It’s no wonder that weddings are used for comic effect in films; an occasion where a variety of people can attend, from all walks of life, different backgrounds, expected to get on for the duration. Of course hilarity can ensue, occasionally.

For only his second stab at directing, Dave Franco, along with his wife actress Alison Brie, bring us an unusual tale about someone’s big day.

Just finishing up another season of Dessert Island, a reality TV show that involves the art of hooking up and culinary skills, its showrunner Ally (Alison Brie) finds herself with some free time, and decides to go back home for a while and visit her mom Libby (Julie Hagerty).

It’s a small town so it’s not long before she runs into people she knows, in particular her old boyfriend Sean (Jay Ellis). Despite not ending well, that saw Ally break his heart to leave to make it in Hollywood, they pick up from where they left off.

Ally becomes a little giddy at the prospect of hooking up with him again, but the following day brings with it some new information that Sean neglected to mention – he’s getting married, this weekend. For most that would be the end of it, but for Ally, now used to getting what she wants, it’s nothing more than a challenge...

This is an interesting project, which sees two actors write a script, with one choosing to direct, and the other star in. It’s a theme that runs into their film, about going after something you want.

Although it’s littered with funny moments, it’s a more thought-provoking project than that.

Perhaps the most intriguing element about it is the film’s protagonist Ally; although she comes across as a fun character, her motives are pretty dark and questionable, with her focus to break the happy couple up to serve her own needs.

This puts the audience in a bit of a dilemma; are we supposed to support her motives or condemn them? It’s not as straight cut as you would expect, as Franco pulls back on the comedy, making it far more of a grey area than expected.

It’s made more confusing with Ally being really likeable for the most part, even though her actions are questionable. This makes the film less of a rom-com, which it undoubtedly isn’t – and isn’t trying to be – and more of a tricksy comedy drama.

As if we didn’t already know it from her excellent turn in the underrated TV show GLOW, Brie is hugely watchable, even with a slighter darker tone to her character. She’s well supported to, especially from a great turn from musician/actor Kiersey Clemons, playing the new love interest. It also features a curious and yet entertaining role for Haley Joel Osment, who is clearly having the time of his life as a fun-loving guest.

It’s a film that you can tell was created by primarily actors, with its heavy focus on characters and less on plot, and there are signs of Franco finding hid feet a little more behind the camera. It’s not without its faults, but the mood and atmosphere it goes for is strangely fascinating to watch. And even if it doesn’t get everything right, at least it has a unique perspective on the marriage theme, which makes it worth being part of the wedding party.