In Self Reliance, Anna Kendrick Faces Assassins, But Is the Game Just a Delusion? Find Out!

When you think of Anna Kendrick, the first thing that might come to mind is her knack for portraying sharp, witty characters in films that blend humor and tension. In Self Reliance, Jake Johnson’s 2023 feature directorial debut, Kendrick leans into a darker comedic edge, taking on a role that’s as absurd as it is unexpectedly touching.

A Survival Game with a Twist
Self Reliance drops audiences into a bizarre, high-stakes reality game where Tommy Scott (Jake Johnson) stands to win millions—if he can survive 30 days being hunted by assassins. The catch? He’s safe as long as he’s never alone. For Tommy, a socially isolated everyman living with his nurse mother and haunted by past losses, the game offers not just danger but a perverse sense of purpose. When he recruits Maddy, played by Kendrick, through a Craigslist ad, their uneasy partnership becomes the emotional core of the film.

Kendrick’s Maddy is introduced as yet another lonely individual drawn into the chaos of the experiment. What starts as a relationship of sheer necessity—two strangers leaning on each other to survive—slowly develops into a subtle exploration of human connection and vulnerability. Johnson’s script, conceived during the isolation-heavy COVID-19 pandemic, uses this premise to delve into themes of loneliness, self-worth, and the blurry line between delusion and reality.

Blurring the Line Between Reality and Madness
One of the most intriguing aspects of Self Reliance is its ability to keep audiences guessing. Johnson’s writing and direction create a world where Tommy’s paranoia feels equally plausible and absurd. Are there really assassins stalking him, or is this an elaborate delusion fueled by his desperation for meaning? The film never fully answers that question, instead inviting viewers to live in Tommy’s increasingly frantic headspace.

This tonal ambiguity allows Kendrick to shine. As Maddy, she brings a sense of grounded humanity to the film’s offbeat premise. Her character, much like Tommy, is searching for something—anything—to shake her from her own sense of isolation. Together, they form a partnership that is as awkward and hesitant as it is touching.

A Standout Cast
Johnson, pulling triple duty as writer, director, and star, leads the film with a blend of jittery energy and vulnerability. His Tommy is a lovable underdog whose desperate attempts to survive—and to simply connect with others—make him instantly relatable. Kendrick, meanwhile, infuses Maddy with her trademark charm and a layer of emotional complexity that anchors the film’s wilder elements.

The supporting cast, including standout performances from the late Biff Wiff and a scene-stealing cameo by Andy Samberg, rounds out the ensemble with comedic and dramatic depth. These characters, while often exaggerated, feel all too human, making the film’s more absurd moments land with surprising emotional weight.

A Comedy That Hits Close to Home
Ultimately, Self Reliance is more than just a thriller-comedy. It’s a reflection on how far people will go to feel alive, to escape crushing loneliness, and to find purpose—even if that means believing in the unbelievable. Kendrick’s performance, along with Johnson’s heartfelt and hilarious approach, makes this a film that sticks with you long after the credits roll.