The “dramedy” has become such a staple in independent cinema (and television) that it deserves its own category. It’s the type of film that isn’t consistently laugh out loud funny but the leads are typically naturally comical and played by well known, on the curve of their big, movie “break” sitcom stars. In that vein of film we get anything from the dreadful “The Hollars,” the Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig showcase “The Skeleton Twins” to the film that nearly defines this lo-fi, sad guy comedy genre, “Garden State.” These films, no matter how far and wide they range in actual quality, are frequently released and have found a fond following. However, the more released the more they’re at risk of feeling redundant. Where triple threat Zoe Lister-Jones made a marked change was to set her sun soaked, West Coast dramedy “Band Aid” to music, which plays a key role in the plot.
Rather than just possessing a catchy soundtrack with all of the indie scene favorites of today, the “post mumblecore” film allowed the actors Jones and Adam Pally to sing the tunes themselves as their characters work through their marital hurdles. The end result is something both uncomfortably hilarious and poignant. Here’s the official synopsis:
READ MORE: Fred Armisen Steals Zoe Lister-Jones’ Funny Relationship Dramedy ‘Band Aid’ [Review]
Band Aid, the refreshingly raw, real, and hilarious feature debut from Zoe Lister-Jones, is the story of a couple, Anna (Zoe Lister-Jones) and Ben (Adam Pally), who can’t stop fighting. Advised by their therapist to try and work through their grief unconventionally, they are reminded of their shared love of music. In a last-ditch effort to save their marriage, they decide to turn all their fights into song, and with the help of their neighbor Dave (Fred Armisen), they start a band. A story of love, loss, and rock and roll, Band Aid is a witty and perceptive view of modern love, with some seriously catchy pop hooks to boot.
Written and directed by Jones and co-starring Pally, the film also stars Fred Armisen, Hannah Simone, Susie Essman and Ravi Patel. The film hits theaters July 2nd through IFC Films.