Duplicity

Duplicity is currently streaming in Australia on Foxtel Now, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Julia Roberts's performance alone is worth the time investment. Available now on Foxtel Now — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Duplicity 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 Duplicity from the crowd. Two romantically involved government operatives Claire Stenwick and Ray Koval team up to manipulate a race between opposing corporations to corner the market on a medical innovation that will reap huge profits and allow them to lead an extravagant lifestyle together. They find themselves on opposing sides as corporate spies; however, as they each try to outdo the other, neither one can decide how far to trust the other in this high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse. Julia Roberts and Clive Owen lead a cast with the timing to make it work. Duplicity came out in 2009. Duplicity earns its laughs from character rather than situation, which is why it does not wear thin the way pure farce tends to. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Duplicity is a strong candidate. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Julia Roberts 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.