“Platonic” plays like a modern rendition of “When Harry Met Sally” … almost.
The catch here is that, unlike the 1989 romcom movie starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, the main protagonists in “Platonic,” played by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, don’t end up together — they really are just friends.
The half hour Apple TV+ comedy, premiering May 24, is a witty and amusing exploration of the age-old question: is it possible for an adult man and woman to be just, well, platonic friends?
The series, co-created and directed by Nicholas Stoller (“Forgetting Sarah Marshall”), kicks off when when Sylvia (Byrne) learns that her old friend, Will (Rogen), has gotten divorced.
Sylvia — a former lawyer-turned-stay-at-home-mom — feels unfulfilled with her lack of a career and is faced with her children’s waning interest in spending time with her as they become more independent.
Will, who brews beer, is a staple of the trendy bar scene. Sylvia and Will were best friends for many years; Will even serving as the “maid of honor” at Sylvia’s wedding.
They’ve been estranged for five years, ever since Sylvia made it known that she didn’t like Will’s (now-ex) wife, Audrey (Alisha Wainwright).
Sylvia’s husband, Charlie (Luke Macfarlane), could easily be a one-note character as a human obstacle to Sylvia and Will’s relationship … but he encourages his wife to give Will a call to reconnect with her old pal, even as Sylvia says, “It would be weird. Men and women don’t really hang out at our age.”
When the two old friends eventually reconnect, they navigate a close relationship amidst the chaos of their 40something lives.
This subject matter isn’t new, but unlike the aforementioned “When Harry Met Sally,” “Platonic” does not explore a “will they or won’t they” subplot, deftly balancing its jokes with a refreshing level of realism.
When Sylvia and Will meet in a coffee shop to reconnect for the first time in years, their conversation is painfully awkward — not in an exaggerated comedic way, but in a “we’ve all been there” type of situation.
Their stiff discussion is full of uncomfortable pauses. When he asks about her kids, she shows Will a photo, to which he replies, “Wow. There they are. Cool. Wow. They look healthy,” with poorly feigned enthusiasm that belies his clear disinterest in her kids — and his bewilderment in how to connect with her.
Later, however, Sylvia and Will meet again, and their dynamic gets more comfortable.
In no time, their relationship feels lived-in — and believable that these are life-long friends.
Byrne has done more dramatic roles recently, including her recent starring turn in the acerbic Apple TV+ drama, “Physical” but here, as a frazzled mom who talks with her mouth full and complains about her kids, she returns to the kind of comedic performance that made her star rise in “Bridesmaids.”
Rogen does his usual shtick; Will is down-to-earth, full of anecdotes about smoking weed and tells R-rated jokes, but he’s consistently entertaining.
If you’re expecting “When Harry Met Sally 2.0” you will be disappointed in how Will and Syvia’s relationship plays out.
But, if you want a modern twist on those ideas, “Platonic” is an engaging watch.
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