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There are some people who just seem to have it all: the perfect job, the perfect family, the perfect life. But in Phil, when a man who doesn’t have it all witnesses the downfall of a man who does, his life takes an unexpected turn.
Phil stars director Greg Kinnear as the title character, a recently divorced dentist who’s struggling to find meaning in his lonely life. Then he meets Michael Fisk (Bradley Whitford), a patient with a beautiful wife, a brilliant daughter, and a new book that’s performing surprisingly well. Phil follows Michael, hoping to discover the secret to his life’s perfection. But when Michael commits suicide, Phil becomes obsessed with finding out why—to the point of posing as Michael’s long-lost friend from Greece and helping Michael’s wife, Alicia (Emily Mortimer), with a massive bathroom remodel.
Like any other story about a character who lies his way deeper and deeper into trouble, Phil walks that fine line between darkly funny and just plain cringe worthy. Poor Phil is an absolute mess. He sleepwalks through his day, barely noticing his patients or his long-suffering assistant. His apartment is dark and depressing. He puts some serious thought into jumping from a bridge. But then Michael comes along and changes everything. At first, Phil is captivated by the man’s charm and charisma and positive energy. But Michael’s death gives Phil a purpose. Phil’s purpose is no longer to fix teeth or even support his teenage daughter; it’s to figure out why Michael killed himself. And just like someone who’s just discovered a fad diet, he goes all in, finding new passion and drive from this new obsession—in the strangest of ways.
Despite that nagging feeling that Phil just can’t continue the charade forever, the character’s transformation is oddly entertaining. He redecorates his apartment. He enjoys what he’s doing. He connects with people. And Kinnear is just plain lovable when he’s pretending to be a visitor from Greece.
Meanwhile, somewhere in all of the antics and comic mishaps, there’s a message here about living the life you have—and making it the best you can. It’s a strange and messy and sometimes uncomfortable story, but it’s a surprisingly charming one, too.
With its all-star cast and its endearing star, Phil isn’t necessarily a surprising film, but it’s both entertaining and thoughtful—the kind that might give you a little nudge in the right direction while you’re chuckling at this lovable mess of a character.
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