BEING an artsy New Yorker college graduate with rich folks is hard, you guys.
Mopey millennial Thomas Webb (Callum Turner), whose greatest act of rebellion is moving from his parents’ Manhattan abode to a Lower East Side hovel, weaves his way through a series of First World problems.
Rich Dad (Pierce Brosnan) doesn’t understand him, bestie Mimi (Kiersey Clemons) does not reciprocate his affections and a mistress Johanna (Kate Beckinsale) could destroy his barely held together family.
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READ NOWThomas begins to follow the sexy mistress and eventually the two strike up a spicey relationship while she still sleeps with his father.
Meanwhile, Thomas has several deep and meaningful conversations with his aged neighbour and mentor W.F. Gerald (Jeff Bridges).
Director Marc Webb turns back to low-key indie drama after his blockbuster stints with The Amazing Spider-Man 1 and 2 but his choice is questionable.
Described as coming-of-age with shades of The Graduate, the love triangle is about as icky as the one in 2005 misfire Rumor Has It,in which Jennifer Aniston’s character sleeps with the guy she thought might have been her biological Dad.
The ‘twist’ in the final act is neither surprising nor particularly compelling, which is at least consistent with what has come before it.
It is increasingly hard to relate to, or tolerate, young characters born with a silver spoon in their mouths who still pick things to be unhappy about.
The Only Living Boy in New York (M) Directed by: Marc Webb Starring: Callum Turner, Kate Beckinsale, Pierce Brosnan Three stars In cinemas October 12