Review of “Spread” Starring Elizabeth Gillies
I recently watched Spread, starring Elizabeth Gillies, a film that, while enjoyable in certain aspects, left me with mixed feelings. As a fan of some of Liz’s previous work, I had high hopes going in, but I couldn’t help comparing it to the novel Fear and Trembling by Amélie Nothomb. Nothomb’s story, and the film adaptation starring Sylvie Testud, explored similar themes of navigating new challenges in the workplace but did so with a depth and poignancy that Spread ultimately lacked.
What Worked
There are definitely some highlights in Spread, starting with the little Easter eggs for Liz’s fans, like her song “Bam Bam Bam” making an appearance. It’s these small touches that make you feel like you’re in on something special, and it adds a personal connection to the film. The movie has a light, summery vibe, making it a cute choice for a hot afternoon when you just want to unwind.
One thing I appreciated was the positive life lessons sprinkled throughout, particularly when it comes to finding a job. The movie does a good job of showing the reality of swallowing your pride, not lying on your resume, and focusing on the experience you’ll gain rather than just the job title. Ruby’s desperation as she searches for work is something many of us can relate to, and those scenes felt grounded in reality.
Ruby’s character, while at times a bit of a stereotype of the modern feminist, was genuinely funny. Liz’s performance had its moments, and her chemistry with Harvey Keitel was a pleasant surprise. There were emotional beats that Liz executed well, leaving me wanting to see her tackle more serious and darker roles in the future. There’s a glimpse of something more in her performance, a depth that I’d love to see explored further in more complex narratives.
What Didn’t Work
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However, Spread suffers from a lack of originality. The central plot — an aimless protagonist finding purpose through an unexpected job — is a well-worn trope, particularly in films about girls and horses. The concept has been overdone, and in this case, it didn’t bring anything new to the table. The whole storyline felt predictable, especially the finale, which was disappointingly cliché and anticlimactic.
The characters themselves felt too stereotypical, especially Leslie, who embodied the trope of the misogynist antagonist. The scene where Ruby confronts him about his behavior felt forced and poorly written, lacking the nuance such a conversation would need to feel authentic.
Another issue I had was Ruby’s resemblance to Fallon Carrington, another character played by Liz. The similarities, particularly in Ruby’s relationship with her father, felt lazy and unoriginal. It was as if the writers leaned too heavily on Liz’s past roles rather than giving Ruby her own identity.
Strangely, Liz’s accent also threw me off. Although Liz is from northern New Jersey and has a General American accent, in Spread, she seemed to be using a Californian accent that felt a bit off. It wasn’t bad, just… confusing. Something about the way she delivered her lines, particularly her vowel sounds, didn’t quite match up with the character’s Los Angeles setting.
Lastly, I was hoping for more emotional depth, especially as Ruby begins to realize that the people at the magazine are more than just their jobs — they’re real humans with real stories. While the film does touch on this lesson, it didn’t have the emotional impact I was looking for. It felt rushed and could have been executed with more care and nuance.
Final Thoughts
Spread is a mixed bag. There are moments of charm and humor, and Liz Gillies shows glimmers of her talent, especially in the more emotional scenes. However, the film ultimately falls short due to its reliance on overdone tropes and a lack of originality in both plot and character development. While it’s a decent watch if you’re looking for something light and breezy, it doesn’t quite deliver the depth or emotional punch that a story like this could have offered.
If you’re a fan of Liz, there’s enough here to keep you entertained, but don’t expect Spread to leave a lasting impression. For a more profound exploration of the struggles and triumphs of starting anew in a challenging environment, I’d recommend Fear and Trembling — it’s a story that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll.
