There are plenty of romantic comedies out there, and initially, Enough Said doesn’t seem different from the majority of them. The film is simply told and there aren’t any big surprises story wise. Yet it benefits greatly from its relatable, down-to-earth approach to the material, excellent cast and enjoyable low key humor. As a result, this is an unusually sweet and genuine effort.
The main plot follows Eva (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), a divorced masseuse who attends a party and befriends two very different people. First is Marianne (Catherine Keener), a successful poet and fellow divorcee who vociferously criticizes her ex-husband. Second is a TV history museum curator Albert (James Gandolfini). Despite Albert not being her type, the two form a quick rapport and being dating. Eva has to deal with her daughter leaving home for college and uncomfortable introductions to Albert’s unimpressed teenage daughter, but is otherwise happy. However, events take a turn for the worse when Eva figures out that Albert is the ex-husband Marianne constantly complains about. Eva greatly admires Marianne and doesn’t want to ruin their friendship, so she soon finds herself noticing Albert’s quirks and questioning her own relationship choices.
Louis-Dreyfus excels in the lead role, playing awkwardness at entering a new phase of life to maximum comedic effect. That’s not to say that there are pratfalls, simply funny observations and amusingly difficult interactions. And there are subtle, more emotionally resonant moments as well. One memorable bit that plays out the character’s insecurities and fears of being alone manifests itself after a family dinner, while other example includes the protagonist befriending her daughter’s pal and becoming a surrogate mom. Of course, they’re played out in a light manner, but there appears to have been a lot of extra thought and care taken in dealing with a character’s mid-life crisis. Gandolfini is also entertaining in atypical role as Eva’s sweet, occasionally slobby suitor. The two have excellent onscreen chemistry and it’s unfortunate that this was one of the few nice guy roles for the late actor.
The subplots are also effective and garner additional laughs. In addition to the drama with the daughters, there’s another thread that carries on the theme of frustration with other’s personality quirks. It involves Eva’s friends Sarah (Toni Collette) and Will (Ben Falcone), who are in disagreement over how to handle a troublesome maid.
In the end, Enough Said is a story about characters learning to be accepting of their own wants and needs, as well as tolerating and appreciating others for who they are, warts and all. It’s a smaller, more character centered romantic comedy than many Hollywood efforts, and it’s an agreeable, enjoyable one.