Anna Kendrick Gets Hunted in Wild Thriller-Comedy 'Self Reliance'

Written, directed by, and starring Jake Johnson (*New Girl*), *Self Reliance* offers a unique blend of dark comedy and suspense. The narrative centers on Tommy Scott, a man whose mundane life takes a sharp turn when offered a chance to win $1 million in a deadly game. The core rule – safety in numbers – forces him to confront his isolation head-on.

His initial attempts to recruit companions via Craigslist lead him first to a homeless man (Biff Wiff) and then to Maddy (Anna Kendrick). Their partnership, initially transactional, evolves into something deeper as they navigate the constant threat. Johnson skillfully balances the inherent silliness (like Tommy admitting he wrestled 'Ellen DeGeneres') with genuine tension, keeping the audience guessing whether the threat is real or a product of Tommy's potentially delusional state, a theme inspired by polarized pandemic debates.

The film thrives on strong performances. Johnson embodies Tommy's blend of desperation and awkward charm. Kendrick brings vibrant energy as Maddy, whose motivations remain intriguingly ambiguous. Cameos by Andy Samberg and Christopher Lloyd add extra flair. Ultimately, *Self Reliance* uses its outlandish concept to tell a surprisingly touching story about finding connection in the most unlikely, and dangerous, circumstances.

What is *Self Reliance* about?

It's a thriller-comedy about a man who must survive being hunted by assassins for 30 days by never being alone, to win $1 million. He teams up with a woman (Anna Kendrick) he meets through Craigslist.

Who directed and stars in *Self Reliance*?

Jake Johnson directed, wrote, and stars in the film. Anna Kendrick co-stars, with cameos from Andy Samberg and Christopher Lloyd.

Where can I watch *Self Reliance*?

The film is available for streaming on Hulu.

What do you think about blending dark comedy with thriller elements? Does a premise like *Self Reliance*'s resonate with feelings of modern isolation? Let us know!

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