Review: ‘The Incredible Jessica James’ Is a Bold Woman in Progress – New York Times

Photo Jessica Williams in The Incredible Jessica James, streaming on Netflix. Credit Netflix

One of the best scenes in The Incredible Jessica James comes two-thirds of the way through the movie. Jessica, arguing with a guy shes sort of been seeing, delivers a kiss-off: Im freakin dope. That bold declaration not only represents a strong young woman but is also a gift for fans of the actress who plays her, Jessica Williams, the former Daily Show correspondent and current co-host of the 2 Dope Queens podcast.

And yet the struggle is real for her character. Jessica James is a Brooklyn playwright going through a weird transitional phase, not really coping well with a recent breakup (her ex-boyfriend keeps coming to an untimely end in her dreams) and trying to remain optimistic as rejection letters from theater companies pile up. Those notices share a wall in her Bushwick apartment with Playbill covers, posters for old school productions and inspirational quotes from Lillian Hellman.

Her love of theater is deep, as witnessed in scenes with young students in a playwriting class she teaches. She bonds with one, Shandra (a delightful Taliyah Whitaker), who shows promise but is also processing the recent divorce of her parents. The snappy dialogue makes Jessicas silly moments with the kids as well as heart-to-hearts with her friend Tasha (Nol Wells, just as charming as she was in Master of None) feel most lived-in and natural, even when she is asked to recommend a show for a friend of her mothers back home in Ohio whos heard good things about Jersey Boys. Jessica prefers dialogue-driven dramas that explore the human condition.

The director Jim Strouse wrote this movie, which began streaming Friday on Netflix, for Ms. Williams after she appeared in his 2015 film, People Places Things. The camera lovingly follows her on her adventures in the city, and its easy to see why he was inspired to give her this breakout role.

Her characters forthrightness draws in friends and intrigues potential suitors, including the recently divorced Boone (played by a scruffy and slightly goofy Chris ODowd). They are complete opposites but find themselves in bed after an awkward first date. Their courtship involves an elaborate plan to break free of the obsessive cycle of stalking their exes on social media. The solution: Each will follow the others ex.

But this is Ms. Williamss movie, and she owns it. (Though, with its strong ensemble Lakeith Stanfield plays her ex I kept thinking it could make for a smart series.) Shes a radiant, tall glass of dopeness and isnt afraid to tell you so. And in New York City, isnt that how the strong survive?

NYT Critics Pick

Director Jim Strouse

Writer Jim Strouse

Stars Lakeith Stanfield, Chris O'Dowd, Nol Wells, Jessica Williams, Zabryna Guevara

Running Time 1h 25m

Genre Comedy

The Incredible Jessica James Streaming on Netflix. Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 25 minutes.

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Review: 'The Incredible Jessica James' Is a Bold Woman in Progress - New York Times