Drinking Buddies Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two couples go to a brewery, flirt with the wrong people, and then nothing much happens, proving that beer can’t solve relationship problems, only delay them.

🍿 Drinking Buddies: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Brewing Friendship and Flirtation

Kate and Luke work at a Chicago craft brewery, spending their days drinking and flirting. Their easy camaraderie and shared love for beer make them appear perfect for each other. However, they are both in committed relationships: Kate with Chris, a music producer who doesn’t drink beer, and Luke with Jill, who desires marriage.

Weekend Getaway: Lines Begin to Blur

A weekend trip to Chris’s family cottage complicates matters. Chris and Jill share a surprising kiss during a hike, while Kate and Luke’s bond deepens through late-night drinking and shared moments of intimacy. The undercurrent of attraction is undeniable, yet neither acts decisively.

Aftermath: Relationships Tested

The trip’s fallout leads to Chris and Kate’s breakup, leaving Kate vulnerable and Luke conflicted. Kate seeks solace in casual encounters, while Luke grapples with his feelings for both Kate and Jill. Jealousy and unresolved tension create friction between Kate and Luke, testing the limits of their friendship.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kate (Olivia Wilde): A fun-loving brewery PR who struggles with her feelings for her best friend and coworker while navigating her current relationship.
• Luke (Jake Johnson): A brewery worker torn between his long-term girlfriend and his close, flirtatious relationship with his coworker Kate.
• Jill (Anna Kendrick): Luke’s girlfriend, who is seeking commitment and struggles with Luke’s close friendship with Kate.
• Chris (Ron Livingston): Kate’s boyfriend, a kind but somewhat socially awkward music producer who doesn’t share her love for beer.
• Dave (Ti West): A coworker who has a one-night stand with Kate after her breakup, causing jealousy from Luke.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kate: “That’s the problem with heartbreak, to you it’s like an atomic bomb and to the world it’s just really cliche, because in the end we all have the same experience.” – Kate expresses her feelings about heartbreak when discussing her recent breakup.
• Luke: “I like you. I just… I also like Jill.” – Luke tries to explain his complicated feelings to Kate during a moment of heightened tension.
• Jill: “Are we getting married or what?” – Jill confronts Luke about the future of their relationship.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $650,000
• Domestic Gross: $343,341
• Worldwide Gross: $401,914

💥 Drinking Buddies Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘Drinking Buddies’ expecting a lighthearted rom-com, but it turned out to be a much more subtle and thought-provoking film. The chemistry between Olivia Wilde and Jake Johnson felt so real, it was almost uncomfortable to watch at times. I loved how the movie didn’t give easy answers or tidy resolutions, just like real life. The lake house scenes were particularly memorable – the tension was palpable! It definitely made me think about the complexities of relationships and friendships, and left me with a lingering sense of ambiguity.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of mumblecore films”
  • “Audiences interested in relationship dramas”
  • “Craft beer enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who appreciate realistic dialogue and character interactions”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Alcohol use”
  • “Some language”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Implied sexual activity”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Swanberg’s naturalistic style captures the awkwardness of modern relationships. While the lack of a traditional plot may frustrate some, the performances by Wilde and Johnson are undeniably captivating. The film explores the blurry lines between friendship and romance.
• Variety: “Drinking Buddies offers a realistic, if somewhat aimless, portrayal of love and friendship. Wilde and Johnson have great chemistry. The film feels more like a series of vignettes than a cohesive narrative, making it a relatable yet ultimately unfulfilling experience.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Olivia Wilde shines in this slice-of-life drama. The film’s strength lies in its improvisational style, which lends a sense of authenticity to the characters’ interactions. While the story lacks dramatic tension, the performances are strong enough to keep viewers engaged.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Olivia Wilde and Jake Johnson felt incredibly authentic and relatable.: Viewers praised the realistic portrayal of modern relationships and the film’s improvisational feel.

Some found the lack of a clear plot unsatisfying, while others appreciated the film’s slice-of-life approach.: Many noted that the film resonated with those who have experienced the complexities of blurred lines in friendships.

Overall Consensus: A realistic and character-driven drama that explores the complexities of modern relationships, though some may find its lack of a traditional plot unsatisfying.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was entirely improvised, with the actors working from a vague plot outline rather than a traditional script, contributing to the naturalistic feel.”
• “The movie was filmed at Revolution Brewing, a real Chicago brewery, which added to the authenticity of the workplace environment.”
• “Jason Sudeikis, Olivia Wilde’s then-fiancé, makes an uncredited cameo in the film.”
• “Director Joe Swanberg also makes a cameo as the angry car guy during the moving scene.”

🖥️ How to Watch Drinking Buddies?

As of October 2024, you can find “Drinking Buddies” available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability, as this can change over time. For viewers in other regions, availability may vary by platform.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Drinking Buddies, you might like these similar films:

• Celeste and Jesse Forever (2012): Explores the complexities of friendship and love within the context of a changing relationship dynamic.
• Your Sister’s Sister (2011): Another mumblecore film that delves into the awkwardness and truths within relationships.
• Before Sunrise (1995): Features extended conversations and naturalistic interactions, focusing on character development through dialogue and connection.
• Frances Ha (2012): Depicts the messy and often relatable struggles of young adults navigating relationships and careers in a realistic and comedic way.

🛒 Drinking Buddies Related Products

• Craft Beer Starter Kit: A comprehensive kit for aspiring home brewers, perfect for fans of the brewery setting in the movie. Includes all necessary equipment and ingredients to brew your own craft beer at home.
• Revolution Brewing Variety Pack: A selection of craft beers from Revolution Brewing, where ‘Drinking Buddies’ was filmed. Offers a taste of the brewery’s signature flavors.
• Drinking Buddies (Blu-Ray): The complete Drinking Buddies experience on Blu-Ray with behind-the-scenes extras.
• Rabbit, Run by John Updike: The book gifted to Kate by Chris. Explore the book that provides insight into the characters’ relationships and adds depth to their interactions.

🎧 Soundtrack

Drinking Buddies features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Lady Luck” – performed by Richard Swift

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

New Girl’s Jake Johnson Loves Drunk Acting – Speakeasy

Ever wondered how actors pull off drunk scenes? Jake Johnson spills the beans on his ‘drunk acting’ in Drinking Buddies! It’s a fascinating look behind the scenes, plus he’s hilarious.

Olivia Wilde Interview on ‘Drinking Buddies’ Skinny Dipping, and Fiance Jason Sudeikis

Olivia Wilde talks about improving an entire movie and skiny dipping! I find her take on the movie super interesting, and how her real-life relationship with Jason Sudeikis affected things.

✨ Rate