'The GutteR' Review

By Nadia Dalimonte

Shameik Moore and D'Arcy Carden in The Gutter

One would be hard pressed to find a sports film this year sillier than The Gutter. Directed by brothers Isaiah Lester and Yassir Lester, the film tells the story of an unlikely hero who saves a bowling alley from closing its doors forever. It’s easy to root for the underdog, and The Gutter finds strength in that inclination. With absurd energy, bizarre humor, and a committed group of actors, the film stands out as an oddball in the sports sub-genre. Not all of the silly swings lead to a strike, but the shamelessness of The Gutter is something to be admired.

The film follows unlikely hero Walt (Shameik Moore), an underachiever whose resume leaves a lot to be desired. He has a hard time holding onto basic jobs, and has no shame in explaining the reasons behind each termination, as shown in amusing flashbacks. Walt’s upfront behavior perplexes Mozell (Jackée Harry), who runs the deserted bowling alley called AlleyCatz, where he hopes to land his new job at. While Mozell deems him unqualified to run the alley bar, she desperately hires him anyway. She needs someone, and he’s willing.

Walt soon meets Skunk (D’Arcy Carden), a former bowling pro turned has-been who drinks her sorrows away at AlleyCatz. One random conversation leads to another until Walt accidentally discovers a newfound talent for bowling at an intermediate level. Skunk clocks an opportunity to get him into the professional bowling league. She thinks he can beat the record-breaking statistics held by legendary player Linda “The Crusher” Curson (Susan Sarandon). If Walt strikes big and wins enough cash, he can help save Mozell’s bowling alley from foreclosure.

With a genre-bending story that spans from slapstick to satire, The Gutter has a unique and eccentric tone. Whether it’s exaggerated emotional stakes, or ridiculous characterizations (such as Walt’s refusal to wear a shirt whenever possible), Yassir Lester’s screenplay unapologetically stretches the silliness as far as it can go. Additionally, Lester sprinkles in some familiar beats of the sports sub-genre. Underdogs are pulled from the gutter and given a chance to reach their potential. At this film’s core is the relationship between Walt and Skunk; they meet each other at a crossroads where the only way forward is through. As their quirky personalities quickly align, they play an integral role helping each other overcome personal obstacles. Skunk in particular lives in the shadows of a legend, and the film prolongs her dynamic with Linda Curson's character to throw a fun curveball.

The sense of humor in The Gutter can be incredibly tedious, and the awkward jokes don’t always land. In not taking the execution so seriously, the film struggles to make a lasting impact once the credits roll. However, there is plenty to admire in what the entertaining ensemble of actors bring to their roles. Shameik Moore has an endearing energy, and while his character is over-the-top, Moore still manages to make him feel believable in this absurd world. The same sentiment extends to D’Arcy Carden, whose wholehearted commitment to playing a character called Skunk elevates everyone around her. She has the comedic talent and sharp timing to make the most ridiculous line deliveries work. Adding to the fun and games, Susan Sarandon relishes as a nonchalant bowling legend who oozes confidence and style at every turn.

Repetitive in comedy and storytelling as The Gutter may be, the underdog narrative of Isaiah and Yassir Lester’s feature directorial debut has a lot to root for. The oddball characters, satirical lens, and singular energy make for a breezy escape into an absurdist world where bowling saves the day.

The Gutter opens on VOD December 6.