‘Extremely Unique Dynamic’ Review – Coming-Of-Age Buddy Comedy Is A Meta Good Time

In this current age, nostalgia is an excellent access point to storytelling. We look longingly at our past as a means of reflection and a guidepost for the future. Extremely Unique Dynamic taps into that nostalgic feeling while telling a sharply funny and poignant coming-of-age story. Using the framing of two best friends about to be separated, the film becomes a stoner buddy comedy that is surprisingly emotional even with its more outlandish and meta-infused moments.

We meet at the start of two childhood best friends, Danny (Ivan Leung) and Ryan (Harrison Xu), who dreamed of being actors as kids. As Ryan prepares to move to Canada with his fiance, they spend one final weekend together and decide to make a movie documenting their adventures. However, they add a twist to the project by having it be two guys making a movie about two guys making a movie. This infusion of meta-commentary allows for a unique insight into what is otherwise a generic coming-of-age story. In the process of their documentary expose, bottled secrets come to the surface, putting their friendship to the test.

While the premise itself is a clever idea, what sells this film more are the performances by Leung and Xu. Whether acting as themselves or as characters playing characters in a movie, their dynamic is buddy-comedy dynamite. Their odd couple pairing is both the movie’s heart and soul. The film cleverly exploits each other’s character traits and personalities and channels them into their meta versions of themselves.

The meta moments do not always work, and the film does feel like it forgets itself at points, but never enough to derail this buddy-comedy train. Part of the film’s access point is the meta-commentary. Both Leung and Xu clearly have a handle on what they are doing. The audience can excuse any momentary stalls as our ride with these two best friends is worth it. 

The film is a blast with its meta inclusion and references to other timeless gems such as The Truman Show and Being John Malkovich. There is also a hilarious commentary on their perception of Asian cinema and the diverse indie-movie market. Some outright funny moments include a dismissive account of A24 studios and general confusion over who Terrence Malick is.

Leung and Xu work in sync and create engaging back-and-forth banter. Given that they both created and directed the film (with Katherine Dudas), it is apparent how much passion went into this project. But they are also clearly having fun, and authenticity shines through every film frame, even when tackling the more serious matters. The movie blends comedy and drama well while never going overboard in either direction.

Now, parts of the film play like an extended home video montage. While these elements serve the overall story, they can be distracting. The film finds its groove when focusing on Danny and Ryan’s actual story. At its core the film is a story of friendship and unbreakable bonds.  

The film injects the added element of Danny attempting to come out to Ryan. As part of their movie-within-a-movie concept, this is also an added elect to their story. However, the film strengthens and plays right to the heart in these moments. Leung gives a grounded and authentic performance despite the film’s humorous elements. The dynamic of their childhood friendship possibly ending is heartbreaking and gives the film added weight.

Extremely Unique Dynamic is a silly film overall. The simple premise of two stoner buddies spending one last weekend together is a strong enough concept in its own right. The intersection of this being a movie-within-a-movie-within-a-movie is a stroke of genius. Here is a film that will both delight and surprise audiences.   

Extremely Unique Dynamic is currently playing in select theaters courtesy of Strand Releasing. The film will release on Digital platforms on January 29, 2025.