Film Review: “Humpday”

Two college chums reunite after several years and fall back into old habits. In a round of macho oneupsmanship, they eventually agree to make a porn film together (as an “art project”), a move that could redefine their friendship and potentially break a marriage. Humpday is equal parts intriguing and awkward, but ultimately very funny. The writing and plot are very well constructed, and the dialogue always feels natural and unforced. Ben and Andrew (Duplass and Leonard, respectively) have an easy chemistry together, but Ben’s wife Anna (Delmore) just about runs away with the show. Keep an eye on her during a certain late night conversation with Andrew. It’s almost hard to believe that Leonard, a Houston native, made his first big foray on the silver screen 10 years ago in the Blair Witch Project (though I’d argue that this is a much better film). It’s a credit to the cast and crew that such an odd concept (two straight friends daring the other to have sex on film) seems completely believable. The film also sports a lo-fi indie charm, with a nice soundtrack and intimate, handheld camera work that thankfully lacks the jitters of so many other films. A potential bromance worth seeing.