Damsels in Distress

Right now you can watch Damsels in Distress on Hoopla — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. The length is exactly right for the story it is telling — nothing rushed, nothing dragged out. With 206 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Greta Gerwig's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Hoopla and see for yourself.

Damsels in Distress arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Damsels in Distress from the crowd. A trio of beautiful girls set out to revolutionize life at a grungy American university: the dynamic leader Violet Wister, principled Rose and sexy Heather. They welcome transfer student Lily into their group which seeks to help severely depressed students with a program of good hygiene and musical dance numbers. Greta Gerwig and Lio Tipton lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2012. The timing in Damsels in Distress is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Damsels in Distress is the kind of thing you put on in the background and end up fully watching. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Greta Gerwig sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.