Rating: 4.5/5
Away We Go is a low-key and unconventional adventure full of emotion, humor, and love.
Verona (Maya Rudolph) and Burt (John Krasinski) have been a couple for years, and they are now expecting their first child. When they go to dinner at Burt's parents' house, they learn that their child's grandparents are moving to Belgium and will not be around for at least two years.
Realizing that they no longer have to live where they are, Burt and Verona decide to take a trip to different locations in the U.S. and Canada, hoping to find a new place to call home.
One of the tactics that Away We Go does best, is weaving its' drama in with its' comedy. There isn't too much of either concept, making it a very well balanced film. When there is a scene that involves heavy emotion, there is usually a quick burst of humor, commonly provided by Krasinksi, to lift the spirit of the movie.
Where this film is a type of road trip movie, Burt and Verona are destined to encounter some colorful characters along the way. The people they meet up with on their trip are some of the best and most bizarre pieces of the film. On the one hand, the personalities of some of the characters are almost too far fetched to be believable, but on the other hand, it adds an anticipatory feeling to the film, keeping the viewer wondering what type of characters Burt and Verona will travel to next.
Truly, the best part of Away We Go is the relationship between Burt and Verona. Not only is it beautifully written, but it is also wonderfully acted. The chemistry between John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph feels incredibly genuine and captivating. There is no denying the acting skill of the two leads, and when you watch the film, it is almost impossible to imagine that they have not been a real couple for years.
Yes, Away We Go bears some resemblance to other indie films that are part of the comedy-drama genre, but it definitely has its' own qualities that make it unique. It is a great film if you are looking for something quirky, romantic, and a tad bittersweet.