Celeste and Jesse Forever

Celeste and Jesse Forever is a 2012 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Lee Toland Krieger and written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. The film stars Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg as a couple going through a divorce, and features a supporting cast including Elijah Wood, Emma Roberts, Eric Christian Olsen, and Ari Graynor. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was later released by Sony Pictures Classics. The film's soundtrack features music by The Black Keys, Bon Iver, and Feist.

Plot

The film follows the story of Celeste and Jesse, a couple who have been together since high school and are now getting a divorce. Despite their decision to split, they remain close friends and continue to spend time together, which complicates their relationships with other people, including Paul Stevens (played by Elijah Wood) and Veronica (played by Ari Graynor). As they navigate their new lives apart, they must confront their own feelings and the reasons for their divorce, with the help of their friends, including Skillz (played by Will McCormack) and Madison (played by Emma Roberts). The film also features appearances by Joelle Carter, Chris Messina, and Matthew Del Negro. The story is set in Los Angeles and features locations such as Silver Lake and Venice Beach.

Production

The film was produced by Jennifer Todd and Suzanne Todd of Team Todd, in association with Envision Media Arts. The screenplay was written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, who are also credited as executive producers. The film was shot on location in Los Angeles and features a mix of established and up-and-coming actors, including Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, and Elijah Wood. The film's cinematography was handled by David Lanzenberg, who has also worked on films such as The Skeleton Twins and The To Do List. The editing was done by Yana Gorskaya, who has worked on films such as The Kids Are All Right and The Future.

Cast

The film features a talented cast, including Rashida Jones as Celeste, Andy Samberg as Jesse, Elijah Wood as Paul Stevens, Emma Roberts as Madison, Eric Christian Olsen as Steve, and Ari Graynor as Veronica. The cast also includes Joelle Carter, Chris Messina, and Matthew Del Negro in supporting roles. The film's cast has been praised for their performances, with Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg receiving particular acclaim for their chemistry on screen. The film also features cameos by Will McCormack and Rebecca Dayan.

Release

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2012, and was later released in theaters on August 3, 2012, by Sony Pictures Classics. The film was also released on DVD and Blu-ray on February 5, 2013, and is available to stream on platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. The film's release was accompanied by a marketing campaign that included trailers, TV spots, and promotional partnerships with brands such as Apple and Converse. The film's soundtrack was also released on iTunes and features music by The Black Keys, Bon Iver, and Feist.

Reception

The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with an approval rating of 72% on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 58 out of 100 on Metacritic. The film was praised for its witty dialogue, strong performances, and nuanced portrayal of relationships. The film's cast, including Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg, received particular acclaim for their chemistry on screen. The film was also praised for its realistic portrayal of divorce and its effects on relationships, with The New York Times calling it "a smart, funny, and touching film about love, loss, and growing up." The film has been compared to other romantic comedies such as Crazy, Stupid, Love and The Break-Up, and has been praised for its originality and freshness. The film's success can be attributed to the talents of its cast and crew, including Lee Toland Krieger, Jennifer Todd, and Suzanne Todd. Category:2012 films