Occasionally touching but often disengaging.

From beginning to end, Jerks plays out like one of the more romantic, plot-driven episodes of a popular modern sitcom. Think How I Met Your Mother, just set in Athens and with a splash of more sexually overt humour. 

Phivos (Giorgos Kafetzopolous) is our Ted Mosby, unlucky in love and trying desperately to make the most of his stagnant life. Along with friends Savvas (Diogenis Skaltsas) and Andreas (Aineias Tsamatis), the trio spend the night walking the city streets together before their flight for Berlin the next morning. But a lot can happen in one night, much of which puts their long-awaited plan in serious jeopardy.

Virtually every facet of the film is competent and interesting on a basic level without being particularly memorable. The plot demands attention and the characters are well developed, albeit with a touch of predictability circling their motives. The humour is gentle but clever, while the realistic interplay between all three leads is a treat to watch. 

However, director Stelios Kammitsis' ambition gets the better of him in the film's final moments, where a bloodrush climax feels out of place in a film that, up until that point, was grounded in reality and drew much of its appeal from its pragmatic storytelling. 

The arguable highlight of Jerks rests in the film's visuals. Kammitsis employs subtle motifs and trick photography to convey polarising themes of contentment and loneliness respectively. His love of American cinema is prevalent, as classic footage, posters and T-shirts linger in the background of many scenes, encapsulating a mise en scene that gives off an almost autobiographical vibe.

The film's pros do outweigh its cons, and it earns recommendation if only for its whimsical, lighthearted and unique presentation of a very real issue. 

*There's nothing I love more than a bit of feedback, good or bad. So drop me a line on jnatsis@iprimus.com.au and let me know what you thought of my review. If you're looking for a writer for your movie website or other publication, I'd also love to hear from you.*

Greek cinema draws on myth, politics, and allegory, often using surrealism and symbolism to explore identity and collective memory. The Weird Wave brought absurdism and dark humor to the fore. Recent Greek films often depict austerity, personal struggle, and resilience with raw emotional power and stark visual storytelling, reflecting contemporary Greek life.

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

A story that takes place in an empty Athens in August, during a 12-hour period, from 6 p.m to 6 a.m. Three friends, Phevos, Andreas and Savvas, stay up all night walking around the streets of Exarchia, for what is their last night before they leave Athens for good and move to Berlin, just like they had agreed one year ago. During the evening, however, hidden aspects of their personalities are gradually revealed and they will face the most violent manifestation of power which will change their plans forever.

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Jerks

Photos3

Top Cast10

User reviews1

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed