Watch Marvin Seth and Stanley

Marvin Seth and Stanley is a charmingly oddball independent film that follows three middle-aged Jewish fellows as they navigate their way through life's obstacles in hopes of finding purpose and meaning in their existence. The film was directed by Stephen Gurewitz, who also co-stars alongside his real-life father Marvin, and Alex Karpovsky, who plays their friend Stanley.

Marvin, Seth, and Stanley are three friends who live in the same New York City neighborhood. Marvin, portrayed by the elder Gurewitz, is a neurotic, anxious former accountant who now spends his days volunteering at a local soup kitchen. Seth, played by Stephen Gurewitz, is Marvin's more laid-back best friend who spends his days as a writer struggling to complete his debut novel. Stanley, played by Girls star Alex Karpovsky, is an aspiring musician who appears to be content with just getting by and is often the butt of Marvin and Seth's good-natured ribbing.

As the film begins, Marvin and Seth are dealing with the loss of a mutual friend, which has left them both feeling unfulfilled and uncertain about their own lives. They decide to embark on a series of adventures around the city in an attempt to reconnect with their past and possibly find inspiration for their futures. Along the way, they encounter a menagerie of eccentric characters, including a homeless man who claims to be a radio DJ and a wise old woman who offers them pearls of wisdom.

Meanwhile, Stanley is dealing with his own personal crisis. He has recently discovered that his girlfriend is pregnant and is struggling to come to terms with the reality of becoming a father. His band, also, is not doing very well, and he is uncertain about what the future holds for him. Eventually, his path intersects with that of Marvin and Seth, leading to unexpected twists and turns that challenge their perceptions of themselves and each other.

The film's strength lies in its unpretentious, offbeat humor and the natural chemistry between the three leads, who effortlessly blend pathos and humor in their performances. Marvin's anxious, germaphobic demeanor is played for laughs but is also rooted in real-world anxiety, while Seth's easy-going charm masks a deep sense of disappointment in his stalled writing career. Stanley, for his part, brings a grounded, sarcastic energy to the group, providing a balance between the more neurotic tendencies of his friends.

The film, despite its low budget, also boasts impressive cinematography, with beautifully shot scenes of New York City interspersed with dreamlike sequences that lend the film a whimsical, surreal quality. The soundtrack, comprising original songs written and performed by the cast, adds to the film's quirky charm and manages to capture the essence of the trio's friendship.

In conclusion, Marvin Seth and Stanley is a delightful indie gem that offers a fresh perspective on male friendship and the search for meaning in an increasingly challenging world. Fans of offbeat comedies and character-driven dramas will undoubtedly find plenty to enjoy in this charming and eccentric film.

Marvin Seth and Stanley is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.