Rarely have I reviewed a movie before the New York Times review appears, so I am re-posting this one:
"Your Sister's Sister"
(USA. D: Lynn Shelton)
A likable cast heads this indie romantic comedy that is edgy enough to hold your interest throughout, despite its somewhat meandering tone. The titular character, Hannah, the lesbian sister of Iris (Emily Blunt), is played winningly by Rosemarie Dewitt, last seen as Anne Hathaway's sis in "Rachel Getting Married." [Her sexiest role was when she played against type as Don Draper's Manhattan mistress in season one of "Mad Men."]
Hannah, recovering from a recent break-up, unwittingly comes between her sister and her sister's male friend in a cabin they are forced to share (again, unwittingly), somewhere in the woods of Washington State. [Reviews of all romantic comedies have to use the term unwittingly at least twice.] Emily Blunt shows up un--expectedly, and comedy ensues. The male lead is played by indie star Mark Duplass -- I'm not convinced he's male lead material, but he is a decent enough actor (perhaps better suited to playing a wacko in the upcoming indie hit "Safety Not Guaranteed").
The movie is essentially a three-character piece, and all three actors play off each other well. Despite the grainy cinematography and iffy sound that distinguish most indie films from their slick studio counterparts, the witty script and lively direction are miles beyond the standard Hollywood 'rom-com.' Keep an eye out for this movie and for director Lynn Shelton.
She's easy on the eyes, too (like her two female leads).
