Blu-ray: Support the Girls

STUDIO: Magnolia | DIRECTOR: Andrew Bujalski | CAST: Regina Hall, Shayna McHayle, Haley Lu Richardson, Dylan Gelula, Zoe Grahamm Jana Kramer
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 4, 2018 | PRICE: DVD $12.95, Blu-ray $17.99
SPECS: R | 90 min. | Comedy | 1.85:1 widescreen | DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 | subtitles

RATINGS (out of 5 dishes): Movie | Audio | Video | Overall

In a year filled with indie gems, Support the Girls got lost along the way, but this seemingly simple film tackles such subjects as sexism, class disparity and female empowerment with sharp observations and intoxicating likability.

Written and directed by one-time mumblecore maestro Andrew Bujalski (Computer Chess, Funny Ha-Ha), the comedy takes an unassuming day-in-the-life approach to its subject, centering on a group of women working at a low-end Hooters-like bistro called Double Whammies, where pub grub and low-cut attire is served in equal measure.

The focus is on Double Whammies manager Lisa (Regina Hall, Girls Trip), an exasperated hard-working, no-nonsense boss having a bad day. She has to deal with the joint’s owner (James Le Gros, Nostalgia)  attempt to fire her and a robbery attempt, as well as a series of traumas faced by her crew, which includes long-time server Danielle (Shayna McHale ), young Maci (Haley Lu Richardson, Operation Finale),  newcomer Jennelle (Dylan Gelula, Flower) and Shaina (Jana Kramer, Prom Night), who tried to run over her abusive boyfriend with a car.

It’s just another day in the life at Double Whammies for Lisa, who serves as den mother supporting her girls, but that’s what makes this workplace piece so winning. There’s more sincerity and, ultimately, pleasures, in observing the interactions between the working-class women here than in most Hollywood movies. Like its well-drawn characters, Support the Girls percolates in a knowing and exciting way.

Ironically, Support the Girls got little support during its abbreviated theatrical run, drawing meager box-office numbers in a small theatrical roll-out. We sense better times are ahead, thanks in part of word-of-mouth and some much-deserved year-end kudos to Hall for her fine and caring performance.