The 2017 American comedy film, "All Nighter," directed by Gavin Wiesen and written by Seth W. Owen, takes viewers on an unexpected journey as a father-in-law desperately searches for his estranged daughter. Starring J. K. Simmons, Emile Hirsch, and Kristen Schaal, the movie unfolds with a series of comedic and often chaotic events. The film, originally titled "The Runaround," began principal photography in Los Angeles, California, on July 6, 2015,
before its eventual release in 2017.
"All Nighter" had a limited theatrical release on March 17, 2017, and was subsequently made available through video on demand on March 24, 2017, distributed by Good Deed Entertainment. Despite its comedic premise, the film garnered generally unfavorable reviews from critics, as reflected in its low approval ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. Nevertheless, the narrative offers a unique exploration of strained family relationships and the lengths one might go to reconnect.
The Unfolding Plot: A Search for Ginnie
The central plot of "All Nighter" begins six months after Martin first meets Ginnie's estranged father, Frank Gallo. The story kicks into gear when Frank appears at Martin's door, concerned because Ginnie has not responded to his calls, texts, or emails for ten days. Although Martin and Ginnie had ended their relationship three months prior, Martin, who dislikes his current roommate and still harbors feelings for Ginnie, agrees to help Frank in his search.
Their initial leads take them to Gary and Roberta's residence, where Ginnie had moved after her breakup with Martin. However, they discover Ginnie has since moved out due due to Gary's inappropriate behavior, and neither Gary nor Roberta can locate the paper with her new address. Undeterred, Frank and Martin continue their search, next visiting Ginnie's former workplace, a cafe. There, her boss informs Martin that Ginnie quit and is now employed at an upscale restaurant in West Hollywood. Their hopes are again dashed when they arrive at the new restaurant, only to learn that Ginnie had also left that job two weeks earlier.
Escalating Efforts and Unexpected Discoveries
With conventional avenues exhausted, Frank and Martin make a last-ditch effort by visiting a club Ginnie frequently attends. It is here that Frank learns from a bartender that Ginnie has a new boyfriend. A fight breaks out between Frank and Trevor, leading to Frank and Martin leaving the club. As they depart, they encounter Ginnie's friend Megan attempting to drive home while intoxicated. They intervene, driving Megan home, where Martin subsequently learns more about Ginnie's new boyfriend from her.
Later, Martin and Frank convene at a bar, still without a clear path to Ginnie. Martin confides in Frank, revealing that his insecurity was the reason for his breakup with Ginnie. Coincidentally, Gary, who has been fighting with Roberta, randomly appears at the same bar. Gary suggests they consume hallucinogenic mushrooms he has been carrying in his wallet. In a stroke of luck, they realize that the paper the mushrooms are wrapped in contains Ginnie's new address.
Climax, Resolution, and Critical Reception
Upon arriving at Ginnie's new apartment, they find no one home, prompting Frank to break in. Martin, upset by Frank's refusal to contact Ginnie's mother, waits outside and calls her instead. Ginnie's mom informs Martin that Ginnie is on vacation with her new boyfriend, Kip. When Martin re-enters the apartment to relay this information to Frank, Ginnie's roommate unexpectedly returns, chases them with a knife, and calls the police. As Martin and Frank are arrested, Ginnie, perfectly fine, arrives home from her vacation with Kip.
In jail, Frank reveals to Martin that he experienced a panic attack ten days prior and immediately called Ginnie because he felt he had no one else. After their release, Frank makes amends with Ginnie, finally calls his ex-wife, and meets Kip. Martin, for his part, expresses genuine happiness for Ginnie, evicts his roommate Jimothy, and practices his banjo for an upcoming show with his band. The film concludes with Martin playing his banjo with his band, with Frank in attendance. During the intermission, Martin finally feels comfortable enough to address Mr. Gallo by his first name, and Frank encourages Martin to spend time with his new love interest, Lois. Critically, the film received a 14% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 14 reviews and a score of 37 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on 4 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable" reviews.
