Nick Kroll represents a certain brand of comedy. His “dude humor” gained him devout fans with his role in “The League” as a lovable yet disgusting fantasy footballer. His friendship with fellow comedian John Mulaney advanced both their careers, working together to perform their Broadway play and Netflix special “Oh, Hello On Broadway,” along with hosting the Independent Spirit Awards.
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Kroll continued showing his comedic prowess by creating, writing, and starring in Netflix’s “Big Mouth,” a show surrounding middle schoolers going through puberty. Kroll and Mulaney both play several characters on the show, with each of them showing major voice acting chops. The show received critical acclaim along with a huge fan base, and is looking towards its fourth season.
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Kroll’s new film “Olympic Dreams” changes that comedic narrative. Writing and starring in the film, Kroll enters the drama space, playing a volunteer dentist, a truly great Kroll role, and finding love in the process. Though coming as a surprise, he now has the power to take on these roles, have new career developments, and become a possibly sappy indie actor.
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Here’s the official [shortened] plot summary:
Set against the splendor of the Winter Olympic Games, an intimate and unexpected love story develops between two lonely hearts, each at their own crossroads in life. Penelope (Alexi Pappas) is a first time Olympian and introverted cross-country skier, who, after finishing her event early on in the games, finds herself spending time in Athletes Village with the gregarious and outgoing volunteer dentist, Ezra (Nick Kroll). While both are eager to form connections at the Olympic Games, they are held back by the very thing that has propelled them to this point; what do you do once your lifelong dream has come true,and you’re faced with taking the next step?
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Alexi Pappas (“Tracktown” and “Speed Goggles”) joins Kroll in this Jeremy Teicher (“Tracktown”)-directed film, and though each Pappas and Teicher are rising stars, the draw remains Kroll. He is by far the biggest star in the film and the one attempting a new career move in the process. This love drama will be a test for the comedian, looking at the weight of his star power and the versatility of his acting.
“Olympic Dreams” will be released by IFC Films on February 14, 2020.