Irresistible

Movie Trailer

Release Date
June 26, 2020

Genre
Comedy, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Steve Carell as Gary Zimmer
• Rose Byrne as Faith Brewster
• Chris Cooper as Jack Hastings
• Mackenzie Davis as Diana Hastings
• Topher Grace as Kurt Farlander
• Natasha Lyonne as Tina

Director
Jon Stewart

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Rosewater (2014)
• Host of The Daily Show (1999–2015)

Producer
Jon Stewart, Lila Yacoub, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner

Writer
Jon Stewart

Budget
Estimated $20 million

Production Company
Plan B Entertainment, Busboy Productions, Focus Features

Running Time
101 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for language including sexual references)

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Political satire
• Mild sexual references

Movie Story
Irresistible is a political satire that follows Gary Zimmer (Steve Carell), a savvy Democratic strategist, who sees an opportunity to turn the tide in a small, conservative town in Wisconsin after watching a viral video of retired Marine colonel Jack Hastings (Chris Cooper) giving an impassioned speech at a town hall meeting. Believing that Jack’s values could appeal to both Democrats and Republicans, Gary decides to help him run for mayor, hoping that a win in this small town could create a ripple effect across the country.

Gary arrives in the town of Deerlaken, where he quickly realizes that his big-city strategies may not translate well to the small-town way of life. However, his efforts are soon countered by Faith Brewster (Rose Byrne), a ruthless Republican strategist who sees the race as an opportunity to crush Gary’s ambitions and secure a win for her party.

As the campaign heats up, the small town becomes the focus of national attention, with money pouring in from outside donors and the media circus turning the local election into a spectacle. The film explores the absurdity of modern American politics, highlighting the manipulative tactics used by both parties and the disconnect between political elites and everyday citizens.

Despite the high stakes and dirty tactics, Irresistible ultimately delivers a message about the power of local politics and the importance of staying true to one’s values. The film uses humor to address serious themes, such as the influence of money in politics, the polarization of American society, and the ways in which political operatives manipulate public opinion.

Special Effects
The film’s special effects are minimal, as Irresistible is primarily a character-driven comedy-drama. The focus is on the performances, dialogue, and satirical commentary on the political process. The production design effectively captures the contrast between the slick, polished world of political strategists and the more down-to-earth setting of Deerlaken, Wisconsin.

Box Office Performance
Irresistible had a limited theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was primarily distributed through digital platforms, including video on demand (VOD). While its box office performance was modest, the film found an audience through streaming and on-demand services. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the performances of Steve Carell and Chris Cooper, but some criticism for its uneven tone and predictable plot.

Filming Locations

• Rockmart, Georgia, USA
• Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Democrats are getting their asses kicked because they’re too busy eating salads.” – Gary Zimmer
• “This is the kind of small-town politics that people actually care about.” – Faith Brewster
• “Money doesn’t just talk, it screams.” – Gary Zimmer

Behind-the-Scenes

• Irresistible was written and directed by Jon Stewart, former host of The Daily Show. The film marks his second directorial effort after Rosewater (2014).
• The film’s satirical take on American politics reflects Stewart’s years of experience in political commentary, blending humor with pointed critiques of the electoral process.
• Steve Carell and Jon Stewart have a long-standing professional relationship, dating back to Carell’s time as a correspondent on The Daily Show.

Awards

• None, but the film was noted for its timely commentary on the state of American politics.

Final Verdict
Irresistible is a sharp, witty political satire that offers a humorous yet critical look at the state of modern American politics. Steve Carell and Rose Byrne deliver strong performances as rival political strategists, and Chris Cooper adds depth to the film with his portrayal of an earnest small-town candidate. While the film’s message may not be groundbreaking, it is timely and relevant, offering viewers both laughs and food for thought. Though it may not resonate with everyone, Irresistible succeeds in capturing the absurdities of the political landscape and the often-overlooked importance of local elections.

IMDb Rating
6.3/10