Two friends, two significant others, and a whole lot of beer – Magnolia Pictures presents Drinking Buddies, an honest look into how friendships can become complicated by common interests. And the fact that this story plays out in a contemporary craft brewery makes this film all the more interesting to us…

On the surface, Drinking Buddies smells like a standard romcom: man and woman are friends, they each have significant others. Things happen, friendships shift, relationships strain, and in the end, everything is as it should be. There are a few of those standard, telegraphed moments, but after sitting down for a few minutes and actually thinking about what I had just watched, I saw what the movie really was. And just like When Harry Met Sally, I was amused and surprised.

Drinking Buddies follows craft brewery co-workers Kate (Olivia Wilde) and Luke (Jake Johnson). Kate is currently dating Chris (Ron Livingston), and Luke is pre-engaged to Jill (Anna Kendrick). Following so far? The hard-drinking, fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants Kate is an obvious mismatch for the wine-sipping style of Chris, and the sweet, girl-next-door Jill seems to be a complete opposite of the grungy, beer-swilling Luke. So it would make sense that with Kate and Luke spending so much time together, things might get complicated – especially when they’re constantly imbibing.

But that’s as predictable as it gets. This film lays out what is going to happen, but then takes you through a winding journey of lake trips, apartment moving, and copious amounts of beer. Seriously, there was an ocean of beer consumed in this movie. But just as you think you have become Nostradamus, predicting the future of the four characters involved, the script goes the way of reality, and strips you of your crystal ball. 

Olivia Wilde brings a shockingly real performance to the screen as Kate – a woman who seems to have a perfect life, a great job, and a sophisticated boyfriend – but the viewer quickly learns that Kate’s “one-of-the-guys” persona has left her wanting what she can’t have. Wilde gives the most memorable performance of her career, as she is funny, electric to watch, and unexpectedly sympathetic. As Luke, Jake Johnson exudes the charm and quick wit we all love on New Girl and escalates it to near little brother perfection. The chemistry between him and Wilde is miles better than any we have ever seen between Kate Hudson and one of her screen beaus. And what can I say about Anna Kendrick and Ron Livingston? They are both absurdly good actors that shine again in this film. 

Written and directed by Joe Swanberg, Drinking Buddies redefines what you may consider a romantic comedy. Sure, the movie is funny, and it has romantic moments, but this movie is light years away from Julia Roberts chasing Dermot Mulroney down the street. Why? Because this movie feels real. Why? Because it was.  

The scenes were planned with only basic outlines and that is it. The writing happened as they shot, with Swanberg writing as they filmed. The end result is dialogue that seems refreshingly unrehearsed and therefore more genuine. “The dialogue is always improvised, and there are variations from take to take, but we’re working toward a unified version of the scene that feels right. Once we have something we like, we go from there,” explained Swanberg. 

Filmed on location at Revolution Brewing, the crew had to work around actual beer operations, and the cast included the entire staff of the brewery. Jake Johnson actually got a crash course in brewing from head brewer Jim Cibak. It’s because of these details that you feel like a member of the brewery team; helping them stir, boil, or bottle. And then later, you had the distinct pleasure of a front row seat to the interactions, altercations, distractions, and any other “-ions” that arose from the crew enjoying the brews of their craft labor. 

Drinking Buddies is honest, has a great heart, a spectacular cast, and enough beer to fill the San Andreas Fault. What else could you ask for? (Seriously, they drank a LOT of beer.) I give it 4 out of 5 caps. 

Drinking Buddies opens in select cities August 23 and will be available via Video on Demand on July 25 (that’s today, people!). It was an Official Selection at the 2013 SXSW Film Festival, the 2013 Seattle International Film Festival, and the 2013 Maryland Film Festival.