The Layover (2017) – A Turbulent Friendship Fueled by Romance and Rivalry
Genre: Comedy / Romance
Director: William H. Macy
Starring: Alexandra Daddario, Kate Upton, Matt Barr, Kal Penn, Rob Corddry
The Layover (2017) is a lighthearted and raunchy romantic comedy that explores what happens when friendship is tested by unexpected romantic competition. Directed by actor-turned-filmmaker William H. Macy, the film centers on two best friends whose bond begins to unravel when they find themselves vying for the attention of the same man during a chaotic travel detour.
Alexandra Daddario plays Kate, a sensible, recently single schoolteacher, while Kate Upton takes on the role of Meg, her impulsive and fun-loving best friend. When their tropical vacation plans are grounded due to a hurricane, they’re rerouted through St. Louis—and seated next to Ryan (Matt Barr), a charming and attractive stranger. Instantly smitten, both women embark on a no-holds-barred contest to win him over, leading to a series of comedic misadventures, awkward moments, and outlandish sabotage.
The film thrives on the chemistry between its leads. Daddario and Upton embrace the silliness of their roles, delivering performances that are more exaggerated than nuanced but fitting for the genre. Their friendship becomes a battlefield of passive-aggressive jabs, wild one-upmanship, and occasional bursts of heartfelt honesty.
While The Layover doesn’t break new ground in the rom-com genre, it offers a fast-paced, low-stakes story filled with physical comedy, innuendos, and playful absurdity. The supporting cast, including Rob Corddry and Kal Penn, brings additional comic flair to the mix.
Ultimately, The Layover is less about love and more about the messiness of friendship under pressure. It’s a popcorn movie that doesn’t aim too high, but if you’re in the mood for something goofy, over-the-top, and irreverent—with a side of travel chaos—it delivers just that.
