Synopsis: After the pharmacy in her small town is robbed, a girl who still lives at home with her parents takes matters into her own hands to solve the crime, while at the same time trying to get over her ex-boyfriend and become more of an adult.
What does it mean to be an adult? Besides age, when is one considered grown? Some would say as soon as you graduate high school. Others might say as soon as one takes on adult responsibilities and begins paying bills. However, depending on how, when, and where you were raised, the ages may vary. Subsequently, some parents allow their children to live with them as long as they want, which can sometimes result in arrested development. They are physically an adult but mentally refuse to fully thrive independently. Regardless, we all mature at our own pace and eventually will be blazing our path alone in some regard. And if we’re honest, we’d all go back and tell our younger selves to enjoy the parental help while it lasts and to avoid the throws of adulthood as long as we can. It’s mostly overrated.
“The last I checked, it’s not a crime to have a bad personality.”
What happens when a perpetually snacking social media-obsessed twenty-something attempts to solve a crime? Well, they find themselves doing everything they’ve seen in movies, of course. Directed and co-written by Nicholaus Goossen, Drugstore June is the comedic mind of Esther Povitsky brought to life. If you’re a fan of Esther’s standup comedy or the various podcasts that she does, this film is for you. From the names of some characters to situations from her personal life, her references and brand of comedy thrive within this story. Filled with a multitude of familiar faces, humorous moments, and just the right amount of cringe, Drugstore June is an awkward delight.
Fusing sensibilities and circumstances that appeal mostly to Millennials and Gen Z, this story is a comedic bridge between the two generations. It gives us a chance to laugh at ourselves along with the influencer culture that most of us have been susceptible to. From constant livestreams and self-aggrandizing, our obsession with ourselves is in full effect. All explored through an often oblivious and always hungry June who is simply looking for a dare-to-be great moment as well as a sense of direction. While June comes off as goofy and sometimes annoying to those around her, she is genuine and relatable. We’re all just trying our best to figure out this life thing while also wanting to have a good time. The film shines when focused on the interpersonal moments.
“I would never do anything to destroy thousands of dollars worth of ice cream.”
The vibe of this film is very Napolean Dynomite meets Harriet the Spy. It knows it’s a mystery but also feels like an obscure hangout movie as well. While it features plenty of comical moments, many of them are not quite laugh-out-loud funny. Handling two seemingly intertwining storylines and one subplot, the narrative would’ve faired better if it had leaned heavier on one rather than trying to find a balance. On one hand, June is determined to find who robbed the pharmacy where she works and on the other, she is trying to get over an ex in the most unhealthy ways. Giving equal time to both situations took away from what should’ve felt like urgency and what could’ve been a more cohesive tale. It simply lacked a bit of focus. Nevertheless, with Povitsky having a loyal and dedicated fanbase, Drugstore June will have a cult following. Dealing with familial acceptance, love, and self-actualization, there’s a certain level of heart to go along with the humor that makes the film worth watching. The score is a perfect fit, the wardrobe is the most Esther it possibly be, and the writing is clever. I’m excited to see what Povitsky does next. Its rewatchability is medium-high.
Pace & Pop
The film moves at a smooth pace. It perfectly sets up its quirky main character in its first act, the crime and drama in the second, and the twist in the third. However, the first two acts had moments that lingered a bit too long as it couldn’t decide which storyline was more important. What popped for me was the over-the-top nature of June. She is the very worst of Millennial and Gen Z culture but in the best way possible. It would’ve been interesting if she would’ve had a friend that was just as bad as her.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Esther Povitsky, Bobby Lee, Beverly D’Angelo, James Remar, Brandon Wardell, Haley Joel Osment, Danny Griffin, Matt Walsh, Miranda Cosgrove, Jackie Sandler, Al Madrigal, Bill Burr, Brittany Furlan, Nick Rutherford, Trevor Wallace, Stephanie Tolev, Bhad Bhabie, Jonnie “Dumbfoundead” Park, Lincoln Jolly, Patricia “Ms. Pat” Wiliams, Jon Gabrus, Gerald “Slink” Johnson, Nathan Ellner
The cast does a fantastic job playing off of each other and the comedic timing is perfect, but this was definitely the Esther Povitsky show. Not only does the comedian show and prove that she can lead, but does so in an effortless fashion. It would’ve been great to see more scenes with her and Bobby Lee as the two have hilarious chemistry outside of the film.
Drugstore June release in select theaters on February 23rd, 2024. Stay safe and go touch some grass.
Rated: NR Runtime: 1h 31m Director: Nicholaus Goossen Writers: Nicholaus Goossen, Esther Povitsky Producers: Robert Schwartzman, Jordan Ellner, Nicholaus Goossen Executive Producers: Bill Burr, Mike Bertolina, Al Madrigal, Esther Povitsky, Dani Koenisgberg, Judit Maull, Gabriel Roth, Sam Dreyfus, Alex Ross, Bob Emmer, Garson Foos, Jordan Fields, Julie Dansker Editor: Nicholaus Goossen
https://youtube.com/watch?v=We1MkGPt3nA%3Fsi%3DXubaHU4FWg9KfrPN
Drugstore June is the comedic mind of Esther Povitsky brought to life. If you're a fan of Esther's standup comedy or the various podcasts that she does, this film is for you.
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GVN Rating
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
