Mindless story that’s littered with multiple plot holes

Starring: Kumail Nanjiani, Issa Rae, Anna Camp, Paul Sparks Director: Michael Showalter

THIS is the first time that actor Kumail Nanjiani is collaborating with director Michael Showalter since they delivered critically acclaimed sleeper hit The Big Sick in 2017 and for the first 10 minutes of their new Netflix release The Loverbirds it seemed like they were on to another winner.

The film opens nicely with a couple falling for one another shortly after meeting and then fast forwarding to four years later, where they are living together and constantly arguing. Then during a drive they decide to break-up, but soon after hit a cyclist. What looked like a romantic comedy then just turns into a slapstick farce with a mysterious man murdering the cyclist and running away, leaving the couple as prime suspects.

Instead of going to the police they decide to run away to prove their innocence. This is the first of many dumb moves by the couple, who while trying to catch the real culprit fall for one another again.

Instead of building on the global success of his Oscar nominated screenplay The Big Sick and carving out a unique place for himself in Hollywood, it seems as if Kumail Nanjiani has decided to cash in with fast food commercial films like this one.

Although the film has witty one-liners and engaging performances from the lead pair, it doesn’t take away from a mindless story that has enough plot holes to drive a steam engine through it.

This would be labelled as a ‘leave your brains at home’ type of comedy, but it has been premiered on Netflix and most people stuck at home likely don’t want their mind deadened further.

Fans of fast food comedy will find elements to enjoy in this film, but likely won’t remember it after the end credits roll or recommend this to any of their friends. That is why you should watch The Lovebirds with decidedly lowered expectations.