Between Two Ferns: The Movie is a 2019 comedy film directed by Scott Aukerman, based on the popular web series Between Two Ferns created and hosted by Zach Galifianakis. The film is a fictionalized account of the origins and journey of the bizarre and awkward celebrity interview series, blending the format of the original web show with a road trip comedy. The movie features several high-profile celebrity appearances and utilizes its quirky humor to deliver a humorous, sometimes surreal, story about fame, friendship, and redemption.
Plot Summary
The movie picks up where the Between Two Ferns web series left off, with Zach Galifianakis continuing to host his awkward and often cringe-worthy celebrity interviews. After a disastrous interview with actress Matthew McConaughey, Zach’s production company is threatened with cancellation. In an effort to save the show, Zach and his team embark on a road trip across the country to interview celebrities in person, hoping that more high-profile interviews will revitalize the show and get it back on track.
Along the way, Zach encounters a variety of celebrity guests, each of whom delivers their own unique form of awkwardness. The plot unfolds with the absurdity of Zach’s interviews at its core, but the movie also weaves in a narrative of personal growth and the realization that Zach’s offbeat, often rude humor is not just a means of getting attention, but a reflection of his own insecurities and need for validation.
In true Between Two Ferns style, the film is packed with uncomfortable and hilarious moments as Zach navigates his relationships with both the celebrities he interviews and his own team. As the road trip progresses, Zach learns valuable lessons about humility, connection, and the complexity of celebrity culture.
Main Cast and Characters
- Zach Galifianakis as Himself: Zach is the host of Between Two Ferns, an awkward and often inappropriate interviewer who constantly pushes boundaries in his celebrity interviews. Galifianakis brings his signature blend of dry humor, awkwardness, and self-deprecation to the role, maintaining the charm that made the web series so beloved.
- Lauren Lapkus as Carol: A member of Zach’s production team who is often forced to pick up the pieces after Zach’s antics. Lapkus’s performance as the straight-laced and frustrated Carol adds a layer of humor and grounding to the chaos that surrounds Zach.
- Ryan Gaul as Fern: Another member of the production team who joins Zach on the road trip. Gaul’s role adds a supportive, albeit perplexed, presence to the journey.
- Matthew McConaughey as Himself: The film opens with a cameo by McConaughey, reprising his role as the subject of a disastrous interview that sets the plot in motion. His appearance adds a meta element to the story as he plays himself in the fictionalized world of the movie.
- Various Celebrity Cameos: The film features numerous celebrity cameos, with notable appearances from Will Ferrell, Jon Hamm, Tiffany Haddish, Brie Larson, and more. Each celebrity plays themselves and participates in the awkward, deadpan interviews that are characteristic of the Between Two Ferns series.
Themes and Style
Between Two Ferns: The Movie stays true to the spirit of the original web series, delivering its signature humor, which often leans heavily on awkward pauses, uncomfortable situations, and absurd jokes. The film offers a satirical commentary on celebrity culture, poking fun at the superficial nature of fame and the dynamics of Hollywood interviews.
The movie also explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth, particularly through Zach’s character. While much of the film’s humor derives from Zach’s abrasiveness and inability to connect with people, it’s clear that his rude behavior stems from his own insecurities. As the story unfolds, Zach is forced to confront his shortcomings and come to terms with the ways his actions have impacted his career and relationships.
At its heart, Between Two Ferns: The Movie is a story about redemption, not just for the fictional show, but for Zach himself. The absurdity of the road trip and celebrity interviews acts as a backdrop to Zach’s journey toward understanding the value of meaningful connections over fleeting fame.
Visually, the film maintains the lo-fi aesthetic of the original web series, with its simple setup of the titular “two ferns” framing each interview. This style, combined with the fast-paced, often surreal humor, keeps the film in line with the quirky tone of the show while expanding it into a full-length narrative.
Audience Reception
Upon its release, Between Two Ferns: The Movie received generally positive reviews from critics and fans of the web series. Viewers who enjoyed the original Between Two Ferns found the movie to be an enjoyable expansion of the concept, with its signature humor, celebrity cameos, and awkward charm. Zach Galifianakis’s performance was widely praised, as his deadpan delivery and awkward energy were key to the film’s success.
However, some critics felt that while the film offered plenty of laughs, its premise felt stretched thin at times. The road trip plot, while providing a loose structure for the movie, was seen as predictable and secondary to the real appeal—Zach’s quirky interviews and the celebrity cameos. Despite these criticisms, the movie’s humor and the chemistry between Galifianakis and his co-stars kept audiences engaged.
The film also garnered attention for its star-studded cameo list, with many fans of the web series enjoying the humorous exchanges between Zach and the various celebrities who took part in the film. The film’s unique blend of cringe comedy and celebrity satire made it a fun watch for those familiar with the web series.
Conclusion
Between Two Ferns: The Movie (2019) is a hilarious, quirky, and sometimes absurd road trip comedy that expands on the beloved web series. With Zach Galifianakis reprising his role as the awkward and often inappropriate host, the film delivers a fresh batch of cringe-worthy interviews and celebrity cameos. While it doesn’t always break new ground in terms of plot, the movie succeeds by staying true to the humor that made the web series a hit, offering fans a fun and entertaining look behind the scenes of Zach’s absurd world. For viewers who enjoy unconventional comedy, celebrity satire, and a good dose of awkwardness, Between Two Ferns: The Movie is a comedic treat.
