All About Nina | Film Review

This film arrived on Netflix UK recently. I was in two minds about whether or not to review it, but when I started watching it, I found that there was quite a lot I wanted to say about it.

Nina (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is a comedian. On-stage, she seems confident and put-together. Off-stage, her life is a mess. But when she meets Rafe (Common), and is forced to confront her past, will Nina be able to let Rafe into her life?

I really didn't expect to enjoy this film as much as I did.

The film starts with a bang and immediately puts the audience in the centre of everything. We see how (for want of another phrase) messed-up Nina's life is in the first 10 minutes. She is messy and complicated, and we are rooting for her.

The interactions between Nina and Rafe are not only really nice, but also necessary. These conversations allow the audience to see Nina let her walls down. We get to know her as Rafe does, and we see a different side of her. The actors have great chemistry, and the characters really suit each other.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead is amazing in this role. She has added a variety of dimensions to Nina that make her such a great character. It feels like no one else could have played this role as well as Winstead. Even if Nina isn't your kind of person, or if you don't find her funny, that doesn't stop you from liking and supporting the character.

One of the things that first attracted me to this film was the fact that I'm a huge fan of stand-up comedy. So because of that, it was really nice to get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of stand-up.

I was impressed by the way trauma, and the effects of trauma, are depicted in the film. We are on this journey with Nina without even realising it.

This film isn't an easy watch, but it's not supposed to be.  Everything about the film is pushed to the limit.

Overall, this film is a bit out-there, a bit vulgar, and not that funny. But it is a poignant movie that touches you in ways you don't expect. Definitely watch this film if you can. 

7/10