Institute History
Description
After his engagement ends badly, Josh decides to take advantage of his bachelor-party plans in Ojai, California, with the few friends still willing to join him. Focused on drugs and their own hangups, his self-absorbed friends refuse to confront the elephant in the room and ask Josh how he’s feeling. As welcome and unwelcome guests stop by, Josh will attempt to find some closure over this weekend with the guys.
Writer/director Jeff Baena (Life After Beth, 2014 Sundance Film Festival) returns to the U.S. Dramatic Competition section with a comedy about the emotionally inept nature of male bonding. Each character is his own fragile mess, covering up with hard partying and games. Baena stacks his deck with comedic talent throughout the film, giving each actor their own moment to shine with his clever script and relaxed direction. Backed by a score from Devendra Banhart, Joshy hits the right droll tone exploring how dumb the love of men can sometimes appear.