Review of “I Don’t Know What You’re Talking About” Streaming on Hulu
This new streaming comedy, “I Don’t Know What You’re Talking About,” offers a mix of satire and cultural commentary. The film, featuring Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells, follows a gay couple navigating their Italian holiday while trying to adopt a child in a highly challenging environment. The script is penned by real-life partners David Joseph Craig and Brian Kurano, drawing from their own experiences as a long-term couple.
Key Points: Creating videos to present themselves as potential adoptive parents can be a daunting experience. Kroll’s character, Dom, and Rannells’ Cole, navigate this process, exposing their vulnerabilities, hopes, and dreams. Past attempts at adoption have been less than successful, adding layers to their journey.
The tension between them is palpable. As they celebrate their tenth anniversary, there’s an urgency to make this trip fulfilling. Unfortunately, they find themselves in a misleading city, awkwardly attempting to connect with the locals. Dom fumbles with Italian, even getting the waiter confused on Cole’s vegetarianism. It’s a comedic struggle that brings both cringes and laughs as they try to navigate romance amid beautiful scenery. The plot takes a happy turn when they receive a call from Candice (played by Amanda Seyfried), with good news about their adoption prospects.
The night is far from smooth. Driving through dark and unfamiliar roads, they get stuck in the mud during a storm, without cell service, and receive “help” from a grumpy local who doesn’t speak English. Things start to seem grim, yet they finally arrive at the restaurant only to encounter questionable cuisine that Cole struggles to understand, adding to the chaos.
What It Reminds You Of: The film evokes thoughts of other works like “I Don’t Know What You’re Talking About,” and some clever nods to Coen Brothers films.
Performance Worth Watching: There’s undeniable chemistry between Kroll and Rannells, although some might feel the film doesn’t capitalize on their strengths due to its lack of focus.
Memorable Conversation:
Cole: You saved him!
Dom: But you killed him first!
Sex and Skin: None.
Our Take: The experience of impending parenthood reshapes one’s perspective, as illustrated through Dom and Cole’s journey. The movie cleverly portrays their chaotic moments as parenting tests, challenging their problem-solving abilities and resilience. If they can manage absurd hurdles like misplaced hesitation and unexpected mishaps, it highlights the complexity of preparing for parenthood.
Many encounters reflect broader themes of communication barriers and cultural misunderstandings, as the couple bumbles through Italy facing what seems like a series of comedic trials. The film aims to deliver laughs, though there’s an occasional struggle with its dark comedy’s tone. While it elicits some chuckles, it’s unclear if the humor quite lands as effectively as intended, particularly given its handling of serious themes like homophobia.
Our Call: Although “I Don’t Know What You’re Talking About” features some clever lines and strong performances from its leads, its lack of a clear focus ultimately detracts from its overall impact. You might find moments to enjoy, but it may not fully resonate.
