At this point, the decision is simple: we see Awkwafina, we click. She’s been racking up a list of enjoyable films and series to watch over the past few years, starting as an outrageous but loveable goofball who has slowly morphed into an actress that we’re not surprised to see tackling more serious moments in her roles in addition to the often over-the-top humor (especially since her tearjerker role in The Farewell). Among other supporting reasons, that’s why the decision to watch Hulu’s latest original movie Quiz Lady wasn’t difficult at all.
What’s Quiz Lady About?
Quiz Lady follows a young woman, Anne (Awkwafina), who is obsessed with game shows. When she reconnects with her estranged sister, Jenny (Sandra Oh), after their mother’s death, two things are clear: the two sisters need to figure out a way to cover their mother’s gambling debts, and Anne is absolutely destined to be a game show contestant. This movie follows all the beats you expect it to and doesn’t stray from that much, if at all.
The Good, The Bad, and the So-So
While the three most recognizable faces in this movie (Awkwafina, Sandra Oh, and Will Ferrell) do the best with what they’re given, the truth is that the script just can’t bear the weight of its talented cast. For a comedy, the laughs are few and far between, and the film doesn’t really have anything new to say that hasn’t been said in better ways before.
The best is not being brought out in Awkwafina with this role. Sandra Oh, despite being a talented actress, feels woefully miscast. Will Ferrell feels like the most sanitized, declawed version of himself we can imagine. We do, however, get to see more of our favorite people doing what they love. We just wish they were given something to work with that matches their talents.
Awkwafina and Sandra Oh in ‘Quiz Lady’
Is It Worth Watching?
At the end of the day, it’s a straight-to-streaming movie that’s available for anyone subscribing to Hulu at the click of a button. While Quiz Lady isn’t revolutionary or even particularly funny, it’s certainly watchable, and there are definitely worse movies you could put on during your next streaming night. Use this new Hulu offering as background noise on a work-from-home day or self-care night. It’s easy to follow, and better if you don’t think too much.
Quiz Lady is streaming now on Hulu.