Film review: Silver Linings Playbook

WRITER-director David O Russell is destined for awards glory with this quirky romance about an emotionally bruised 30-something struggling to piece his life together after the ultimate betrayal.

Silver Linings Playbook (15) * * * *

Adapted by Russell from the novel by Matthew Quick, Silver Linings Playbook embraces comedy and tragedy with equal fervour.

Joy walks hand in hand with heartbreaking loss and to appreciate pleasure, characters must first endure exquisite pain.

Silver Linings Playbook is a delight, harking back to adorably quirky and sweet comedies from director Russell’s early years, such as Spanking The Monkey and Flirting With Disaster.

Molten screen chemistry between the leads and zinging one-liners ensure the film never drags its heels, even in the climactic dance-off that cha-chas rather too willingly to the beat of rom-com convention.