In director David Wain's latest film, "Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass," Zoey Deutch stars as Gail, a Kansas hairdresser who undertakes an absurd journey to Hollywood with the goal of sleeping with Jon Hamm, who is cast as himself. The film, co-written by Wain and Ken Marino, embraces its nonsensical premise as a driving force.
The movie's plot kicks off when Gail discovers her fiancé has used his celebrity free pass, prompting her own quest to seek out the actor who portrayed Don Draper. Accompanied by her colleague Otto, played by Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Gail encounters a series of eccentric characters. Among them are a disgraced photographer portrayed by Ken Marino and an ambitious aspiring agent played by Ben Wang. The narrative also incorporates a subplot involving a briefcase mix-up and an international conspiracy, which serves primarily to escalate towards a violent climax.
The ensemble cast features several cameos from figures in Hollywood. Henry Winkler appears in a scene, as does "Weird Al" Yankovic. Jon Hamm's bodyguard is also featured, delivering a menacing threat to any uninvited guests.
"Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass" was filmed in various Los Angeles locations, including the Chateau Marmont and a former Western movie set. The film uses these settings with a deliberate, almost affectionate, nod to their cultural significance. The movie pokes fun at Hollywood tropes, including a running gag about Universal CityWalk and recommendations for fast-food chains and coffee shops on Hollywood Boulevard.
The film's commitment to absurdity is a central theme, with Wain and Marino reportedly deciding to make the movie precisely because its idea was "really stupid" and made no sense. While some jokes may not land, the overall tone is described as one of infectious joy. Richard Kind appears as a taxi driver who offers a cautionary tale about the unrealistic expectations of Hollywood.
The film is rated R for language, violence, bloody images, and sexual content, with a running time of 93 minutes. It was released in theaters by Sony Pictures Classics on Friday.