Sometimes, mismatched expectations can really prevent a film from reaching the audience that would love it. If you go into Quiz Lady expecting a laugh-out-loud comedy, you’re likely to be pretty underwhelmed. However, if you’re willing to see it on its level, it’s a refreshingly quaint little drama that’s easy to be won over by.
The movie follows a woman obsessed with game shows and her erratic sister, as they decide to team up in an attempt to win enough money to cover their mother’s gambling debts. The story definitely asks the audience to suspend a lot of their disbelief, but if one is willing to put aside the absurdity, it’s mostly very charming.
If you look at Quiz Lady as a comedy, it’s honestly not particularly memorable. The gags are all derivative of jokes we have seen plenty of times before, and while there are a few moments that will get a chuckle — like a decently funny trip scene — these jokes do little to deviate from the established formula. The film attempts to create humor through its silliness, and while it’s charming enough, it’s hardly ever funny.
Quiz Lady doesn’t offer many laughs, but does have compelling family drama
Instead, the movie is much more effective if you look at it as an endearing family drama. Although the story feels undeniably contrived, with some of its beats falling back onto the cliches of the sibling adventure drama, the relationship between the duo feels entirely authentic and lived in. By the end, you’ll certainly be rooting for the underdog that the protagonist becomes.
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One of the most surprising things about Quiz Lady is that Awkwafina is playing against type. Casting a comedian known for her flamboyant and loquacious personality in a role that is fundamentally neither of those things was a bold choice. Although her performance here is nowhere near as nuanced as her work in the indie gem The Farewell, the actress still gets a chance to show a different side of herself in the much quieter, more socially awkward turn.
Sandra Oh’s performance opposite Awkwafina is more overtly comedic, but Oh is such a talented actress that she never loses sight of the character’s emotional core — even when her actions begin to drift more towards the ridiculous. The chemistry she has with Awkwafina is fantastic, selling both the tension and love between the duo.
The supporting cast is also filled with recognizable faces, who each bring their own nice comedic touch to their roles. Will Ferrell is arguably the biggest standout as the game show host, channeling his best Trebekian charm. Like Awkwafina, he’s not doing his usual schtick here, but it’s nice to see him doing something different. One moment in which he particularly shines is an emotional monologue in the third act that is surprisingly moving.
Jason Schwartzman also makes an appearance as the protagonist’s rival, and he’s decent enough — even if he has been better in his other work. Tony Hale has a bit part playing a method actor innkeeper and gets a few decent gags. However, the part viewers will likely remember most about this film is a cameo by a great comedian who recently passed.
Quiz Lady certainly isn’t very original, nor is it particularly funny. However, there’s something inexplicably charming about this family dramedy. It’s more than enough to make you smile, and sometimes that’s all you need.
Quiz Lady streams on Hulu beginning November 3.
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Rating: 6/10
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