by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Are we ready for a complete barrage of COVID-related cinema? Some films dared to release at the height of the pandemic, even when we were still in quarantine. They were uncomfortably relatable, or just plain disrespectful. But now that things are getting a bit back to normal (or at least, they seem to be), we may begin to get more films that provide some type of commentary on the human experience of COVID. The Duplass brothers put their efforts behind writer-director Roshan Sethi delivering a new romantic comedy at the start of the pandemic, 7 Days.
What could possibly be more awkward than a date going poorly… then getting stuck in quarantine together? This is the basic premise which has been tackled by some other films like The Pink Clouds, and is the premise of Sethi’s rom-com. But what does Sethi offer up to make his take fresh? 7 Days offers up a story that is heavily anchored in Indian culture. This date? Arranged. Some of the struggles? Ravi (Karan Soni) is a traditional Indian man who only watches Bollywood, avoids alcohol and meat, and just wants to get married. Rita (Geraldine Viswanathan), on the other hand? She is a free spirit who wants to live her life on her terms. They obviously don’t get along. But the only more obvious occurrence is that they will fall for each other. It is that kind of movie.
How does Sethi shake things up to make this rom-com stand out? The short runtime doesn’t do the film too many favors as the pacing feels a bit rushed, especially when it comes to Ravi and Rita falling for each other. But the deeply personal perspective makes this experience stand out. For most American audiences, this experience with arranged marriage is different. Sethi adds plenty of layers to the film with Ravi even going on arranged Zoom dates while being stuck in Rita’s apartment. We get perspectives from both Ravi and Rita’s mothers when it comes to their own experiences. Along with the Indian cultural elements, the presence of COVID makes for some deeply dramatic elements as well. Things are all fun and games for the first half of the film until the ramifications of COVID begin to rear their ugly head. This added weight which a film benefitted from.
Soni and Viswanathan carry this film as the only two consistent actors in it, but are they successful in carrying it? These two actors are by far the highlights of the film. They each channel a specific type of charm that works well. Viswanathan imbues Rita with a wild spirit with plenty of energy and mischief. She is a young woman who is avoidant of struggles, and instead, channels plenty of slacker and “I will die alone” type energy. Riva is high strung, constantly planning, and is full of perpetual energy that cannot be calmed. They are fun onscreen counterparts, but you don’t 100% buy them as love interests, though hey do feel like genuine friends by the end of the film. The expectation is generally to make everyone laugh, but when each actor is served up something more serious, they rise to the occasion.
Do the talents of the Duplass brothers, Sethi, Soni, and Viswanathan blend together for a winner? This rom-com leans heavily into many of the expectations of the genre. This one won’t surprise you much at all. But does that need to be the deciding factor? There is so much charm and charisma from both our leads that we connect with them in a meaningful way (even if they are not super believable together as a couple). In the end, 7 Days is a sweet and at times heavy romance that will make you laugh along with offering plenty to say about Indian culture and the pandemic.
Score: 7/10
You can follow Shane Conto on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd