Nobody feels like an adult. It’s the world’s dirty secret, a fact we are constantly reminded of in Josh Radnor’s new semi-autobiographical, comedy-drama Liberal Arts. He does this through thirty-five year old Jesse, a man stuck in a soulless career wishing he could retrace his steps and being given the opportunity to do just that when he is invited to an old professor’s retirement party at his old liberal arts college.
Jesse’s experiences at Kenyon College are explored through his relationships with the professors who initially sparked his love of literature and his confusing relationship with present college student Zibby, sixteen years his junior, who mirrors his enthusiasm for the liberal arts.
Elizabeth Olsen’s performance as Zibby demonstrates her chameleon-like ability to fit into any genre. She easily creates a character who could appear cutesy and clichéd, whilst simultaneously charming and moving. The other supporting characters who stand out for their high quality performances are Richard Jenkins and Allison Janney, who epitomise the idea that one never truly grows up but instead remains the insecure, obstinate teenager they once were.
Overall the film is funny, moving, and charming, as well as rare in its ability to appear intelligent without seeming pretentious. Josh Radnor’s character says that he loved Kenyon College for its ability to leave him with the “feeling that anything is possible”, and that is exactly the feeling that I left with.