Damsels in Distress

[Damsels in Distress] is genteel lowbrow farce, with musical comedy aspirations.

Here, both dialogue and plotting are prettily presented but unfocused, and the broadness of the comedy makes the romantic misadventures of Violet and her new recruit Lily appear whisper-thin.

The problem is that since all these kids are so blank, only Stillman, as the narrative voice, is in on his many jokes.

Like a degree in gender studies, there's no payoff.

The film would probably drag if it weren't so perfectly cast, especially with the gawky-beautiful Gerwig as its center.

“Damsels” is a quirky little comedy that is almost impossible to put in a box. It has its own uniquely wacky sensibility and is driven by its slick dialogue, cleverly constructed narrative, and a delightfully peculiar sense of humor.

You could add Parker Posey, Christina Ricci, and Wes Anderson and still not get a communal circle quite this strange yet incredibly appealing.

Slight to the point of banality, Damsels in Distress is a fey stab at screwball that comes off as mind-numbingly precious and dull as dirt.

Personally, I find Damsels in Distress to be darkly and disturbingly hysterical.