Featured Blu-ray / DVD Review: Life Partners

March 22, 2015

Life Partners - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray

Life Partners came out in limited release last December. It earned good reviews; however, as I've said repeatedly in the past, good reviews are generally not good enough for limited release. This was certainly the case here. Now that it is out on the home market, does it deserve to find a wider audience?

The Movie

We first meet Sasha and Paige, as they get into a traffic incident while they yell at each other. This is apparently something they do for fun, because the pair are best friends. The pair are not identical, however. Paige is what some would describe as a Type-A personality; she's an environmental lawyer and has four recycling bins. On the other hand, Sasha is a slacker. She does have a job, but isn't 100% invested in it. Also, Sasha is gay and Paige is not.

Now that I think about it, this is like if Allison and Gabby from Just Between Us made a movie.

Anyhoo... Both Sasha and Paige have dates so it looks like their love lives are looking up. This might be good for them, because as it is, they spend all of their free time with each other. Unfortunately, Sasha's date goes poorly but Paige really likes her date, Tim. Soon Paige is spending time with Tim, time she would normally have spent with Sasha.

As a way to adjust to this new dynamic, Sasha starts dating more, but her choices in dates is not very good.

That doesn't sound like much of a plot, but it is a character study and outside of the broad strokes, the details get into spoiler territory too quickly. The broad strokes is both women having to learn to grow up on the eve of their 30s. This film's Tomatometer Score is a perfect indication of the quality of the movie. The chemistry between Leighton Meester and Gillian Jacobs is excellent and this is a major highlight for the movie. Additionally, the overall story is one that is worth telling; although, it has been told before in the past, many times. I also like how the writers didn't take the lazy route and make Paige 100% right and Sasha the immature one that needs to grow up. On the other hand, this is not a unique film in most regards and while the execution is good, it still comes across as a lightweight film. Overall, it is worth checking out, but I don't think it will become anyone's favorite film.

The Extras

There's not much in the way of extras. Up first is a two-and-a-half minute long behind-the-scenes / character featurette. There is a second behind-the-scenes featurette that looks at the production designs. Finally, there's the usual AXS TV: A Look At...

I don't have the Blu-ray to compare, but it does cost $20 compared to just $13 for the DVD. This isn't a movie you need to see in high definition, so the DVD should be fine.

The Verdict

Life Partners is worth checking out, especially if you like films that focus on female friendships. The DVD or Blu-ray don't have a lot of extras and the DVD is the better deal pricewise.


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Filed under: Video Review, Life Partners, Adam Brody, Gillian Jacobs, Leighton Meester