'Self Reliance' | Date, plot, cast, director and is the comedy thriller worth watching
Movie: Self Reliance
Platform: Hulu
Country of origin: United States
Date of release: January 12, 2024
Genre: Comedy thriller
Run time: 90 minutes
After a theatrical release in the United States in a one-night special engagement, 'Self Reliance' is all set to premiere on Hulu on January 12, 2024.
The comedy thriller film initially premiered at the SXSW Film Festival on March 11, 2023, and its US distribution rights were acquired by Hulu in June 2023.
What is the plot of 'Self Reliance'?
It's just another day in Los Angeles, when Tommy (Jake Johnson), an ordinary guy, gets picked by Andy Samberg (who plays himself in the film). Tommy receives an invitation to win $1 million by playing an unusual reality game for the dark web where he must spend 30 days without getting killed by outwit hunters.
He realizes the hunters can only attack him when he's alone. However, none of his friends and family believe the game is real.
The official synopsis reads, "When a man is offered a million dollars to play a game in which hunters try to kill him, he thinks he has found the perfect loophole: they can only attack when he's alone. His only problem is that none of his friends or family believe the game is real."
Who are the cast members of 'Self Reliance'?
Jake Johnson
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Jake Johnson plays the lead role of Tommy Walcott in 'Self Reliance'. He is known for starring in films such as 'Jurrasic World' (2015), 'The Mummy' (2017) and 'Tag' (2018).
Andy Samberg
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Andy Samberg is an American actor, comedian, producer and musician. He is known for starring as Jake Peralta in NBC, police sitcom 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' which he also produced.
For his work on the show from 2013 to 2021, he was awarded a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy in 2013.
Andy has a brief role in 'Self Reliance' where he will be seen playing himself.
Anna Kendrick
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Anna Kendrick plays the female character of Maddy in 'Self Reliance'. She made her debut in 2003 with 'Camp' and had a supporting role in 'The Twilight Saga' (2008–2011).
Anna got wider fame with the 2009 film 'Up in the Air' which also earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Other cast members include Natalie Morales, Mary Holland, Emily Hampshire, Christopher Lloyd and Wayne Brady.
Who is the director of 'Self Reliance'?
Apart from starring as the lead character, Jake Johnson has also written, directed, and co-produced 'Self Reliance'.
The film is produced under the banner of MRC, Lonely Island Classics, and Walcott Productions. Hulu, Neon, and Paramount Global Content Distribution hold distribution rights.
Is 'Self Reliance' worth watching?
While 'Self Reliance' echoes the familiar theme of a life-threatening game with a cash prize seen in the Netflix series 'Squid Game,' its distinctive twist lies in portraying a fairy version.
What sets it apart is the infusion of comedy, coupled with a strong emphasis on human connections, providing a unique and engaging perspective.
"Johnson delivers a silly and frequently surprising why-we-need-people parable that leans on laughs in lieu of peril," Variety reviewed the film.
'Self Reliance' trailer