GREENER GRASS -- A Wacky and Hilarious Suburban Satire

Review by Sean Boelman

Jocelyn DeBoer and Dawn Luebbe’s Greener Grass. Courtesy of IFC Films. An IFC Midnight Release.

Greener Grass is a demented new dark comedy from writer-directors Jocelyn DeBoer and Dawn Luebbe, from their short of the same name. A hilariously wicked satire of suburban life, the idiosyncrasies of this film may be too much to handle for some, but will have the target audience rolling in their seats will laughter.

The movie begins when a suburban soccer mom gifts her newborn infant to her best friend when her best friend comments on how adorable the baby is. Things only get weirder from there, but in the best way possible. What follows is an absurd but meaningful farce that uses it wackiness to provide commentary on the current state of society. There are plenty of surprises in store that will leave viewers in awe of DeBoer and Luebbe’s creativity.

The main thing at which this film pokes fun is the highly competitive nature of modern society. In this world, so many people are just trying to get ahead of each other by any means necessary. This movie pokes fun at the materialistic desires of society that lead to this competition, and also the ridiculousness of striving for perfection, since perfection is unachievable.

DeBoer and Luebbe have a unique sense of humor, as evidenced by the fact that they got their start in an improv comedy troupe, and it likely won’t connect with everyone. Recurring gags are used frequently in the film, but not to the point where they feel worn by the end of the movie. One of the funniest gags involves a woman pretending that a soccer ball is her baby. If this doesn’t sound funny, avoid this film. (For the record, it’s hysterical.)

(From left to right) Jocelyn DeBoer as “Jill” and Dawn Luebbe as “Lisa” in Jocelyn DeBoer and Dawn Luebbe’s Greener Grass. Courtesy of IFC Films. An IFC Midnight Release.

The character development in the movie is very strong too. The dynamic between the two leads, played by DeBoer and Luebbe, is compelling and interesting. Both the friendship and the competition that arises between them feels very real and honest. Many of the secondary characters exist for the purpose of comedically delivering commentary, so they don’t have as much of an arc, but they accomplish their purpose.

Additionally, DeBoer and Luebbe were able to assemble a supremely talented supporting cast to complement them in their roles. Recognizable names in the film include D’Arcy Carden (The Good Place), Beck Bennett (SNL), and Jim Cummings (Thunder Road). All three of them are hilarious in their roles, and they look like they are enjoying themselves tremendously.

Also impressive are the movie’s visuals. The style of this film is definitely very quirky, but it only works in the movie’s favor. The use of color, for example, is inventive and fun. Each character has a color associated with them, and it’s very interesting to watch how the color scheme shifts over the course of the film as the power dynamic changes.

Greener Grass is one of the funniest and most unique comedies of the year. Not everyone will like it, but those who do like it will absolutely love it. So sit back and enjoy the braces-wearing weirdness that this movie has in store — it would be nearly impossible to regret it.

Greener Grass is now in theaters and on VOD.

Rating: 5/5