Goodbye to All That

Paul Schneider stars as married father Otto, who takes much for granted in this enjoyably quirky comedy-drama. Otto simply assumes that all is well with his family, health, and general well-being--despite numerous signs that it's all a façade. His world comes crashing down when his wife, Annie (Melanie Lynskey), has an affair and subsequently asks Otto for a divorce. Writer-director Angus MacLachlan explores the journey of a man who doesn't recognize his own emotional stasis but finds himself thrown unexpectedly into the deep end of the pool, where he must discover his real feelings, as well as his responsibilities toward his young daughter (Audrey Scott). Much of the film is a comic cycle involving Otto's return to the dating scene, featuring hook-ups with some wacky ladies, including a devout Christian who eroticizes her guilt, and a former flame (Heather Lawless) who might have room in her life for an old beau. As rom-coms go, this one has an added measure of nuance. Recommended. (T. Keogh)