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The Screen Queen Presents: The Incredible Jessica James


by Dana Muwwakkil

Jessica James is one dope chick and she knows it. Bursting with confidence and oozing raw, feminine, energy (as she puts it), Jessica is both funny and sharp. Played by the enchanting Jessica Williams, the character is a theater teacher who is well-loved by the students she inspires, but struggles to find the same recognition as a Big Apple playwright that she did in her hometown. When we meet her, we find that her dream of directing her own plays has been met with a series of rejection letters. Although she seemingly takes them in stride, rejection is one area of life that our lead feels a bit insecure about.

Still haunted by the ghost of a past relationship (she stalks her ex’s Instagram account), her love life also causes distress. While reluctantly agreeing to go on a blind date, she finds an intriguing connection with Boone (played by the charming Chris O’Dowd). The budding romance is adorable, but it’s not the main focus of Jessica’s life or her story.

A Netflix original that shies away from the generic formula of most romantic comedies, The Incredible Jessica James still serves up a little sweetness and lots of laughter. Both fun and smart with a lead as complex as she is vibrant, it is well worth adding to your queue.

 Screen Queen Dana Muwwakkil tackles social trends and movies in her blog and for other publications. She, her husband and their three children live in Ulster County. This review originally appeared in the Jan/Feb 2018 Issue.
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