Misfitting in at an awkward wedding
The sentimental and semi-funny Table 19 plays into the spirit of John Hughes movies by transplanting its ensemble of unlovable misfits from the high school detention of the Breakfast Club to a wedding.
Stuck at the back of the reception are the unwanted guests of table 19, who, in the words of the bride’s oldest friend Eloise (Anna Kendrick), should have known better than to attend. Eloise was unceremoniously dumped by the bride’s brother via text and kicked out of the wedding party, which is why she’s at table 19. There’s also Walter (Stephen Merchant), the sociopathic extended family member serving time in prison for stealing $125,000 from the bride’s father. Bina (Lisa Kudrow) and Jerry (Craig Robinson) are a couple who own a diner together and whose marriage is on the rocks. Jo (June Squibb) is a long-forgotten nanny who served the wedding family years ago and Rezno (Tony Revolori) is an awkward teenager desperately trying to lose his virginity.
There’s a bit of hostility and suspicion at table 19 as each person tries to figure out exactly why they’ve been stuck at the loser table, but in due time they bond together, particularly as they become witness to the love woes of romantic lead Eloise and the awful treatment she receives from her ex, Teddy (Wyatt Russell).
Many of the jokes in Table 19 are a bit too on the nose but some very good gags do get in, such as Bina’s blazer matching the servers, causing many of the hotel staff to keep enlisting her help in service. Screenwriting brothers Mark and Jay Duplass know how to keep the film’s humour steadfastly committed to character development.
As much as the movie may present itself like its own kind of misfit — an outdated style of comedy that relies heavily on the “adorkable” quirkiness of its characters — the film is actually written with an emotional intelligence and depth that gets us to believe in and cheer for each character and their respective subplots.
That’s what differentiates Table 19 from the mould of other quirky comedies.
It’s not entirely obvious at first glance, but Table 19 is a romantic comedy. It is set entirely at a wedding, after all, and Eloise’s romantic entanglements form the centrepiece of the film.