‘Fantasy Life’ is a dream come true for fans of bracingly adult relationship comedies

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Great movies often build to a powerful final line, and that line only works if everything before it is well-crafted. Luckily, Matthew Shear’s first film, “Fantasy Life,” demonstrates a talent for creating a satisfying experience from beginning to end. It’s a charming, slightly quirky story about a journey from New York City to Martha’s Vineyard, and while it resembles a romantic comedy, it has a deeper, more thoughtful core to its unusual relationship.

Sarah Shear plays Sam, a man constantly on edge and prone to anxiety, even to the point of fainting after losing his job. He struggles to open up, even to his experienced and understanding therapist (played brilliantly by Judd Hirsch). When the therapist’s wife, Andrea Martin, impulsively asks him to babysit her three granddaughters – dismissing any potential issues by mentioning they know his parents – Sam finds himself in the home of David, a successful musician (Alessandra Nivola), and Dianne, an unemployed and reserved actress (Amanda Peet).

What starts as a temporary, low-paying job quickly becomes a full-time position caring for a child, and along the way, Sam and Dianne develop a connection. Both are struggling with disappointment and a sense of unfulfilled potential. Sam, in his thirties, left law school and feels out of place in his current job. Dianne, a former actress now over fifty, worries her career is over but isn’t sure she even wants to pursue it. Actress Peet perfectly portrays this complicated state – a functional but emotionally numb existence – with intelligence and a touch of sadness, never resorting to self-pity.

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A new filmmaker tackles a story about an emotional affair and mental health, giving Amanda Peet what many believe is her most complex and impactful role yet.

As Shear builds the tension of whether or not a relationship will develop – a tension that peaks during a summer on Martha’s Vineyard – his storytelling feels slow and cautious. He seems worried about falling into tired tropes of anxiety and sadness often found in Jewish comedy. Ironically, he brilliantly subverted those very clichés in a film he was in, Nathan Silver’s excellent “Between the Temples.”

Once the whole family gathers – with the husband home from his trip and a full house including Dianne’s parents (played by Jessica Harper and a wonderfully critical Bob Balaban) – Shear delivers a brilliant dinner scene. It’s filled with arguments, drinking, surprising confessions, and excellent comedy, all of which showcase why his intense directing style and fantastic supporting actors work so well. Nivola, facing a challenging role, perfectly balances strength, affection, and disdain, creating a character who is both hilarious and complex.

What makes “Fantasy Life” so promising is Shear’s ability to end the story with a touch of humor, warmth, and optimism. The film, a wonderful collaboration between Shear and Peet, beautifully captures the experience of going to the movies – connecting with characters, making assumptions, and letting those assumptions be challenged, all while laughing and feeling. The film’s final line – a genuine expression of emotion stemming from a chaotic journey – feels particularly powerful, and could even serve as a reminder of what truly good, honest comedies about life should be, especially now.

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2026-04-03 13:32