Duplex

Duplex is a dark comedy that follows the misadventures of Alex and Nancy, played by Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore, a young couple who have just purchased their dream home in Brooklyn. Their happiness quickly turns to frustration when they realize that their elderly tenant, a quirky and stubborn woman named Mrs. Connelly, refuses to leave. As they navigate through escalating attempts to evict her, the couple finds themselves embroiled in a series of comedic and ethically questionable schemes. With a desperate need to reclaim their home, Alex and Nancy's patience faces the ultimate test as they confront the harsh realities of aging and human connection. Directed by Danny DeVito, Duplex explores themes of compromise and the strain that comes with home ownership, all while delivering laugh-out-loud moments and unexpected twists. The film highlights how far one might go to achieve their ideal living conditions, questioning the boundaries of morality along the way.

Duplex has received a mixed response from critics and audiences alike. With an IMDb rating of 5.9/10, the film showcases an uneven narrative that some found charming while others labeled it as frustrating. According to Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a disappointing 35% approval rating, with critics commenting on its mishandled potential. For instance, a review from The New York Times stated, "The film plays like a less coherent version of those old comedies where the characters slowly descend into madness due to their surroundings." Meanwhile, Metacritic gives it a score of 50/100, suggesting 'mixed or average reviews.' Some fans appreciated Ben Stiller's comedic timing and Drew Barrymore's charm, noting, "Despite its flaws, Duplex provides enough laughs to keep you entertained for its duration." Others expressed dissatisfaction, assertively stating, "The film's premise is clever, but the execution is riddled with predictable outcomes and lackluster character arcs." Overall, Duplex is a movie that some appreciate for its humor and energetic performances, while others criticize it for its pacing and lack of depth.