Ron Trembath
Scott is a self-absorbed online video-game influencer, who speaks to millions of fans every day, but simply cannot (or will not) communicate with the people he loves. He remains blissfully unaware that he’s the problem until one morning, as she’s walking out the door, his girlfriend Aly tells him, “we need to talk.” Her comment sends Scott spiraling into a day-long tailspin as he seeks wisdom, advice, and emotional support from his social media network of friends, internet trolls, and a myriad of online characters from around the world.
On the surface, a film like We Need To Talk could appear as just a nonsensical romcom without really anything impactful to say. That’s probably because there are so many films that fit that very broad bill. But this is a film that just hits a bit differently. It contains all of the basic elements that one would expect from a film of this caliber and/or genre, but has some things that are just a bit more special. In the simplest terms, and with only a slight bit of exaggeration…We Need To Talk is a brilliant light-hearted journey into the world of self-absorption and masked insecurities. While whimsical and often hilarious, it’s a film that truly takes a dig at the false idols that many of us are guilty of putting on display for the world, digital or otherwise, which can sometimes lead to an unnoticed relinquishment of those we love and care about the most.
Writer and Director Todd Wolfe has brought a sweet and ultimately well-informed story that can seem, with maybe a bit of hyperbole, a bit too damn real for anybody who has spent too much damn time in the world of online gaming. Or online anything, for that matter. The internet can be a terrible place, this isn’t news. But We Need To Talk seems to strives to let its audience know that despite the noticeable negativity of a place where anonymity makes some people feel taller than giants, there is still some good to be found through digital means. And with these ideals as the foundation of the film, it truly does become less of a romantic comedy, and more of an eccentric tale of self-realization, before it’s too late.
It would also be unfair, and unwise, not to mention that We Need To Talk benefits immensely from having an incredible cast appearing throughout the film. The film’s key player, Scott (Great Scott, if you will), is portrayed brilliantly by James Maslow, and does a great job of making you feel just enough pity for the guy but with sprinkles of resentment due to his obvious cowardice. And while I would have loved to see more of the always great Emily Bett Rickards, the moments that she is on screen are an absolute delight, as to be expected. And a big shoutout to Johnathan Fernandez for making one of the most stable characters in the film still manage to be extremely intriguing.
I highly recommend that everyone checks out We Need To Talk. Maybe do it with a loved one or good friend. And then, you know….talk? This may not be the deemed one of the most self-motivational films of all time, but it can really make you think about your life, and what you might be taking for granted.
