Film Review: A Hazy, Crazy Comedy with Chemistry: 'The Wrong Girls' Falls Short

Stoner comedies have a way of being notoriously hard to get right. Making jokes that rely on a specific mindset, in this case, intoxication, can be a delicate balance. The ones that work beautifully are often cult classics, cherished by fans for their offbeat humor and irreverent style. But 'The Wrong Girls', despite having some elements that do work, fails to deliver on its full potential. It's a shame, because when the film is allowed to be its weirdest and most offbeat, it's actually quite fun.

The Wrong Girls, directed by Dylan Meyer, tells the story of two roommates and best friends, Frankie (Kristen Stewart) and Molly (Alia Shawkat), who are struggling to find their purpose in life. They're smart, creative, and aimless stoners who'd rather spend their days getting high than working. The rent is overdue, and their lives are turned upside down when a case of experimental drugs, mistaken for ordinary pot, lands in their possession. The initial plan is to sell the drugs and solve their financial woes, but things take a strange turn when they try out the drugs, which gives them telepathic abilities.

As they navigate this newfound power, the girls find themselves in a series of absurd situations, from communicating with their cats (voiced by Kumail Nanjiani and Seth Rogen) to dodging a trio of European toughs who want to get their hands on the drugs. The supporting cast, including LaKeith Stanfield as Not Metal Head Dave and Kate McKinnon as Dr. Olsen, the creator of the telepathic drug, adds to the mayhem. Alia Shawkat and Kristen Stewart, however, are the highlights of the film, with Stewart delivering a standout comedic performance that almost redeems the narrative's missteps.

The chemistry between Shawkat and Stewart is undeniable, and their comedic timing is impeccable. They have a rapport that's easy to believe, making their characters' quirky interactions feel believable and endearing. When they're riffing back and forth, they're like a dynamic duo, and their scenes together are some of the film's best. Unfortunately, the rest of the film doesn't quite live up to the promise of its two lead actresses. The action and thriller elements are generic, some of the broader jokes don't land, and the visuals suggest a trippier, more surreal experience than what we get.

At 100 minutes, the film stretches its middle act, leading to a shootout finale that feels both out of place and too stock for what's come before. It's clear that Meyer had something here with 'The Wrong Girls', but she wasn't able to harness what works to create a truly memorable comedic experience. If you're looking for a stoner comedy that's a little bit crazy and a lot fun, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you're a fan of Kristen Stewart's work and are willing to overlook some of the film's shortcomings, you might find enough to enjoy.

The Wrong Girls is a film that hints at greatness but ultimately falls short. It's a shame, because the potential was there for something truly special. As it stands, it's a mid-tier stoner comedy with a talented lead pair and some genuinely funny moments. If you're in the mood for something light and irreverent, you might find a few laughs here. But with more polish and fewer missteps, 'The Wrong Girls' could have been something truly unique and memorable.

In the words of the great Gene Siskel, 'Is this film more interesting than a documentary of the same actors having lunch?' While we may never know the answer, one thing's for sure: with Alia Shawkat and Kristen Stewart, we'd be eager to find out. The Wrong Girls has its moments, but it's ultimately a film that's more interesting on paper than in practice.

The Wrong Girls stars Alia Shawkat, Kristen Stewart, LaKeith Stanfield, Kate McKinnon, and Kumail Nanjiani.