‘Fantasy Life’ Review: Amanda Peet Puts a Brave Face on an Uncomfortable Reality in Sensitive Dramedy

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In “Fantasy Life,” Amanda Peet delivers what could be described as an exceptional career-defining performance. There should be no confusion between the actress and her character Dianne, a former screen star in her early fifties who has been out of the spotlight for over a decade due to unfulfilling roles. However, there’s a depth of experience and exhaustion that suggests Peet has lived through various hardships, making it striking to remember how long it’s been since she last graced the big screen herself. Her compelling comeback in Matthew Shear’s mildly comedic drama about two individuals at a life-altering juncture serves as a poignant reminder of the absence of her bold acting style. With an unflinching abandonment of vanity, Peet portrays Dianne as a complex mass of apprehensions, even though she enjoys a comfortable lifestyle with homes in New York and Martha’s Vineyard.

As an observer to the captivating life of Dianne, it’s fitting that she doesn’t make her grand entrance until around 20 minutes into Shear’s debut feature film, gradually taking center stage in the storyline. Instead, “Fantasy Life” begins with Shear himself portraying Sam, a shy tax lawyer who learns he’s being laid off from his job. A visit to his therapist Fred (Judd Hirsch) reveals a multitude of underlying issues that could trigger debilitating panic attacks at any moment. However, finding a new job won’t be one of those triggers, as Fred’s wife and secretary Helen (Andrea Martin) proposes Sam consider babysitting for her son David (Alessandro Nivola, perfectly nonchalant) and his wife Dianne. At $300 per night, the pay could potentially match what he earned previously, but beyond caring for a trio of energetic prepubescent sisters, he truly earns his keep by managing their careless parents. David eagerly seizes any chance to pursue his rock star aspirations and joins a tour as part of a backup band for a Gov’t Mule member’s side project, while Dianne struggles to be roused from bed in the morning, feeling incapable of achieving anything meaningful.

If either David or Dianne showed just a hint of resourcefulness common among families with fewer resources, they’d likely find a more capable caretaker than Sam, who struggles to manage even his own needs. However, an unexpected connection forms between them as they recognize shared aspects in each other. Although their issues might be considered minor luxuries considering their upper-class environment and the infrequent open discussion about mental health problems like depression, Shear, a seasoned actor, relies on the powerful undercurrent of discontent portrayed by both him and Peet to emerge as palpable, even if it often goes unnoticed by others. To further emphasize their struggles, an exceptionally talented group of actors has been assembled, including Bob Balaban and Jessica Harper as Dianne’s parents, along with Hirsch and Martin as David’s. This summer getaway on Martha’s Vineyard becomes far from a restful vacation, especially when Sam is suspected of endangering the children during one of his panic attacks.

Occasionally, a movie like “Fantasy Life” can become predictable for viewers, yet it’s visually appealing. The meticulously arranged shots reflect the affluent lifestyle, but they also subtly guide your gaze to the chaos that Sam and Dianne notice when there isn’t much else to focus on. Director Shear skillfully uses character placement and reaction shots to demonstrate how a person’s presence can significantly affect situations. This is best showcased in a dinner scene involving the entire family, which is both humorous and heart-wrenching. The liveliness of live theater is also incorporated, making audiences feel included when “Fantasy Life” uses its wit and empathy effectively. By the end, simply being there allows for a satisfying resolution. When “Fantasy Life” showcases its clever humor and emotional depth, it welcomes everyone into its world.

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2025-03-12 03:49