Movie Review: ‘Spinster’

Review by James Lindorf

Veteran standup comedian and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” alum Chelsea Peretti is living life on her terms in Andrea Dorfman’s “Spinster.” While it has nearly been a century since the word spinster was at its height of popularity, the idea that we should find love and start a family by a certain point in your life persists. Even though she is in a committed relationship Gaby (Peretti) can’t help but feel a little left behind as she nears her fortieth birthday. When that relationship ends unexpectedly, Gaby begins to fear she is destined to be alone forever. Running a successful catering business that deals mostly in weddings serves as a constant reminder of the love that has eluded her, fueling her frustration. Gaby resumes her search for love and happiness on August 7th.

There are a couple of hurdles that you must clear if you want to make it through “Spinster.” The first is the name; some may find it off-putting or assume that the film is attacking women that choose to live outside of societal expectations. That is not what Jennifer Deyell’s script is trying to do at all. She wants Gaby to build a meaningful and connected life that makes her happy and may or may not be centered on a husband and kids. The second hurdle is that “Spinster” has several of the pitfalls that accompany low budget films. It has that distinctive look of a small budget film, and most of the acting and some of the dialogue is poor. The third and final hurdle is Gaby herself. Gaby is often sullen and combative, she verbally berates a prospective client, and that was before she came home to her boyfriend moving out. As the story moves on and Gaby begins to evolve and feel better about herself, she becomes more engaging and likable.

I expected a movie starring Chelsea Peretti to lead to more laughs than “Spinster” was able to elicit. The drama wasn’t devoid of humor, but instead of the focus, it was just used to break up the tension. The message behind the film is surprisingly heartfelt and timely. In ways, dating has gotten easier with all the apps and specialized websites, but along with access dating in a digital world also brings distance. The distance can make romance seem out of reach and lead to feeling more alone than you are. Peretti, Dorfman, and Deyell want to remind viewers that your worth doesn’t need to come from having a partner or a family. It is perfectly acceptable for you to enjoy being single, focusing on your career, and reveling in your freedom. You can even have both if that’s what you want. Our happiness shouldn’t be defined or outline by social conventions.

It may take some time to warm up to “Spinster,” but if you are willing to put in the work, you will be focused on the good elements by the time the credits roll.

Directed By: Andrea Dorfman
Written By: Jennifer Deyell
Rating: NR
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 87 minutes