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Britt Lower Shines in 100% Rotten Tomatoes Movie

Sarah Parker March 23, 2025

Mr. Roosevelt follows the journey of a struggling comedian, Emily (Noël Wells), who is forced to leave her life in L.A. and return to Austin, Texas, due to a family emergency. This unexpected situation leads her to stay with her ex-boyfriend, Eric (Nick Thune), and his seemingly perfect girlfriend, Celeste (Britt Lower). In the realm of screenwriting, there’s a widely referenced book titled “Save the Cat,” often seen as essential for screenplay structure. While some critics argue that it offers a simplistic approach to storytelling, Mr. Roosevelt embraces this straightforwardness, turning it into an effortlessly enjoyable comedy that allows viewers to quickly engage with its uncomplicated plot, even if they join in partway through. This simplicity creates space for the film’s characters to genuinely come alive, making their interactions feel more like comedic sketches from SNL than traditional film scenes. This dynamic may stem from Noël Wells’ dual role as writer and director, granting her characters the freedom to express themselves authentically. Among them, Lower delivers a standout performance that hints at her later work in Severance.

Experience Character-Driven Humor in ‘Mr. Roosevelt’

Noël Wells as Emily Martin lying down looking up in "Mr. Roosevelt" — Image via Paladin

Typically, films emphasize a continuous plot progression, leading to a climax that keeps audiences engaged. However, Mr. Roosevelt adopts a more relaxed approach, wandering through its narrative in such a way that by the end, viewers may wonder what truly transpired during its 90-minute runtime. While some might interpret this as a narrative flaw, it is precisely this casual storytelling style that allows the film to maintain a sense of freshness and ease, ultimately highlighting the vibrant characters crafted by Noël Wells. Emily emerges as a hilariously genuine and somewhat naive comedian, her innocence starkly contrasted with the harsh realities of the unforgiving entertainment industry. This is immediately apparent in the film’s opening scene, where she auditions in front of apathetic casting directors, a scenario that echoes the well-known SNL audition tapes that have circulated online over the years.

Additionally, the character of Jen (Daniella Pineda), a gothic waitress, alongside Art (Andre Hyland), a lovable stoner, injects essential cynicism into the narrative, contrasting sharply with Eric and Celeste’s polished personas. Without the inclusion of these multifaceted characters, the film would risk becoming mundane. Instead, we witness engaging conflicts stemming from contrasting worldviews, ultimately allowing Emily to navigate her own identity and make pivotal choices about who she wants to become.

Discover Britt Lower’s Captivating Performance in ‘Mr. Roosevelt’

It is impossible to discuss Mr. Roosevelt without acknowledging the remarkable performance delivered by Britt Lower as Celeste, Eric’s seemingly perfect girlfriend. Celeste represents a stable choice for Eric, especially in contrast to Emily’s chaotic energy, creating a narrative tension that keeps audiences guessing about where their loyalties should lie. Although Emily ultimately leaves Eric, Celeste’s character initially appears genuinely kind, with each of her lines skillfully balancing between warmth and manipulation.

When viewing this film through the lens of Severance, one can easily appreciate how Lower infuses her character with a nuanced depth that we’ve come to recognize in her portrayal of Helena in Ben Stiller and Dan Erickson‘s sci-fi thriller. At times, Lower’s performance oscillates between bubbly charm and a deeper, more complex demeanor, making it challenging to distinguish between Celeste and Helena for viewers familiar with her work. The character’s writing offers a refreshing take on the conventional “new-it-girl” archetype often seen in other comedies, such as Bridesmaids, as we genuinely question whether Celeste understands the condescending undertones of her dialogue.

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In summary, if you’re planning to watch Mr. Roosevelt, temper your expectations regarding a mind-blowing narrative akin to Severance. Instead, immerse yourself in the unique storytelling style that Noël Wells employs, which allows you to inhabit the vibrant world of these colorful characters for a delightful 90-minute experience. Enjoy the humor that emerges from their interactions and appreciate how the film contributes to the evolving genre of competitive comedies, where two characters vie for another’s affection, with Britt Lower’s performance standing out as both captivating and intriguingly similar to her role in Severance.