Messy (2025)

Alexi Wasser's 'Messy' arrives as a deeply personal yet uneven exploration of contemporary romantic and existential anxieties. Wasser, both director and star, brings an undeniable raw vulnerability to her performance, anchoring a narrative that often feels like peering into a candid, unfiltered diary. The film shines in its sharp, naturalistic dialogue, particularly in the often-awkward, sometimes-poignant exchanges with Adam Goldberg and Thomas Middleditch, capturing the uncomfortable truths of modern relationships. However, its deliberate pacing occasionally veers into aimlessness, and a tendency towards self-indulgence prevents some thematic threads from fully coalescing. While its intimate aesthetic and specific voice will resonate with some, 'Messy' ultimately struggles to transcend its niche, leaving a lingering sense of unfulfilled potential despite its authentic core. **CRITIC