Though Slow At Times, 'Results' (2015) Ultimately Delivers
Writer/director Andrew Bujalski's Sundance feature, Results (2015) divided critics upon its premiere at the festival last year. The film, which follows the lives of two personal trainers (Cobie Smulders and Guy Pearce) and their chubby, newly divorced client (Kevin Corrigan), seems to both enrapture and alienate--much like the idea of fitness in general.
Pictured: Not You
The film has been billed as a romantic indie film, and oftentimes even as a comedy, which is probably why so many viewers have become endlessly confused. The film is neither a romance, nor a comedy--not in the way we think of them, anyways. There isn't any playful banter. There aren't any meet-cutes. When characters do hook up, there aren't fireworks or professions of love, but declarations along the lines of: "I'll probably kill you someday, but for now, let's f***."
As a result (pun intended), I think the film has been betrayed by its own genre norms. When viewed as a romantic indie dramedy, it's pretty terrible--who would cast Kevin Corrigan as a romantic lead, anyhow?
Sorry, buddy.
However, when looked at as a microcosm of daily life and all its downward trajectories, Results becomes much more poignant and real. Corrigan plays a man named Danny, who, after inheriting a huge sum of money after a messy divorce, inexplicably signs up for personal training sessions with Kat (Cobie Smulders). He quickly becomes infatuated with her no-nonsense, hyper-focused attitude, but finds that she has also entranced gym owner Trevor (Guy Pearce). The three of them explore their relationships with each other and with themselves (as hokey as that sounds), as they figure out that what they want might differ from what they need.
Want: to have the upper body strength of Guy Pearce. Need: to be embraced by the upper body of Guy Pearce.
The script might veer into the banal or straight-up boring at times, but Bujalski always steers it back to a heartfelt place that resonates with viewers who have ever felt like they've lost their purpose. A standout performance by Corrigan, who deftly navigates the realm of middle-aged loneliness, lifts the film out of forgettableness and delivers some of its funnier moments. While Pearce and Smulders also deliver fine work, they're mostly memorable for their ability to wear gym clothes better than any normal human.
Pictured: Beautiful People Laughing About What Life Must Be Like On The Other Side
Bujalski also surprises with a subtly strong visual style, one that grabs close-ups and invades his characters' space, offering up an intimate film that cleverly explores life's difficulties without ever becoming too heavy-handed.
Though Results might struggle at times with a lethargic pace and slow tempo, it ultimately delivers a lean, melancholic story worth remembering.
I give Results 3/4 Bosu Balls.
