Starring Anna Kendrick as its endearingly out-of-sorts protagonist, Table 19 was unexpectedly enjoyable—but unfortunately indecisive. The comedy follows Eloise (Anna Kendrick) and her fellow outcast tablemates as the eclectic bunch attempt to navigate their individual and collective struggles; mostly relating to, or being indicative of, their lowly placement at a wedding reception's worst table. The premise itself, however, did most of the movie's heavy lifting—making up, in part, where it lacked conclusive motive.
Despite a certain level of charm, Table 19 seemed often unsure of what kind of movie it wanted to be. Characters were at times caricaturesque and resolutions were sometimes made too quickly and unceremoniously for the viewer to feel truly invested. With a large portion of the movie taking place at the titular table there was also an undeniable sense of stagnancy which pervaded through certain moments which otherwise were sincerely funny or heartwarming. The lack of physical movement lent itself to the demand that characters be extremely dimensional—something which was unfortunately not consistently achieved.
It was only once the characters departed from the table that the movie gained real momentum and was able to break from its perhaps excessive exposition. Having set itself up to be a bit predictable in its multiple, overlapping plot lines, the film was surprisingly cathartic during this departure and managed to scour up a few legitimately unforeseen resolutions. Although even pleasant as these endings were, Table 19 unfortunately fell flat in establishing the sort of investment necessary to garter a deep level of satisfaction.
Overall Table 19 was funny enough and passable in terms of general enjoyment but lacked the momentum, the depth, and the decisiveness it needed to take it from a sizzle to a bang. All that being said: it was a fun watch. It may not have been impressive on a technical or creative level but it works as a surface-level rom-com about a table of rag-tag individuals learning lessons about themselves and each other.
