The review of The Musical suggests a lackluster film experience centered around an unlikable protagonist, Doug, portrayed as a toxic figure whose jealousy and bitterness define the narrative. Despite its short runtime, the film drags under the weight of Doug’s incessant sourness and misguided actions.
Director Giselle Bonilla and lead actor Will Brill adopt a quirky, detached tone that doesn’t lend itself well to the overall story. Instead of being a complex depiction of Doug’s flaws, it leaves viewers wishing for more depth and development from other characters, particularly given Doug’s role as a drama teacher at a middle school facing a production of West Side Story. His desire to sabotage his ex’s new relationship adds tension but ultimately feels unoriginal and misguided.
While the film introduces some intriguing student characters who inject a bit of vitality into the narrative, they are not enough to save the material. The comedic elements arrive too late and lack substance, making the film feel aimless and frustrating. In the end, The Musical fails to engage with its protagonist meaningfully, missing the opportunity to dive deeper into themes of insecurity and the impact of toxic masculinity.
