The Lovebirds
Movie Trailer
Release Date
May 22, 2020
Genre
Comedy, Romance, Action
Cast & Crew
- Issa Rae as Leilani
- Kumail Nanjiani as Jibran
- Paul Sparks as Moustache
- Anna Camp as Edie
- Kyle Bornheimer as Brett
Director
Michael Showalter
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Big Sick (2017)
- Hello, My Name Is Doris (2015)
- Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
Producer
Tom Lassally, Oly Obst, Todd Shulman, Jordana Mollick
Writer
Aaron Abrams, Brendan Gall
Budget
$16 million (estimated)
Production Company
Paramount Pictures, 3 Arts Entertainment, Quinn’s House
Running Time
87 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong language
- Violence
- Sexual content
Movie Story
The Lovebirds is a fast-paced romantic comedy that blends humor, action, and a dash of romance as it follows the wild adventure of a couple, Leilani and Jibran, who find themselves unintentionally embroiled in a murder mystery. At the film’s outset, the couple’s relationship is on the rocks, with Leilani and Jibran deciding to break up while on their way to a dinner party. However, their plans are suddenly upended when their car is commandeered by a mysterious man, who uses it to run over a cyclist and then flees the scene, leaving Leilani and Jibran as the prime suspects.
Panicked and unsure of what to do, the couple decides to clear their names by solving the murder themselves. What ensues is a chaotic and comedic night through New Orleans, where they encounter a series of eccentric characters, from a cult-like secret society to corrupt cops, all while navigating the ups and downs of their relationship. The film’s humor stems from the duo’s witty banter and their reactions to the increasingly absurd situations they find themselves in.
As they race against time to solve the mystery, Leilani and Jibran confront their issues and realize that their relationship might still have some life left in it after all. The movie’s blend of romance and action, combined with the sharp comedic timing of Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani, makes The Lovebirds an entertaining ride from start to finish.
Special Effects
The film’s special effects are used primarily to enhance the action sequences, including car chases, fight scenes, and explosions. The effects are polished and contribute to the film’s light-hearted tone, ensuring that the action remains fun and comedic rather than intense or violent.
Box Office Performance
Originally intended for a theatrical release, The Lovebirds was instead released directly on Netflix due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film received positive reviews for its humor and the chemistry between Rae and Nanjiani, quickly becoming popular on the streaming platform. While it didn’t have a traditional box office run, it gained a large audience through its online release.
Filming Locations
- New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Notable Quotes
- “We know how murder works! It’s a one-way street.” – Jibran
- “We are so damn close to solving this crime!” – Leilani
Behind-the-Scenes
Michael Showalter, who previously worked with Kumail Nanjiani on The Big Sick, brought his knack for blending comedy with heartfelt moments to The Lovebirds. The film was shot on location in New Orleans, which added a vibrant and unique backdrop to the couple’s misadventures. Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani were praised for their comedic chemistry, with their improvisational skills contributing to many of the film’s funniest moments.
Awards
- No notable awards.
Final Verdict
The Lovebirds is a fun, breezy comedy that offers plenty of laughs and a bit of action, anchored by the excellent chemistry between its two leads, Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani. While the plot may be somewhat predictable, the film’s charm lies in its humor and the dynamic performances of the main cast. It’s a great choice for a light-hearted movie night, especially for fans of romantic comedies that don’t take themselves too seriously.
IMDb Rating
6.1/10