way of telling stories or expressing our feelings. Remind yourself that your favorite artist is also facing battles of their own. It’s a story about humans. Eventually, we’ll find our paths and the right person to be in a relationship with.

Juliet, Naked is the best film for any music lover. I enjoyed the film more than I thought I would. The movie’s ending is somewhat predictable, but it’s a delightful movie that will appeal to fans of romantic comedies.