In Spite of Ourselves (2026)

-Written by Dante Natale.

Sometimes the hardest part of allowing someone into your life is getting out of your own way. Directed by Josh Loeb, In Spite of Ourselves is a grounded, understated story about two people struggling with their own fears and insecurities while attempting to build a connection. Starring Conor Leslie as Hannah and Brett Dier as Archie, the film explores the complications of relationships and the ways we can become our own biggest obstacles.

Hannah is a pastry chef struggling with the possibility of surgery to repair her deaf right ear. Although the procedure could improve her quality of life, she’s terrified of dying on the operating table. Archie, meanwhile, is a comedian whose cynical sense of humor makes him entertaining on stage but masks a much more miserable person underneath. Having lost his mother at just 15, Archie has developed a fear of emotional vulnerability and getting hurt. His father is now living in a care facility suffering from dementia, adding another layer of sadness to his already complicated life.

Self-sabotage is a major factor in Archie’s life. While he can make an audience laugh through his stand-up routines, his real life is considerably less amusing. He’s guarded, cynical, and seemingly determined to push away the very things that might make him happy. His fear of getting hurt often prevents him from allowing himself to experience something meaningful. In many ways, Archie embodies the idea of going against your own best interests, even when you desperately want something different.

Despite their differences, Hannah and Archie develop a connection over the course of a few weeks. However, their insecurities and circumstances continually test that budding relationship. With Archie living in Los Angeles and Hannah in Portland, there’s already a physical distance between them, but the emotional distance they carry may prove even more difficult to overcome. The title In Spite of Ourselves feels particularly fitting here, as both characters must confront the things within themselves that threaten to keep them from finding happiness.

What I appreciated most was how recognizable these characters felt. They’re flawed, occasionally frustrating, and dealing with fears that feel genuinely human. Their relationship isn’t presented as some sweeping romantic fairytale. Instead, it’s a connection between two people trying to navigate their own lives while making room for one another.

My biggest reservation is that the film’s subtle approach occasionally works against it. While I enjoyed spending time with these characters, I wanted a little more emotional depth and narrative impact. Its simplicity is admirable, but it also prevents the story from reaching a higher level for me.

Ultimately, In Spite of Ourselves is a sincere and grounded look at vulnerability, companionship, and the ways we sometimes stand in the way of our own happiness. I enjoyed its believable characters and understated storytelling. It’s a simple story, but one with some worthwhile things to say about human connection.

Written & Directed by Josh Loeb

Starring Conor Leslie, Brett Dier, Glenn Morshower, Mary Gallagher, Mo Mandel, etc.

7.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING