Entertainment Blog #244 | Reunion [2024] - High School Grudges...

We had met various kinds of people in school and university. They are all not the same. Everyone is not our cup of tea. Same goes the other way too. Incidents happen between people in those days and they are better to leave at those premises and should not carry them with you when you enter the adulthood..

"Reunion" is a 2024 American comedy mystery film directed by Chris Nelson, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Lil Rel Howery, Billy Magnussen, Jillian Bell, Jamie Chung, Michael Hitchcock, Nina Dobrev, and Chace Crawford. The film centers around the aftermath of a twenty-year high school reunion where an obnoxious former popular student is murdered, leading his classmates to unravel the mystery and uncover the killer among them. The film premiered on Paramount+ on April 13, 2024, and it was recently released for other VOD platforms.

The plot unfolds during the Ridgeview High School class of 2001 reunion, hosted at the mansion of successful hedge fund manager Mathew Danbury (Chace Crawford). The attendees include local police officer Evan West (Billy Magnussen), his best friend Ray Hammond (Lil Rel Howery), journalist Jasmine Park (Jamie Chung), the quirky Vivian Chase (Jillian Bell), aspiring Congresswoman Amanda Tanner (Nina Dobrev), former popular girl Meagan Cooper (Cassandra Blair), and their former teacher Mr. Theodore Buckley (Michael Hitchcock).

Everybody was having fun that night. But all the fun ended at the morning with the discovery of Mathew's cold, dead body on his bed. He was shot in the head, and a window was left open for the body to get cold quickly, so the time of death can't be predicted easily. Whoever did it, has taken care of the wifi connection. Due to heavy snowfall, it's impossible to go away from the house. Evan tried to contact the police, but it was in vain.

When these old friends were talking, the theory of the possibility of murder being one of them surfaced. They searched the rooms each one slept in at night to find the murder weapon. They doubt each other. When they try to explain that they are not the ones who did it, secrets about characters emerge.

Everything turns upside down when another body emerges from the trunk of Even's police car. It was Megan's. Everyone's head turned towards Ray because he was having heated conversations last night. So who actually killed them both? Or who are the killers? It's up to you to find out.

"Reunion" stands out for its combination of comedy and mystery, set against the unusual backdrop of a high school reunion turned crime scene. The film's structure, which reminds of classic "Whodunits", is updated with dark humor and a tangled web of past relationships and hatred. The constrained setting during a snowstorm heightens the suspense and claustrophobia, making it an effective narrative device that keeps viewers guessing until the end.

"Reunion" received mixed critical reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a rating of 92% based on 30% audience scores, suggesting a divide between critics and general viewers. While the film's ensemble cast and humorous take on the murder mystery genre were praised, some critics noted inconsistencies in tone and pacing. IMDb rates it at 5.5/10, and Filmaffinity gives it a 4.9/10, reflecting a generally lukewarm reception.

"Reunion" garnered attention on Paramount+ And it is expected to perform well on digital platforms in the United States. Despite its mixed reviews, the film's intriguing premise and ensemble cast make it an entertaining watch for fans of the comedy and mystery genres. The conclusion of the film leaves room for reflection on the impact of high school dynamics on adult lives, wrapped in a comedic yet thrilling narrative.