Affluence and the seizure of wealth is as interesting a subject for Pretty Problems as it was for all those New York-based features from decades ago. There is middle-aged defeatism within this Kestrin Pantera feature that goes a long way in understanding the deadlock. Sometimes an unhinged weekend away is just the prescription that saves a life of mediocrity. That has some truth to it, and the funk bassline that underscores the opening issues of Pretty Problems is as American as it is troubling. These lives are not interesting. Pantera adapts that so horrifically well. Pretty Problems makes no departures from its dullard couple in the face of frenetic energy.
Its display is an awkward and hypnotic one. Deflected compliments, strange and wildcard supporting characters that spew out an unhinged optimism. J.J. Nolan’s role as Cat is on fine form here, building up the great work of Britt Rentschler as Lindsay, the troubled designer trying to build back from a life she never lived. There is a sense that these people are the worst in the world, not least the self-preservation and awkwardness of Jack Brown (Michael Tennant). Hopefully, that is intentional. If not, it means Pantera has crafted and weaved a narrative of awful socialites and those that believe drinking wine and wearing funky hats is a career choice. It is. It’s a gorgeous career choice and anyone not working is no doubt envious. But Pretty Problems presents it without that ever-needed layer of satire.
All too obvious a commentary on the need to rock the social boat, Pretty Problems does have a pretty collection of problems. It is the understanding of a couple comfortably pushing through to the next stage of life without all that much commitment. Their level-headedness has left them, they are working as individuals rather than as a unit. Making some light commentaries on the ideals of traditional family values, the need to try for a baby and the generalities that become commonplace in the beaten flames of a relationship, Pretty Problems finds its footing well. Tennant portrays such an obnoxious character, as does Rentschler but for different reasons. Fears of the unknown hound a couple hoping for clarity. The opposite of clarity and trying times for a relationship is not a wild weekend away to relight the charms. Or at least, it is not explored enough in Pretty Problems.
For all the focus on the characters, it is difficult to mount some real love for them. What begins as satire turns genuine, a romantic comedy with more than a handful of problems for the characters. They are tolerable for the most part, but understandably it is difficult to put up with people hoping to both stay in their lane and take a risk by careering off-road and into oncoming traffic. Those two mindsets can coexist, but Pantera pushes so much of that onto the performance alone that it is difficult to see where her direction flourishes. It is purely character-driven, and when the characters are in their phase of flashy living and faux relationships that devolve into the scene in Succession where Logan Roy forces guests into playing Boar on the Floor.
