Written, directed by, and starring stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia, Don’t Think Twice is a heartfelt love letter to all creative performers, particularly those not so young anymore, still scrambling to make a living in a very competitive field. It must take a lot of nerve for artists to resist safer careers in more modest vocations (what up accounting, I’ll see you tomorrow!), and Birbiglia aims to recognize this in his very personal drama.  Don’t be fooled by the funny people on the poster, this is not a comedy, it’s a drama ABOUT comedy.

The film centers on an improv troupe of six people who are also best friends, roommates, and lovers when they are not at the offshoot theater where they perform. One of the more interesting ideas is the honest portrayal of how one might feel towards the perceived success of a good friend in a make or break industry. Sure, you’re smiling on the outside, but inside…”you lucky SOB.”

The movie also throws some serious shade at Saturday Night Live, an institution that I have to assume some of the cast auditioned for at some point in real life.  Costarring  Keegan-Michael Key and the lovely Gillian Jacobs, Don’t Think Twice is one of a kind and worth the trip to the indie theater.  Tier 2 – Runner Up