A Comedy-Drama That Knows When to Hold Back

Read Time:4 Minute, 46 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Suze
–

Genre: Drama, Comedy
Year Released: 2023, 2025
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Linsey Stewart, Dane Clark
Writer(s): Linsey Stewart, Dane Clark
Cast: Michaela Watkins, Charlie Gillespie, Sara Waisglass, Aaron Ashmore, Rainbow Sun Francks, Krista Bridges, Sandy Jobin-Bevans, Sorika Wolf
Where To Watch: in select theaters and on-demand February 7, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: SUZE is a comedy-drama directed by Linsey Stewart and Dane Clark that threads humor through moments of introspection while capturing the unpredictability of human relationships. Its strength lies in the connections that form when two unlikely people are thrust together. With a stellar cast and a sharp yet heartfelt script, it avoids the usual trappings of sentimentality while maintaining a strong emotional core. And let me tell you, if you think you know what will happen, you don’t.

At the heart of the story is Susan, played by Michaela Watkins, a mother struggling to find her footing after her daughter, Brooke (Sara Waisglass,) moves away to school. Just as she’s adjusting to this shift, an unexpected ‘responsibility’ lands in her lap—her daughter’s ex-boyfriend, Gage, portrayed by Charlie Gillespie, becomes a challenge that she has to figure out. Thrown together by circumstance, the two navigate a tenuous dynamic that starts with irritation and slowly shifts into something unexpected. While their initial exchanges are prickly, ‘Suze’ and Gage are forced to have revelations about themselves and each other, culminating in something neither of them could have predicted.

Clark and Stewart craft a screenplay that prioritizes character above all else. Rather than forcing grand gestures or over-the-top drama, the story unfolds organically, allowing humor and heartache to coexist. The writing is particularly effective in making simple conversations meaningful, whether through Susan’s biting sarcasm or Gage’s earnest attempts to prove himself. The balance of comedy and drama keeps the film grounded, never veering too far into heavy-handed emotional territory or losing its sense of levity.

This dynamic works because of Watkins and Gillespie's undeniable and awkward chemistry. Watkins gives a performance that is equal parts cynical and vulnerable, bringing depth to a character who could have easily been written as one-dimensional. Her portrayal of Susan captures the restlessness of someone facing a major life transition, a woman who has defined herself by her role as a mother and now struggles to figure out who she is beyond that. Opposite her, Gillespie embodies Gage with just the right amount of charm and immaturity, making it clear why Susan initially dismisses him. Their interactions carry the film, elevating even the simplest exchanges into moments of genuine connection. While Gage may be the stereotypical ‘surfer guy’ archetype, Gillespie brings something deeper to this role.

Sara Waisglass shines as Brooke, a role that fits seamlessly into the film’s narrative and ultimately is the domino that creates the flow for the rest of the film. While I initially assumed she would take center stage, her presence still remains pivotal, shaping the story just as much as the evolving characters around her. Her actions set the entire film into motion, and she delivers a fantastic performance in the role.

One of the film’s most compelling moments is a late confrontation between Susan and Brooke. Without relying on exposition-heavy dialogue, the scene deepens their relationship by revealing tensions neither had previously addressed. It’s a sequence that adds layers to their core dynamic. It shows that Susan’s struggles aren’t just about missing her daughter but also about reckoning with how their relationship has changed over time.

Unfortunately, some supporting characters fade into the background, hinting at interesting arcs that never fully materialize. However, this is a minor gripe in an otherwise well-structured narrative, as the film focuses on the central back-and-forth between Susan and Gage.

What makes this story resonate is its ability to find humor in the mundane without losing sight of its emotional stakes. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but it does manage to offer a fresh perspective on personal growth and the bonds that form in unexpected places.

Stewart and Clark have crafted a character-driven film that understands the importance of letting moments breathe. Rather than rushing toward easy resolutions, the film allows its protagonists to stumble, reassess, and grow. The performances, writing, and direction combine to create a thoughtful and effortlessly enjoyable cinema, proving that sometimes, the most meaningful stories come from the most unlikely pairings.

Let me know if you need any adjustments!

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of TRIBECA FILMS]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.