Ruby Sparks-2012

Directors Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris

Starring Paul Dano

Scott’s Review #442

Reviewed July 4, 2016

Grade: B

Ruby Sparks is a smart, creative, indie film released in 2012.

The film explores fantasy versus reality, as the main character is a troubled writer who imagines a character he created as real.

Is she real or isn’t she?

The film centers around a writer (Paul Dano) with writer’s block who creates an imaginary dream girl (Zoe Kazan), who magically comes to life one day.

This is an interesting premise, and the film has some big-name actors (Annette Bening, Eliot Gould, Antonio Banderas) in small roles, which is a delight to see.

The chemistry between the two leads is lacking, and the film leans too heavily into a typical romantic comedy.

Additionally, the film never explains whether it aims for seriousness or is purely the writer’s imagination, but I admire its creativity and thoughtful premise.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Screenplay