The idea that Andy Samberg and Rashida Jones are starring in Celeste And Jess Forever isn’t particularly surprising to us. However, the fact that the film is considered a “dramedy†sort of was. “Our movie is about two people who love each other a ton but they don’t know what to do with that love, and how do you let that person go,†Jones explained. “It’s very different from: ‘I like having sex with this person because I’m so modern but then, ooh, maybe I like them.’ I’m less interested in that story. It’s the version of When Harry Met Sally 20 years later, or Blue Valentine. It’s really about how you break up with someone.†No! I refused to acknowledge that that is what happens to Harry and Sally 20 years later!
Jones and Samberg both appear I Love You, Man and this summer’s Friends With Benefits, but have never actually appeared on screen together in a film. Either way, this one seems pretty clearly framed as Rashida’s vehicle. “It’s hard to find female leads that are flawed and interesting and dynamic,†Jones, who co-wrote the script with Will McCormack, said. “We wanted to write something that was in the vein of Judd Apatow — you talk like you actually talk with your friends — but with ladies. I want to do that and not just be someone’s girlfriend or wife. I want to be the one to go on the journey.†I’m excited to see Samberg digging down for those weepier emotions, considering his most serious role to date has been the voice of Ham in Space Chimps.