Woody Allen is a name synonymous with romantic comedies and a keen eye for casting. His latest film, „Café Society,“ follows the story of a young man named Bobby who decides to try his luck in Hollywood. Naturally, he falls in love, and his chosen one leaves her boyfriend to be with him. However, she soon leaves Bobby as well, leaving him heartbroken as he returns to New York. There, he meets another femme fatale whom he also marries. Years pass, and suddenly his first love, Vonnie, played by Kristen Stewart, reappears at his doorstep. With Blake Lively playing Veronica, it seems that Bobby’s eyes are not the only ones wandering.
Watching a new Woody Allen film has become somewhat of an adrenaline rush in recent years. Over the past decade, there have been a few misses among his hits, making it a bit of a gamble for viewers. Fortunately, „Café Society“ falls into the former category, offering a light and beautiful blend of love and nostalgia that will leave you smiling at the beginning and teary-eyed by the end. Set partially in Hollywood in the 1930s, this period seems to suit Allen much better than the present, where he has struggled in recent years.
Jesse Eisenberg shines as Bobby Dorfmann, a perfect stand-in for Allen himself – a nervous young intellectual trying to find work with his uncle Phil (played by Steve Carell) in Hollywood. Carell’s portrayal as the slick agent of pampered and superficial stars is spot-on, but it is Kristen Stewart who steals the show as Bobby’s passionate assistant Vonnie, whom he inevitably falls head over heels for (and you will too).
The film is carried by a wave of gentle humor, a nostalgic atmosphere of old Hollywood, and a touch of gangster clubs in New York. Add to that the casually written dialogues that evoke the banter of Bette Davis and Adolphe Menjou, and fans of classic films will be in for a treat. The lightness and nonchalance slowly transform into something deeper. By the end, you realize you are watching a somewhat painful story of a man who seems content but is he truly happy? Does he have everything, or is it just an illusion?
A touch of introspection and doubt suits Allen well. This is our beloved bespectacled neurotic, to whom every woman eventually succumbs.
In conclusion, „Café Society“ is a delightful and thought-provoking film that captures the essence of love, nostalgia, and the complexities of happiness. Woody Allen’s signature style shines through, making it a must-watch for fans of his work and anyone looking for a charming and introspective romantic comedy.