The Follow-Up

When your story isn’t yours anymore, fight to reclaim it.

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Synopsis

The Follow-Up is a 2020 comedy-drama directed by Ben Berman that delves into the world of authorial fame and the unexpected consequences of success. The film centers around Joel, a struggling writer whose life takes an unexpected turn when a follow-up book to his debut novel is greenlit without his involvement. As he seeks to assert control over his narrative and legacy, he embarks on a journey filled with humor, awkward encounters, and introspective moments. The film explores themes of creativity, authenticity, and the sometimes fraught relationship between an artist and their audience. With a sharp script and engaging performances, The Follow-Up offers a fresh perspective on the anxieties and absurdities of creative ownership in the modern publishing world.

Cast

Reviews

The Follow-Up has received a generally positive response from critics, praised particularly for its witty screenplay and Ben Berman's directorial debut. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of approximately 75%, with critics lauding its smart, comedic take on the challenges faced by creative professionals. The site’s consensus notes that 'The Follow-Up explores the pitfalls of literary fame with clever dialogue and a charming lead performance.' IMDb ratings average around 6.1/10, indicating mixed to positive audience reactions. Viewers appreciate the film’s quirky humor and relatable themes but some have found the pacing uneven. Metacritic assigns the film a score of 62 out of 100 based on several reviews, suggesting generally favorable reviews but with reservations about the film’s depth and narrative cohesion. Critics from Variety praised Berman’s nuanced direction and the film’s layered comedy, while The Hollywood Reporter commended its fresh voice but mentioned it occasionally struggles to fully develop its supporting characters. Overall, The Follow-Up is recognized as a thoughtful, entertaining indie comedy that resonates particularly well with audiences interested in the complexities behind creative work and the pressures of producing a sophomore effort.