“Like a Boss” is a 2020 American comedy film directed by Miguel Arteta and written by Sam Pitman and Adam Cole-Kelly. The movie stars Tiffany Haddish, Rose Byrne, and Salma Hayek in the lead roles. The film explores the friendship between two women who have built a cosmetics business together, but their friendship is tested when an offer from a major cosmetics company threatens to come between them.
Plot Summary
The film centers on Mia (Tiffany Haddish) and Mel (Rose Byrne), who have been best friends since childhood. Together, they run a small, struggling cosmetics company called “Viva”, which is known for creating quirky beauty products. Despite their entrepreneurial spirit, the business is not doing well financially, and the pair face significant challenges in keeping it afloat. Mia is the more carefree, risk-taking of the two, while Mel is the responsible, cautious one.
Their lives are turned upside down when they are approached by Claire Luna (Salma Hayek), a ruthless and glamorous beauty mogul who offers to buy their company. Claire promises that with her financial backing, their company would become a major player in the cosmetics industry. However, the offer comes with strings attached, and the two women are faced with difficult decisions about how much they are willing to sacrifice for the sake of their business and their friendship.
Tensions rise between Mia and Mel as they struggle to balance their ambitions with their long-standing friendship. Mia is excited about the opportunity to grow the business but is eager to make quick decisions without fully considering the consequences. Mel, on the other hand, is more cautious and skeptical about Claire’s intentions. As the two women attempt to navigate the world of business, they find themselves in increasingly absurd and humorous situations.
The heart of the story lies in the relationship between Mia and Mel as they learn to navigate their differing personalities and the pressures of the business world. Ultimately, the film is about friendship, loyalty, and the importance of staying true to one’s values, even in the face of challenges.
Cast and Characters
- Tiffany Haddish as Mia: Mia is the more adventurous and outgoing partner in the cosmetics company, always willing to take risks and push boundaries. She is the more impulsive of the duo and seeks a life of excitement and success. Haddish’s performance brings her characteristic humor and energy to the role, which provides much of the film’s comedic moments.
- Rose Byrne as Mel: Mel is the more cautious and pragmatic partner, who often plays the role of the voice of reason in the duo. She is the more level-headed of the two, balancing Mia’s impulsiveness with her own thoughtful approach. Byrne brings a blend of charm and vulnerability to the role.
- Salma Hayek as Claire Luna: Claire is a wealthy and powerful beauty mogul who offers to buy Mia and Mel’s company. She is confident, manipulative, and self-assured, making her both an appealing and somewhat dangerous figure. Hayek’s performance is glamorous and over-the-top, adding a layer of humor and menace to her character.
- Billy Porter as Barrett: Barrett is Mia and Mel’s loyal and flamboyant friend, who also serves as their makeup artist. Porter adds a touch of humor and heart to the film with his role as the character who supports the women both in and outside of the business world.
Themes and Tone
Like a Boss explores themes such as friendship, ambition, and the complexities of business relationships. It delves into the balance between personal values and the pursuit of success, and the sacrifices people make to achieve their dreams. The movie also examines loyalty and how friendships can evolve when faced with external pressures like business opportunities and financial gain.
The film is driven by its lighthearted comedic tone, with humor derived from both the absurd situations the characters find themselves in and the contrasting personalities of Mia and Mel. The characters’ differences create both conflict and comedy, allowing for moments of physical comedy, witty exchanges, and heartfelt scenes that address the challenges of friendship in a competitive world.
Despite the comedic nature, the film also addresses the challenges women face in the workplace, particularly in industries dominated by men, such as the beauty and business sectors. The portrayal of Claire Luna’s character is a reflection of how women can wield power and influence in a competitive world, albeit with a ruthless edge.
Reception
Like a Boss received mixed-to-average reviews from critics. While some found the film’s humor to be broad and lighthearted, others criticized it for relying too heavily on stereotypes and familiar comedy tropes. The performances of the lead actresses, particularly Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne, were praised for their chemistry and comedic timing. Critics also appreciated the energy that Salma Hayek brought to her role as the larger-than-life antagonist.
The film’s humor resonated with some viewers who enjoyed its slapstick and absurd moments, as well as the dynamic between the characters. However, others felt that the storyline was predictable and didn’t offer much new in terms of plot or depth. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film performed decently at the box office and was particularly popular among fans of light comedies.
Legacy and Impact
Like a Boss is a fun and lighthearted comedy that offers a comedic take on the world of business, beauty, and friendship. It features strong performances from its cast, particularly the dynamic between Haddish and Byrne, and is a suitable choice for audiences looking for a fun, if somewhat predictable, comedy. The film contributes to the ongoing trend of workplace comedies and explores the relationships between women in business, although it does so in a more comedic and less serious manner.
Ultimately, Like a Boss is about finding balance—between ambition and friendship, between personal desires and professional goals—and learning that true success comes from staying true to one’s principles, even when the stakes are high.
In conclusion, Like a Boss is a comedy that offers lighthearted entertainment and valuable lessons on friendship, loyalty, and personal growth. Although not critically groundbreaking, it offers a fun and accessible experience for viewers looking for a feel-good, entertaining movie with humorous moments and a strong female-driven cast.
