Izzy Gets the F*ck Across Town

The titular Izzy (Mackenzie Davis) is in bad karma mode in this Homeric comedy-drama from first-time feature director Christian Papierniak. Waking up in a stranger’s bed with zero recollection of what led to this moment, Izzy is confronted with the news that her ex-boyfriend is having an engagement party later in the day to celebrate his upcoming wedding. In a panic, Izzy decides she needs to crash the event and talk her old beau into giving her another chance. But her car is in the shop, so she devises a daisy-chain of short rides and favors from exasperated friends and strangers. Every stop along the way presents its own problems for Izzy, who has to use her wits to extract herself from sorry situations and carry on with her mission. This Odyssean journey to reconcile with a lover has its own epic leanings, but the catch is that the story doesn’t quite end neatly, ultimately raising more questions than providing answers about what Izzy really wants out of her meandering life. That said, the real reason to see this movie is Davis, who is virtually in every scene and proves to be a compelling lead. And Papierniak’s fluid, chapter-driven approach to each stage in the journey—always announced by an indie rock song—works well for Izzy’s enigmatic voyage. Recommended. (T. Keogh)