"Silver Linings Playbook" (2012) is the wonderfully unusual, serio-comic tale of two damaged souls, Pat (Bradley Cooper) and Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) who are drawn together under unlikely circumstances—each suffering from profound depression—as they attempt to find some degree of mutual solace in their woe-begotten lives.
As the two star-crossed compatriots bond over life's darker turns and agree to channel their energies into an absurdist attempt at competitive ballroom dancing, writer/director David O. Russell ("The Fighter", "American Hustle") infuses the film with existential angst and aggressive humor that propels the film’s emotional groundwork along a twisty and entertaining path.
Russell’s trademark manic energy and inventive characterizations make “Silver Linings Playbook” an altogether one-of-a-kind experience: a dynamic fusion of off-kilter sensibilities and bittersweet storytelling that touches the heart, the soul and the funny bone in equal measure. Lawrence is a particularly strong in her darkly radiant, Academy Award-winning performance, while Cooper, Robert De Niro and Chris Tucker highlight a lively and eclectic supporting cast. It's an undeniable treasure, and ultimately serves as one of the finest films of the 2010's so far.
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