Mumblecore's the word in filmmaker-actor Cooper Raiff's campus comedy, a winner at the SXSW Film Festival. It's a kinda-sorta-coming-of-age tale set largely during one weekend at a Los Angeles university (portrayed by Occidental College, who reportedly forgave Raiff's shooting on property guerilla-style with no permit).
The edgy title—surely problematic for the budget review of many collections—references a party-crazy fraternity house that really plays only a small role in the laid-back proceedings. Viewers expecting nudity and mayhem will be better satisfied with the more outrageous Animal House, Revenge of the Nerds, and their many pupils.
Alex (Raiff) is a fatherless freshman transplanted from Texas. Homesick and pondering a return back home, he has weeping spells and conversations with a stuffed animal. Driven from his dorm cell by the vomit and loose bowels of an unbearable would-be comedian roommate (Logan Miller), Alex ends up with the floor Resident Advisor, approachable and friendly sophomore Maggie (Dylan Gelula).
Despite their unsuccessful initial attempt at sex (not the only one), they spend a night soul-searching and emotionally bonding while striving to perform a private burial for Maggie's late pet turtle. Alex is thus crushed when Maggie seems to spurn him the next day.
Raiff may be a few years too old for his starring role but he masters a perpetually stupefied, guileless expression, appropriate for the fumbling hero, and performances by the rest of the amateur cast (according to promotional material, recruited quickly and economically via Instagram) strike a resonant note for anyone who has ever felt disillusioned by the higher-education communal experience.
About ten minutes could have been trimmed to better effect, but even deleted scenes included on the disc are amusing to watch. Another extra: "Madeline and Cooper," a 55-minute short feature that is basically a run-through/rehearsal for "Shithouse," with alternative casting and a distinctly grittier (cheaper DV resolution), less Napoleon Dynamite tone. It comprises an alternative version of the alternative feature. A strong optional purchase. (Aud: P)