The Squid and the Whale

The Squid and the Whale, in the US on Netflix, does something a lot of comedies forget to: it's consistently funny. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. 1,092 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Jeff Daniels's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Netflix and see for yourself.

The Squid and the Whale is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate The Squid and the Whale from the crowd. Based on the true childhood experiences of Noah Baumbach and his brother, The Squid and the Whale tells the touching story of two young boys dealing with their parents' divorce in Brooklyn in the 1980s. Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney lead a cast that never overplays a joke. It was released in 2005. The Squid and the Whale 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.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in The Squid and the Whale. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Jeff Daniels's comic timing carries it through its weaker moments. The kind of comedy you recommend to someone who claims they do not watch much.

The Squid and the Whale was released in 2005, directed by Noah Baumbach. The full 81-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.