The stoner comedy was once a staple of the moviegoing experience, with films such as Dazed and Confused, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, and Pineapple Express, to name a few, either finding box office success or achieving cult status. Nowadays, Hollywood has avoided such endeavors, but this summer they’ve dabbled with them again on the indie scene with the recently released Idiots and The Wrong Girls, which is now available on VOD after a very short theatrical run. The interesting thing about the latter is that it features two female characters on a stoner adventure, and that makes it more unique than most offerings from this sub-genre. Kristen Stewart is in top cool-girl form, while Alia Shawkat’s natural timing makes them a fun pair in what becomes a relatively straightforward stoner comedy that succeeds mainly on their charm.
The film follows two roommates living in their “chill zone,” the apartment they share with their cats. Frankie (Stewart) is a college dropout who works for a delivery company, while Molly (Shawkat) is a creator of munchie treats while also poorly creating and managing spreadsheets for extra cash. Motivation is not in their vocabulary, but a situation presents itself that could change their circumstances. Molly’s boyfriend, Josh (Zack Fox), wants her to move in with him and actively pursue her dreams of being a chef, which changes the dynamics of Molly and Frankie’s friendship. In addition to this, Frankie learns that her ex has moved on with Frances (also portrayed by Stewart), who, surprise surprise, looks just like her. This becomes crucial when Not Metal Head Dave (LaKeith Stanfield), believing Frankie to be Frances, hands off a briefcase to her that seems to be the answer to her money problems. What results is two potheads who gain telepathic abilities after ingesting an experimental drug that puts them in the crosshairs of very dangerous people who want the drug in question.
Writer and director Dylan Meyer (who also happens to be married to Stewart) knows that she has the proper ingredients for a suitable stoner comedy and doesn’t shy away from using them. Everything about how this film spirals into a drug-infused journey is silly, but it embraces the absurdity with so much reckless abandon that it’s hard not to be charmed by it. The Wrong Girls is a film that knows exactly what it is, even if some of the jokes might feel dated because films like this that were once more mainstream haven’t exactly evolved in terms of humor. Also, recreational marijuana use is less taboo today and is legal in several states, so the novelty of seeing it being used so frequently in a movie doesn’t hit the same way it did when films like these were the norm.
What Meyer does best, beyond silly scenes of telepathic banter and dance numbers that come out of nowhere, is create a solid dynamic between Molly and Frankie. Despite all of the silliness, the film offers a very realistic expression of female friendship and the need to embrace each other despite perceived imperfections. These two have a bond and understanding of each other that goes beyond what can be verbalized. They have a connection that almost makes them feel like they’re one person split into two bodies, and it’s the chemistry between Stewart and Shawkat that also sells this. Stewart in particular is strong, making the audience wish she had more opportunities to dabble in comedy. In the end, both performers elevate the material as they completely understand the assignment. As a pair, they have great moments together, particularly when they have to communicate telepathically, which leads to some of the film’s funnier moments.
Visually, Meyer seems to be channeling the best of the genre. From the vibes of the chill zone to the clothes that the characters wear, Meyer achieves a vibrancy and almost psychedelic feel that gives The Wrong Girls a look that feels familiar yet unique for its story. Bright lights enhanced the scenes when psychedelics are being used, while distorted wide angles might make the audience feel as if they’re getting high with the characters. There’s a dreamlike aesthetic that makes you question what might be real and what might be a drug-induced fantasy, and that proves to be its best visual asset. Cinematographer Todd Bonhazl does a lot with very little to give The Wrong Girls visual authority that is disorienting, euphoric, and absurd.
The Wrong Girls will make you miss mid-budgeted comedies, even if it’s not reinventing the wheel by any means. Neon released the film to very little fanfare back in August, and it grossed a mere $862,736 before making a quick digital release this week. Perhaps home viewing is better suited for The Wrong Girls, where it’s bound to become a stoner comedy cult fan favorite, especially for women who have no problem expressing their need to zone out, grab some munchies, and simply enjoy the experience.
The Wrong Girls is currently playing in select theaters and is avaialble on VOD courtesy of NEON.
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Perhaps home viewing is better suited for The Wrong Girls, where it's bound to become a stoner comedy cult fan favorite, especially for women who have no problem expressing their need to zone out, grab some munchies, and simply enjoy the experience.
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Hello! My name is Gaius Bolling: movie, TV, and pop culture junkie! The industry has been in my veins since I was a kid and I have carried that on through adulthood. I attended Los Angeles Film Academy and participated in their screenwriting and editing program. From there, I have learned to hone my skills in the world of entertainment journalism. Some of my favorite genres include horror, action, and drama and I hope to share my love of all of this with you.
