
A free-spirited woman’s impulsive search for connection leaves her feeling lost and isolated. Seeking a fresh start, she embarks on a 30-day journey of abstinence from love, sex, and romance. During this time, she unexpectedly finds solace and an unlikely bond with a reclusive stranger through a shared passion for music. As she explores this connection, she experiences a surprising sense of belonging and discovers a deeper understanding of herself.
Does Unlovable have end credit scenes?
No!
Unlovable does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of Unlovable, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
Discover where to watch Unlovable online, including streaming platforms, rental options, and official sources. Compare reviews, ratings, and in-depth movie information across sites like IMDb, TMDb, Wikipedia or Rotten Tomatoes.
See how Unlovable is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Unlovable stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
In terms of its overall impact, Unlovable stands out for its compelling performances and confident direction but is held back by an uneven narrative and modest visual ambition. Critics commonly note Charlene deGuzman’s engaging portrayal of Joy and praise the film’s concise pacing, while some reviews highlight jarring tone shifts and a lack of originality. The production’s limited design and stage-like staging further temper its appeal. Ultimately, the film leaves a positive impression tempered by narrative inconsistencies.
The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Unlovable
Art & Craft
Art & Craft in Unlovable is characterized by assured direction and focused editing, though the modest production design evokes a stage-like atmosphere. Praise centers on Yoonessi’s ability to balance light and dark elements, and critics note the film’s concise visual language. While the cinematography maintains coherence, the limited settings curb visual variety. Overall, the film’s artful precision remains effective despite its restrained palette.
Character & Emotion
In terms of character and emotion, Unlovable is anchored by Charlene deGuzman’s nuanced central performance, supported by strong chemistry with Melissa Leo and John Hawkes. The film conveys authenticity in Joy’s struggles with addictive behavior, and many reviewers applaud the emotional honesty. However, a few note that moments of emotional distance undercut resonance. Overall, the character work delivers engaging portrayals that mostly evoke empathy.
Story & Flow
When it comes to story and flow, Unlovable offers a brisk 80-minute runtime that sustains engagement through snappy pacing and occasional wit. Critics appreciate the film’s concise narrative drive but often point to uneven tone shifts and familiar genre beats. The exploration of sex and love addiction is considered fresh by some, yet others view the progression as formulaic. Overall, the story remains serviceable but uneven.
Sensory Experience
In sensory terms, Unlovable incorporates a modest soundtrack that supports the emotional moments without overpowering the narrative. Sound design remains clean and unobtrusive, and the visual style maintains consistency through a restrained color palette. Some reviews note that the stage-like settings limit visual dynamism, while the score provides warmth to key scenes. Overall, the sensory elements effectively underpin the intimate story but lack striking innovation.
Rewatch Factor
Regarding rewatch factor, Unlovable offers strong performances that could invite repeat viewings, but its lightweight narrative and limited thematic depth may diminish lasting appeal. Some viewers find the film’s concise structure and humor rewarding upon a second look, while others consider it largely forgettable after the initial experience. The short runtime supports accessibility, yet the lack of distinctive hooks reduces motivation for revisiting. Overall, rewatch value remains moderate.
77
Metascore
tbd
User Score
82%
TOMATOMETER
71%
User Score
6.1 /10
IMDb Rating
57
%
User Score
3.4
From 1 fan rating
1.00/5
From 1 fan rating
Challenge your knowledge of Unlovable with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
What substance does Joy initially attempt to use in order to escape her troubles?
A cocktail of pills and NyQuil
Alcohol and cocaine
Marijuana and ecstasy
None of the above
Show hint
Discover all the awards and nominations received by Unlovable, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Unlovable and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.
34th Artios Awards 2019
Micro Budget – Comedy or Drama
Read the complete plot summary of Unlovable, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
Joy grapples with a debilitating addiction to sex and love. Right at the film’s beginning, she attempts to take her own life by swallowing pills and downing NyQuil, but fate intervenes, and she survives. Engulfed in a toxic relationship with her boyfriend, Ben, who works alongside her as an actor on a children’s show but treats her poorly, Joy feels an incessant void within her. In her relentless quest to fill this emptiness, she finds herself turning to drugs, alcohol, and fleeting sexual encounters, but nothing seems to satisfy her longing.
After Ben disappoints her by canceling their plans, Joy seeks solace in alcohol and ends up sleeping with another man. The next day, the remnants of her escapade are evident when Ben discovers pierogies in the fridge—a telltale sign of her reckless night. Subsequently, he makes the decision to break up with her, urging her to seek help.
Desperate for change, Joy attends a meeting for sex and love addicts, where she encounters Maddie. Initially reluctant, Maddie eventually shares her phone number with Joy, hinting at a possible connection. That same night, Ben tells Joy she needs to move out, propelling her into further chaos. She finds herself waking up in a stranger’s house, surrounded by men recovering from a Bachelor party, and is horrified to discover a stack of photographs depicting her previous night’s antics. One of the men mistakes her for a prostitute and offers money for her “services.” Disheartened, she receives a call from her boss, who informs her of her firing. In her distress, she attempts to reach out to Ben and her parents, but finds no support.
In a moment of desperation, she reaches out to Maddie, who rescues her and agrees to be her sponsor on the condition that Joy remains sober from sex and romance for a challenging 30 days. As Joy battles her urges, she heeds Maddie’s advice to pick up a new hobby, stumbling upon a drum kit owned by Maddie’s socially awkward brother, Jim. Together, as they create music, a unique and unanticipated friendship begins to blossom between them, offering Joy a glimmer of hope in her tumultuous journey.
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