Noah Baumbach has become one of the most important US indie directors in recent years with THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, (2005) GREENBERG, (2010) and his latest FRANCES HA (2012). His new tragicomedy WHILE WE’RE YOUNG sticks to his narrative and filmic indie spirit.

Josh (Ben Stiller) and Cornelia (Naomi Watts) are both in their 40s and have been married for several years. The marriage is based on love and respect though it could stand to be more exciting. A small crisis comes in the form of Josh’s second documentary which he has worked on for 8 years. When they meet young hipster couple Jamie (Adam Driver) and Darby (Amanda Seyfriend) their daily grind gets shaken up. The impulsiveness and spontaneity of the mid-20 year olds is especially exciting for Josh and the foursome find themselves taking part in a shamanic ceremony in which participants literally spill their guts out. Cornelia unexpectedly grooves to some hip hop and Josh gets on his bike despite his knee arthritis. Josh even offers his services on the documentary project of the smart record collector and VHS tape watcher despite his resentment against other filmmakers. Noah Baumbach has made a tremendously funny and empathetic mid-life crisis film with a tight script and an excellent ensemble.

Christian Horn