Quiz Lady Review: Hilarious Chemistry of Awkwafina and Sandra Oh Brings Heartwarming Comedy

Article Summary

Quiz Lady is a hilarious and heartwarming film about the bond between two mismatched sisters, played brilliantly by Awkwafina and Sandra Oh.

Awkwafina and Oh exhibit a captivating on-screen chemistry, delivering exceptional performances that highlight their versatility and comedic timing. Supported by a skilled ensemble cast that includes Will Ferrell and Jason Schwartzman, Quiz Lady skillfully blends humor and poignant moments in a flawlessly written script, creating a thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience.

Whether it’s film or television, viewers have consistently been captivated by the charm (and frequent hilarity) of unlikely duos joining forces. And when you add the complexities that come with family, you get one of the funniest films of the year. Quiz Lady, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Jessica Yu, stars Awkwafina and Sandra Oh as mismatched siblings. The duo is in desperate need of money to repay their mother’s gambling debts and retrieve their beloved dog. With a nod to the popular buddy comedies of the 90s, the movie combines clever dialogue and energetic physical comedy to perfectly balance laughs and heartfelt moments. Quiz Lady is a delightful celebration of sisterhood that rarely gets the spotlight it deserves on the silver screen.

Image via HuluQuiz Lady

Two sisters, one with a strong passion for gameshows, join forces to assist their mother in settling her gambling debts. Expected to be released on November 3, 2023, the comedy film is directed by Jessica Yu and stars Awkwafina and Sandra Oh in lead roles.

Weaving together a blend of hilarious comedy and heartfelt moments, Quiz Lady explores the complexities of sibling relationships in the aftermath of a traumatic event. By breaking away from their usual roles, the lead stars create a captivating dynamic that is both genuine and enthralling. With its fast-paced rhythm and undeniable chemistry between Oh and Awkwafina's characters, the film exudes a heartfelt sincerity and vibrant energy. Produced by the team behind Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar, it takes audiences on a familiar journey of road trips and familial bonds, while showcasing an extraordinary ensemble cast featuring Will Ferrell, Holland Taylor, Jason Schwartzman, Jon Park, and Tony Hale. The screenplay, crafted by the talented screenwriter Jen D'Angelo (known for Workaholics and Solar Opposites), also marks the final on-screen appearance of the beloved actor Paul Reubens, best known for his iconic role as Pee-Wee Herman, delivering an endearing and memorable performance.

'Quiz Lady' Explores Childhood Trauma

Image via TIFF, 20th Century Fox

Quiz Lady is a delightful blend of humor and heart, centered around two sisters with contrasting personalities. Anne, played by Awkwafina, is a brilliant yet introverted individual who finds comfort in a monotonous routine. Her accounting job keeps her secluded in a drab cubicle, allowing her to remain unnoticed. On the other hand, Jenny, portrayed by Oh, is a vibrant and outgoing character with an entrepreneurial spirit, evident in her colorful hairpieces.

As their story unfolds, we discover that both sisters are haunted by a turbulent past, marked by the absence of their mother. Anne and Jenny rely on each other for support, even though their connection has weakened over time. During their time apart, Anne develops an obsession with her beloved game show, Can't Stop the Quiz. Hosted by Terry McTeer (played by Ferrell), who exudes the charisma of Alex Trebek and the warmth of Mister Rogers, the show has been a constant presence in Anne's life since childhood. Interestingly, it was on the night her father left and never returned that she first watched the show at the tender age of 4.

Anne's life is perpetually mundane, rarely deviating from its daily pattern, which sometimes involves clashes with her neighbor Francine (portrayed by Taylor), who never hesitates to yell at her.

(Note: The

is to be kept in the same position as the original fragment.)

Anne and Jenny's mother suddenly disappears from the nursing home, apparently fleeing from gambling debts with her boyfriend Jeff in Macau. As Anne and Jenny become entangled in their mother's troubles and spend more time together, Anne's security is shattered when her lazy, overweight pug, Mr. Linguine, is taken hostage by her mother's bookie, Ken. In order to ransom the dog, Jenny devises a plan for them to travel across the country and transform Anne into a game show champion.

Utilizing the talents of two exceptional actors, Yu crafts a story that is spirited and vibrant. While delving into the theme of childhood trauma, Quiz Lady tackles it with unflinching honesty and a compassionate tone. Yu provides a glimpse into universal grief and gives a voice to those who lack meaningful connections. Despite her previous work in documentary filmmaking, dramas, and television, the director brings Quiz Lady to life with affectionate direction and a delightful pairing that allows the leads to authentically portray their differences without resorting to exaggeration.

Awkwafina and Sandra Oh Give Their Best in 'Quiz Lady'

Image via TIFF, 20th Century Fox

Quiz Lady undergoes an organic transformation into a hilarious and chaotic slapstick comedy, while simultaneously delving into a heartwarming tale about family. However, it is the prickly chemistry between the two leads that truly drives the film forward and adds another layer of depth. By combining Oh's portrayal of high achievers with Awkwafina's portrayal of slackers, the movie allows these two talented individuals to break free from their usual routines and explore a relationship that is rarely depicted on the big screen, particularly focusing on women of color.

Despite the weighty themes present in Quiz Lady, the story maintains a lighthearted tone, providing Awkwafina and Oh ample space to showcase their skills and add their own personal touches. Both characters, Anne and Jenny, have faced significant challenges in life, but it is their interactions that bring out the best in both actors. While Awkwafina has previously demonstrated her comedic prowess in roles such as the sitcom Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens, she now reveals a deeper and more multifaceted portrayal in line with her performance in The Farewell (2019). Through the writing, we catch glimpses of heartbreak experienced by Anne, and Awkwafina's captivating performance brings out the subtle nuances of the quiet life she leads. Never overdoing Anne's reactions to Jenny's missteps, Awkwafina keeps us engaged and captivated throughout.

Compared to Awkwafina’s portrayal of a reserved and introverted character, Oh delivers a more physically dynamic performance as Quiz Lady. Through cleverly crafted visual jokes and engaging interactions, she effortlessly transitions from comedy to drama with impeccable timing. Oh expertly conveys the emotional baggage of her character's upbringing and the impact of leaving behind someone like Anne at a young age. She skillfully captures the pain and love that lie beneath Jenny's guarded exterior, adding a nuanced complexity to her performance. In doing so, she complements Awkwafina's role seamlessly without missing a beat. The roles perfectly suit both Awkwafina and Oh, as attested by Yu during a screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, where he mentioned that the three of them, along with screenwriter D'Angelo, collaborated on refining the script before filming. This dedication shines through in the personalized quality of the writing.

'Quiz Lady' Is Effortlessly Funny With Immense Heart

Overflowing with genuine affection and an emotional core, Quiz Lady never loses sight of its heart. Oh and Awkwafina definitely make it worth the watch, but it’s also its supporting cast that deserves praise. Ferrell offers audiences one of the most tender roles he's done in quite some time that calls back to his comedy and charm in Elf. He is affable and sweet, becoming a real father figure that plays most touchingly to Anne’s trauma. Rounding out the funniness is Schwartzman as the smarmy game show contestant Ron, whose quiet hopes of stealing the show from Ferrell’s Terry are evident in his fake niceties and hilariously contoured, makeup-laced fingers. Taylor, though her time is limited, leaves us with some of the film’s funniest moments as one of the neighborhood cranks. Leaving a lasting impression thanks to her humor and sardonic character, we get something similar with Hale as a braces-wearing Ben Franklin impersonator who is equally terrified of Jenny, and Park (also known as Dumbfoundead) as the softie “tong” member who has a weak spot for pups not taken care of.

Though it incorporates clever dialogue, comedy can transcend words alone. Quiz Lady hilariously demonstrates this through subtle visual gags, firmly establishing itself as one of the year's funniest films thus far. Featuring a brilliantly written script, it effortlessly elicits a continuous stream of laughter from its talented cast. Yu's Quiz Lady sets an exceptionally high standard for R-rated comedies by seamlessly interweaving heavy subject matter with comedy, resulting in an authentic reconnection that celebrates family and unfolds through the captivating story of Anne and Jenny. Furthermore, the film not only delivers humor but also intelligently leverages its dramatic moments, showcasing the profound bond of sisterly love and exemplifying a story that shines with depth. By delving into the intricacies of finding happiness amidst trauma and featuring soulful performances, Quiz Lady presents a cinematic delight that masterfully balances silliness and heartfelt moments.

After watching Quiz Lady for the first time at this year's Toronto International Film Festival, it is clear even after several weeks that the film, starring Awkwafina and Sandra Oh, is a lively comedy that lives up to its promise of making you laugh. With its enthusiastic portrayal of family trauma and heartfelt moments, it doesn't solve sibling dynamics with its clever humor, but it is exceptionally well-crafted as a love story between two sisters. Quiz Lady stands out from others in its genre with its sharp yet melancholic undertones, leaving a lasting impact. The undeniable chemistry between Awkwafina and Oh adds vibrancy to the film and makes it feel like a warm embrace.

Rating: B+

Quiz Lady is available to stream on Hulu in the U.S. starting November 3.

WATCH ON HULU

Editor's P/S

Quiz Lady is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy that explores the bond between two sisters, played brilliantly by Awkwafina and Sandra Oh. The film effortlessly balances humor and poignant moments, creating a thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience.

The chemistry between Awkwafina and Oh is electric, and their performances are some of their best work to date. The supporting cast, including Will Ferrell and Jason Schwartzman, is also excellent. The film's script is sharp and witty, and the story is full of heart. Quiz Lady is a must-see for fans of comedy and heartwarming films.