One More Shot Movie Review
A tequila infused riff on the Groundhog Day time travel narrative, the Aussie comedy One More Shot sees Emily Browning (Sucker Punch) flexing a previously unseen humour muscle as Minnie, who arrives to a New Year’s Eve party on the turn of the millennium only to find out her ex-boyfriend (Sean Keenan) is there with his new girlfriend, soon to be fiance (Aisha Dee).
As old feelings and flames begin to rise, Minnie begins to drink straight from the bottle to drown her woes, not realising that this bottle of tequila has the magical ability to transport her back to the beginning of the night, giving her the chance to win back her ex, or get hammered trying.
Keeping the sustained story within the four walls of Minnie’s brothers house (played by Ashley Zuckerman), director Nicholas Clifford creates the atmosphere of a late 90s comedy with a vibrantly shot, physically aesthetic throwback that matches the playful and heightened tone that the script shoots for. The Y2K anxiety, iconic fashion, and a banging soundtrack also work with these elements to create that nostalgic feeling.
However, this story works in any setting, as it’s a relatable tale about the yearning for lost love that turns into an introspective discovery of identity, and Browning brings such an engaging authenticity to this theme through Minnie. Minnie doesn’t have all of her shit together, and those flaws (while at times relatably frustrating) are entirely resonant and realised. It’s the solid performance from Browning that allows the movie to explore the sincerity of her character’s development.
Browning’s chemistry with each supporting character, all of whom have either a personal connection with her through her journey that leads to the personal discoveries, or are just there for some comedically physical moments later in the film, also works in favour of investing into the story.
One More Shot is very funny, often leaning into the Y2K panic and awkwardness of exes meeting new partners for some solid laughs, but what will catch audiences by surprise is how sincere of a turn the narrative takes in the latter half. It’s not that this approach feels jarring or out of place, but more so the fact that the emotion sticks the landing in a way that leads to some truly touching moments for Minnie in the film’s closing 15 minutes.
Clocking in at 90-odd minutes, One More Shot takes the Groundhog Day formula and doesn’t reinvent it, but uses it to tell a funny and emotional engaging story that brings a 90s nostalgia to life and showcases the fact that Emily Browning has a solid comedic ability to add to her acting arsenal.
One More Shot is streaming on Stan October 12.
