'Self Reliance' Review: A Killer Comedy For a Chill Night

The R rating slapped onto 'Self Reliance' for its language seems a tad overblown, highlighting the somewhat heavy-handedness of our rating system. In this delightfully off-the-wall comedy, you'll struggle to find anything that couldn't have been dreamt up by an 11-year-old. And guess what? That's precisely the age group most likely to lap it up.

Starring Jake Johnson as Tommy, a world-weary everyman stuck in a rut, the film exudes a charmingly scruffy warmth and endearing cluelessness. Tommy's life revolves around his mother, a mind-numbing desk job, and questioning why his long-term girlfriend has given him the boot.

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So, when Andy Samberg (playing himself) rolls up in a limo to declare, “Congrats! You’ve been selected,” Tommy's interest is piqued. At this point, he couldn’t care less about what he's been chosen for; anything beats his mundane existence.

Turns out, Tommy's been selected as a contestant in a dark-web reality show. The goal? Survive for 30 days while a global gang of ninja-like assassins attempts to off him. There's a catch, though: they can't do the deed unless he's alone. So, Tommy must find someone to stick by him 24/7, even in the bedroom and bathroom.

His family, thinking he's delusional, hints at past episodes of suspected mental instability. However, the film's screenplay, penned by Johnson himself, opts for more chase scenes over delving into the meatier topic of Tommy's mental health.

Despite its tonal inconsistencies and oversimplified message—life's impossible without companionship— 'Self Reliance' sees Tommy embark on a desperate quest for human connection. Anna Kendrick and the wonderfully named Biff Wiff provide some entertaining moments as temporary sidekicks. Yet, the film shies away from acknowledging the chilling reality of its online gang of murderous misfits.

The question isn't whether Tommy will survive; it's why anyone should stick around to find out.