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Poetic License

Play trailer Poetic License 2025 1h 57m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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89% Tomatometer 19 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Ratings
Poetic License follows Liz (Leslie Mann) a former therapist and soon-to-be empty nester, who relocates to a new town for her husband's job -- a place where she doesn't know a soul. Her quiet attempt to settle in takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the point of tension between two inseparable best friends and college seniors, Sam (Cooper Hoffman) and Ari (Andrew Barth Feldman). As their fierce competition for her attention threatens to upend their lives, Liz is pulled into a tangle of longing, self-discovery, and the intoxicating thrill of being truly seen -- forcing her to confront the life she's built and the one she still craves.

Critics Reviews

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Jourdain Searles The Hollywood Reporter Despite its shortcomings, Poetic License is a film with a big heart populated by talented actors genuinely having fun with their characters. It’s a shame, then, that the story begins to fade from memory as soon as the credits roll. Sep 13, 2025 Full Review Zachary Lee RogerEbert.com Maude Apatow has crafted a film for those who feel like life has crushed their ability to dream but who desire to recapture their wanderlust. Sep 11, 2025 Full Review Richard Lawson Guardian Poetic License is far from mere pastiche. It has a distinct, youthful sensibility and sources its comedy more from recognisably human behaviour than from profane, one-liner riffing. Rated: 4/5 Sep 8, 2025 Full Review Louisa Moore Screen Zealots With a fresh, original voice in the coming-of-age genre, Maude Apatow’s charmer of a debut turns campus life into a witty, tender look at connection across generations. Sep 25, 2025 Full Review Peter Gray The AU Review A bombastically funny, surprisingly complex comedy that only works because those involved are actually talented on their own accord. Rated: 4/5 Sep 21, 2025 Full Review Lauren Bradshaw Fangirl Freakout Poetic License is a hilariously entertaining comedy with an ambitious directorial debut from Maude Apatow and pitch-perfect lead performance from Leslie Mann. Rated: B Sep 20, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Maude Apatow

Director

Leslie Mann

Liz Cassidy

Cooper Hoffman

Ari Zimmer

Andrew Barth Feldman

Sam Solomon

Nico Parker

Dora Cassidy

Martha Kelly

Professor Greta Ellis
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Poetic License

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Movie Info

Synopsis Poetic License follows Liz (Leslie Mann) a former therapist and soon-to-be empty nester, who relocates to a new town for her husband's job -- a place where she doesn't know a soul. Her quiet attempt to settle in takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the point of tension between two inseparable best friends and college seniors, Sam (Cooper Hoffman) and Ari (Andrew Barth Feldman). As their fierce competition for her attention threatens to upend their lives, Liz is pulled into a tangle of longing, self-discovery, and the intoxicating thrill of being truly seen -- forcing her to confront the life she's built and the one she still craves.
Director
Maude Apatow
Producer
Judd Apatow, Joshua Church, Thalia Daniel, Benjamin Hung, Maude Apatow, Olivia Rosenbloom, Will Greenfield
Screenwriter
Raffi Donatich
Production Co
August Night, Apatow Productions, Jewelbox Pictures
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 57m