JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME Movie Review

The first time I saw the synopsis of JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME I knew I had to see the film so I decided to rent it from Redbox (recently out on DVD/VOD). The movie really delivers on all levels and is very realistic, fun, and spiritual.  It’s not only hilarious but also touching and deep. The filmmakers accomplished so much in a short time and kept the story fresh and original. Some of my favorite actors, Susan Sarandon who plays Sharon, Ed Helms (from “The Office”) who plays Pat and Jason Segal who plays Jeff, star in this film and they all did a fantastic job with their characters.

Interconnected storylines often make for great films and this one was no exception. In the vein of CRASH, or Fox’s new TV series “Touch”, JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME explores how life is like a webbed tapestry of impact. Right from the beginning we see that Jeff wants to know his destiny and fate. He spends a while thinking about this and is always looking for signs. He believes everything happens for a reason and there are no wrong numbers or coincidences. One could easily pass off his beliefs as naïve or the mind of a stoner, yet as the story unveils we get a glimpse into his heart as well as a deeper explanation of our world.

One of the reasons this is such a great film is that it’s very real and believable.  We see Jeff as a hopeful character full of acceptance and introspection. The only thing he seems to have in common with his brother is the loss of their dad since Pat is full of anger and focused on materialism. There is a realistic fight scene between them that reminded me of the fights I used to get into with my brother. The relationship between Pat and his wife was also very realistic: a typical strained marriage where neither really listens and no one knows how to communicate or understand one another.

In fact, the desire to be understood is another theme in the film. Jeff feels like his family misunderstands him, Pat’s wife doesn’t feel heard and Sharon just wants someone that gets her. I feel as though we can all relate to this theme, as often our families don’t get us. I know my brother and dad rarely understand my empathic nature and, similar to how Pat feels about Jeff, I know they wish they could see the world the way I see it as well: with a lot of compassion and a big open heart.

Jeff is also judged for living at home and not doing anything major with his life, yet his relationships with others is beautiful to watch.  He is patient, grounded, loving, and has a great sense of curiosity.  He pays attention to everything and is present. It’s this presence that is actually his contribution to the world and not what he does for a living.  While his destiny is related to what he does, it’s primarily about who he is.

This movie had me thinking - what if I woke up one day and let everything be a sign and followed my “gut” or intuition? What would that journey look like? What would happen? How would my life change and how would I change others? These are deep and important questions to ask because we so often think we know best or that we SHOULD do certain things each day. Most of the time we live on auto-pilot but what if the all-intelligent “source” knows more than us and we could know the plan if we listened?

What if true happiness actually came from being guided by a much more powerful voice than our egos? What if we asked the question: “Love, how can I serve you today, what would you have me do and where would you have me go?” I’ve found magic when I’ve paid attention to the subtle clues/messages/signs and connections the Universe is always sending.  Noticing signs is just like being tuned into a specific radio station or television channel. In this film we get to see Jeff do this for one day and his journey is transformational.

Synchronicities and serendipity is a big part of this film as well as my daily life.  I’ll often receive direct messages from license plates, songs on the radio, actual billboards, or from people and animals. Or I’ll ask a question and then wait to see the answer show up sometimes in mere minutes. It’s truly wonderful to live life this way – as Einstein says, “as though everything is a miracle.” I used think this was “stupid,” the way Pat does in the movie, and everything should be scientifically proven. But how can you prove magic and miracles? We just need to believe. We don’t manifest what we want, we manifest what we believe.

In this movie Jeff believed, listened and followed something greater than his rational mind. He surrendered and an amazing thing happened; his destiny to help others appeared in both big and small ways. In fact, all destinies are tied to each other and to serving others; it’s just a matter of recognizing this and then watching the opportunities appear.

I believe that the Universe puts us in the right place at the right time, especially for all of our life-changing events, such as when we meet our soul mates, when we receive our dream job, or when we get the chance to impact someone else. It is true that we may never know what we are here to do, yet if we listen and follow the signs we will gather glimpses into a much greater knowledge.

JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME is truly the perfect “synergy film” or “mindful movie” as it makes you laugh and cry and also imparts wisdom and truth through quirky characters and a real story. I loved that the movie started with a quote from Jeff that says, “Everyone and everything is interconnected in this universe. Stay pure of heart and you will see the signs. Follow the signs, and you will uncover your destiny.” I would have to agree with this wise 30 year old man that lives in his mom’s basement!

The messages in this film are clear: surrender to the signs and watch your destiny unfold. True understanding is really listening and loving. Whether it’s listening to our brother, spouse, co-worker, or the Universe, as human be-ings we get to choose the loving way.

I hope this film delights you as much as it did me.  I highly recommend it and it will most definitely go on my Top 10 Mindful Movies of the year list!

Entertain, Enlighten, Inspire,
Kate Neligan

Founder & CEO of Synergy TV & Mindful Media Entertainment LLC

 P.S. Best line from the film: “Yoda would be killer in a business meeting.” I’ll be remembering that in my next one and allowing my inner-Yoda to shine!