‘Quiz Lady’ Hulu Movie Review 2023
Candid and Comedic: “Quiz Lady” Takes Center Stage at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival
Directed by Jessica Yu and written by Jen D’Angelo, “Quiz Lady” exudes the nostalgia of ’90s buddy comedies akin to Penelope Spheeris’ “Black Sheep.” It effortlessly weaves between uproarious sight gags, snappy one-liners, and touching moments of relationship drama. While the film occasionally struggles to strike a perfect balance between its zany physical humor and heartfelt family dynamics, and D’Angelo’s script may seem overstuffed with multiple storylines, the movie ultimately shines, primarily due to the undeniable charisma of Sandra Oh, its leading lady.
Dressed in unassuming beige attire and carrying the weight of the world on her stooped shoulders, Anne (played by Awkwafina), a woman in her thirties working as an accountant, has faithfully tuned in to every single episode of “Can’t Stop The Quiz,” a nightly quiz show reminiscent of “Jeopardy!,” since she was a mere four years old. It was on that fateful night when her father vanished without a trace, leaving her behind. In Anne’s continually disappointing existence, the one enduring constant is the reassuring presence of the show’s affable host, Terry McTeer (portrayed by Will Ferrell, who imbues the character with elements reminiscent of both his “SNL” portrayal of Alex Trebek and the geniality of Mister Rogers). Anne is always perched on her couch right on time for the 7 p.m. broadcast, with an alarm set just in case.
A miscommunication at their mother’s nursing home prompts Anne’s flighty and estranged sister, Jenny (played by Oh), to make a whirlwind entrance, clad in a sleek black dress with striking blue-highlighted hair, fully prepared to grieve, only to find out that their mother isn’t deceased; she’s simply embarked on another gambling expedition to Macau. With no job to speak of, Jenny informs Anne that she’s “channeling her energy and manifesting the life she desires,” all while not-so-quietly moving back into their family home. When a video of Anne acing a quiz show episode goes viral, posted by Jenny, it attracts the attention of a menacing bookie who kidnaps their beloved pug, Linguini, and demands repayment of their mother’s $80,000 debt. In a state of desperation, the two sisters come to the conclusion that their sole recourse is to have Anne compete on “Can’t Stop The Quiz.”
The remainder of “Quiz Lady” takes Jenny and Anne on a whirlwind journey through a series of zany escapades. They embark on a road trip to Philadelphia for an audition, securing lodging at a peculiar Ben Franklin-themed inn overseen by an amusing yet curiously subdued Ben Franklin impersonator, portrayed by Tony Hale. Anne inadvertently finds herself under the influence of the drugs Jenny provides to alleviate her audition-induced anxiety. Jenny confronts the intimidating bookie and his henchmen in a tense showdown. Meanwhile, Anne faces off against a conceited contestant (played by Jason Schwartzman, whose exaggerated antics for the camera overshadow his character development) who is on the cusp of setting a near-record-breaking winning streak.
Throughout these chaotic adventures, Sandra Oh and Awkwafina skillfully craft a complex and at times prickly sibling dynamic, where shared memories and childhood traumas collide, eliciting a multitude of nuanced emotions. Regrettably, Awkwafina’s portrayal often remains somewhat subdued, veering toward a one-dimensional characterization. With the exception of a particularly delightful drug-induced episode, she struggles to convey the depths of Anne’s inner turmoil. On the other hand, Sandra Oh appears to relish her role as this endearing train wreck of a character. She executes her physical comedy with precision, embracing the broad humor with finesse. Simultaneously, Oh manages to delve into the layers of hurt, love, and complexity hidden beneath Jenny’s seemingly frivolous exterior.
While Jenny and Anne embark on their mission to raise the necessary funds to clear their mother’s debt and rescue Linguini, they simultaneously strive to mend what may be slightly bent but not entirely broken. D’Angelo’s script artfully unveils additional insights about these crucial moments through a series of flashbacks, cleverly presenting events initially from Anne’s perspective and then revisiting them from Jenny’s viewpoint. With a significant ten-year age difference, Anne’s recollections are often distorted, primarily fixated on her disappointment in Jenny, which obscures her ability to recognize the numerous ways in which her sister endeavored to ease her life.
While the film successfully delivers its slapstick humor, leaving the audience in stitches during its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, it’s in the more poignant moments of sisterly affection that “Quiz Lady” truly shines. Equally compelling are the scenes featuring Ferrell as the host, a role that easily could have devolved into parody but instead showcases one of his most nuanced and heartfelt performances since “Stranger Than Fiction.” When counseling a stage-struck Anne, he imparts invaluable advice, urging her to shift her focus from winning to cherishing the memories she wishes to carry with her. It’s precisely what she needs to hear, and a message that resonates with us all.
This review was written during the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. “Quiz Lady” will make its exclusive debut on Hulu on November 3rd.
Film Credits
Cast
Awkwafina as Anne
Sandra Oh as Jenny
Jason Schwartzman as Ron
Holland Taylor
Will Ferrell as Terry
Tony Hale
Angela Trimbur as Marge
Joe Chrest as Actor
Charlie Talbert as Sleazy Tom
Ginger Cressman as Game Show Contestant
Amy Tolsky as Leah
Director
Jessica Yu
Writer
Jen D’Angelo
Cinematographer
Adrian Peng Correia
Editor
Nat Sanders
Susan Vaill
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
