Home / Arts and Entertainment / Basic Review: A Relatable Obsession Comedy
Basic Review: A Relatable Obsession Comedy
17 Mar
Summary
- Comedy follows a woman obsessed with her ex's ex.
- Unexpected friendship develops between the women.
- Film explores themes of jealousy and self-acceptance.

Basic, a comedy expanded from Chelsea Devantez's 2020 short, delves into the universal truth of obsessively checking an ex's new partner on social media. The narrative follows Gloria (Ashley Park) as her fixation on Kailynn (Leighton Meester), her ex-boyfriend's girlfriend, escalates one night.
Initially presented as a vapid influencer, Kailynn is revealed to be a struggling comedian and a supportive friend when Gloria confronts her. The film takes an intriguing turn, shifting into an odd-couple buddy comedy as the two women navigate a night of unexpected bonding.
Despite predictable elements, Basic offers genuine laughs and relatable moments as Gloria and Kailynn explore their shared fears and insecurities. The performances by Park and Meester ground the film's more outlandish moments, highlighting the value of human connection over romantic outcomes.
The film cleverly uses its initial premise to explore themes of self-sabotage and acceptance. Ultimately, Basic reminds viewers that embracing one's past is crucial to understanding who they are, even without a traditional happily ever after.