The Layover
Exploring The Layover (2017): A Raunchy Road-Trip Comedy
The Layover (2017) is a bold, unapologetic sex comedy that dives headfirst into the chaotic antics of two best friends competing for the same man during an unexpected travel detour. Directed by William H. Macy and starring Alexandra Daddario and Kate Upton, this 88-minute romp blends slapstick humor, raunchy gags, and a touch of heart in a story about friendship, rivalry, and self-discovery. While it garnered mixed reviews for its crude humor and uneven execution, The Layover has found a niche audience among fans of lighthearted, risqué comedies. This comprehensive article explores the film’s plot, production, themes, cultural impact, and why it remains a polarizing yet entertaining entry in the comedy genre.
Synopsis: A Hurricane-Fueled Rivalry
The Layover follows Kate Jeffries (Alexandra Daddario), a high school English teacher, and Meg (Kate Upton), a struggling cosmetics saleswoman, who are lifelong friends and roommates in Seattle. Both are grappling with personal and professional setbacks: Kate faces pressure to resign from her job due to conflicts with her principal, Stan Moss (Rob Corddry), while Meg’s business ventures are floundering. After a night of drinking, Meg impulsively books a non-refundable trip to Fort Lauderdale, convincing the reluctant Kate for a much-needed getaway to escape their troubles.
Their plans for sun-soaked relaxation are derailed when a hurricane forces their flight to make an emergency landing in St. Louis. Stranded in a lifeless hotel, the friends encounter Ryan (Matt Barr), a charming firefighter from their flight. What begins as playful flirtation escalates into a fierce competition as Kate and Meg vie for Ryan’s affections, resorting to increasingly outrageous tactics. Their rivalry leads to a series of comedic misadventures, including sabotaged hotel stays, a diving competition, and a disastrous road trip with Craig (Matt L. Jones), a jewelry salesman smitten with Meg.
As the hurricane shifts course, the group hitches a ride to continue their journey, but the friends’ antics—lockouts, sleeping pills, and a revolting gas station bathroom—push their bond to the breaking point. A third-act twist redirects the story, forcing Kate and Meg to confront the value of their friendship over fleeting romantic pursuits. Packed with crude humor and over-the-top scenarios, The Layover is a wild ride that ultimately champions female camaraderie, albeit through a lens of raunchy chaos.
The Making of The Layover
Development and Direction
The Layover was announced in March 2015 as a road-trip sex comedy scripted by David Hornsby and Lance Krall, with William H. Macy attached to direct. Known for his acclaimed acting in films like Fargo and Boogie Nights, Macy brought a surprising directorial sensibility to this irreverent project, marking his second feature film after Rudderless (2014). Produced by Unified Pictures and Bron Studios, with Keith Kjarval and Aaron L. Gilbert as key producers, the film aimed to capitalize on the popularity of R-rated comedies like Bridesmaids (2011).
Filming began in May 2015 and wrapped by early June, with locations in Vancouver, St. Louis, and parts of Florida. The production leaned into a fast-paced, low-budget approach, focusing on the chemistry between its leads and the absurdity of its comedic set pieces. Macy’s direction prioritized capturing the improvisational energy of the cast, though critics later noted that his straightforward camera work lacked the visual flair needed to elevate the script’s weaker moments.
Casting and Performances
The film’s casting was a major draw, with Alexandra Daddario and Kate Upton leading as Kate and Meg. Daddario, fresh off roles in San Andreas and Baywatch, brings a relatable, slightly neurotic charm to Kate, while Upton, known for The Other Woman, embraces Meg’s wild, troublemaking persona with gusto. Their real-life chemistry shines through, grounding the film’s outrageous humor in a believable friendship. Matt Barr’s Ryan is the quintessential charming beefcake, serving as the catalyst for their rivalry without overshadowing the leads.
The supporting cast includes comedic heavyweights like Rob Corddry as the sleazy Principal Moss, Molly Shannon in a brief but memorable role, and Kal Penn as a underutilized hotel manager. Matt L. Jones delivers laughs as the hapless Craig, whose ill-fated road trip with the group provides some of the film’s most absurd moments. While the ensemble is talented, critics noted that the script didn’t fully capitalize on their potential, relegating some to one-note roles.
Technical Aspects
The Layover embraces a straightforward visual style, with cinematography that prioritizes functionality over artistry. The film’s settings—airports, generic hotels, and dingy gas stations—reflect the limbo of a layover, though the production design is unremarkable. The diving competition scene stands out as a visual highlight, with a clever punchline that showcases Macy’s comedic timing. The soundtrack, featuring upbeat pop tracks, complements the film’s lighthearted tone, while the sound design amplifies the slapstick chaos of moments like the infamous toilet scene.
The film’s R rating stems from its crude language, sexual content, and brief drug references, aligning it with the raunchy comedy trend of the 2010s. Editing keeps the pace brisk, clocking in at a lean 88 minutes, though some transitions feel abrupt, reflecting the script’s uneven structure.
Themes and Symbolism
Despite its surface-level silliness, The Layover touches on themes of friendship, self-worth, and the pitfalls of romantic obsession, albeit through a comedic lens.
Friendship and Rivalry
At its core, The Layover is about the strength of female friendship tested by petty rivalry. Kate and Meg’s competition over Ryan exposes their insecurities—Kate’s fear of being overlooked, Meg’s need to assert dominance—but ultimately reaffirms their bond. The film’s resolution, while predictable, emphasizes that true connection lies in platonic loyalty rather than fleeting romance, echoing themes in films like Bride Wars.
Self-Discovery and Escapism
The impromptu vacation represents Kate and Meg’s attempt to escape their unfulfilling lives, but their layover forces them to confront their flaws. Kate’s struggle with her career and Meg’s failing business ventures highlight their need for self-acceptance, though the film explores these ideas lightly, prioritizing humor over depth. The hurricane serves as a symbolic disruption, pushing them out of their comfort zones and into a chaotic journey of growth.
Gender Dynamics and Comedy
The Layover has been criticized for its portrayal of women, with some arguing that its male writers and director fail to depict female friendships with nuance. The film’s reliance on stereotypes—Kate as the “nice” one, Meg as the “wild” one—can feel reductive, and the crude humor sometimes undermines its empowerment message. However, Daddario and Upton’s enthusiastic performances add authenticity, making their characters more relatable than the script might suggest.
Cultural Impact and Reception
The Layover premiered on DirecTV Cinema on August 3, 2017, followed by a limited theatrical release on September 1 through Vertical Entertainment. With a modest budget, the film targeted fans of R-rated comedies but struggled to find a wide audience, reflected in its lackluster box office performance. Financial details are scarce, but its limited release suggests it leaned heavily on digital and streaming platforms for viewership.
Critical reception was largely negative, with a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 22 reviews, though audience reactions were more mixed. Ben Kenigsberg of The New York Times called it a shallow man-chasing farce, while Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times likened it to an unpleasant airport layover, criticizing Upton’s performance and Macy’s direction. Roger Ebert’s review noted the script’s failure to develop its leads’ psychology, suggesting stars like Kristen Wiig could have elevated the material.
Despite the backlash, some viewers embraced The Layover for its unpretentious humor and the chemistry between Daddario and Upton. IMDb user reviews highlight its appeal as a guilty pleasure, with comments like “funny for how bad it was” and “hilarious and double nice eye candy.” The film’s raunchy tone and attractive leads made it a draw for audiences seeking light, escapist fare, though its crude gags and lack of originality disappointed those expecting a sharper comedy.
The Layover reflects the 2010s trend of female-led R-rated comedies, following successes like Bad Moms and Girls Trip. However, its simplistic narrative and reliance on stereotypes limited its cultural staying power compared to those films. It remains a curiosity in Macy’s directorial career and a showcase for Daddario and Upton’s comedic potential.
Why The Layover Stands Out
The Layover is a divisive film that thrives on its unapologetic raunchiness and the infectious energy of its leads. While it doesn’t reach the heights of Bridesmaids, its short runtime and absurd humor make it an easy, if flawed, watch for fans of sex comedies. Daddario and Upton’s chemistry is the film’s strongest asset, carrying it through weaker moments with charm and commitment. The diving scene and hotel antics provide genuine laughs, even if the script leans too heavily on gross-out gags like the infamous toilet sequence.
The film’s appeal lies in its lack of pretense—it knows it’s a silly, over-the-top comedy and embraces that identity. For viewers who enjoy crude humor and don’t mind a predictable plot, The Layover delivers as a lighthearted diversion. Its exploration of friendship, however shallow, adds a touch of heart, making it more than just a series of slapstick set pieces.
Where to Watch
The Layover is available on multiple streaming platforms, including Hulu, Disney+ (via bundle), Prime Video, and Peacock, often with subscription or rental options. It can also be purchased or rented on Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Fandango at Home. Check JustWatch for up-to-date streaming availability in your region. The film’s 88-minute runtime makes it an ideal choice for a quick, casual viewing session.
Conclusion
The Layover (2017) is a raunchy, polarizing comedy that captures the chaotic spirit of a friendship tested by rivalry and circumstance. Directed by William H. Macy and anchored by Alexandra Daddario and Kate Upton’s lively performances, it offers a mix of crude humor, slapstick antics, and a heartfelt message about loyalty. While critics panned its simplistic script and uneven execution, its guilty-pleasure appeal and fast-paced absurdity make it a fun, if flawed, watch for fans of R-rated comedies. Whether you’re drawn to its outrageous gags or the chemistry between its leads, The Layover is a wild detour worth taking for a night of mindless entertainment. Buckle up for a turbulent ride through St. Louis, and enjoy the chaos of Kate and Meg’s misadventures.
