Nick Kroll is known these days as the creative mind behind Netflix’s “Big Mouth,” an animated sitcom about middle schoolers going through puberty. The critical acclaim and success of that show seems to have given Kroll the opportunity to screenwrite “Olympic Dreams.” Writing and starring in the indie film, Kroll plays a dentist volunteering in the Olympic village, during the 2018 South Korean Olympics, who falls for athlete skier Penelope (Alexi Pappas)
I saw “Olympic Dreams” a few weeks after its world premiere last March at the SXSW Film Festival. Performance-wise, the film purports to deliver nuanced lead roles, but there is a tonal inconsistency in the film which makes the connection between the two romantic leads feel a little too disingenuous. Penelope is underwritten, lacking the emotional traits needed to make the character click. The cute and quirky connection is somewhat charming at first but quickly deteriorates into the maudlin.
“Lost in Translation” it ain’t, although Kroll was clearly inspired by Sofia Coppola’s film, but if that 2003 classic had incredible chemistry between its two leads, not to mention masterful directing and screenwriting, Kroll’s film lacks alls that plus the depth to make us truly care for its two lovebirds. Kroll does, however, show commendable chops as a dramatic actor here, I’m curious to see what he does next, especially outside the realm of comedy. He’s tried it before, most noticeably in 2016’s “Loving,” as lawyer Bernie Cohen, and in 2018’s post-WWII drama “Operation Finale.” Other than that, it’s been mostly comedy for Kroll, delivering supporting turns in such films as “The House,” “Dinner for Schmucks,” and “Get Him to the Greek.”
“Olympic Dreams” will be released by IFC Films on February 14, 2020.
Watch out for “The Odyssey,” which, after a $1.8M Wednesday, is back at #1 at the domestic box office, dethroning “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which grossed $1.7M.