Irresistible – A Charming Political Comedy with a Twist

So I just watched “Irresistible”, directed by Jon Stewart. Yep, that Jon Stewart! You know him from “The Daily Show”, right? The man knows how to mix humor with a sorta biting social critique. Starring in the film is the always charismatic Steve Carell, who brings life to a political strategist caught up in a small-town mayoral race. Rose Byrne also delivers a standout performance as his rival. They both have this electric chemistry that flips from hilariously combative to oddly endearing.

Now, I don’t claim to be a political buff. But, watching this made me think about that time my cousin ran for kommunfullmäktige in 2005. Small town politics is something else, eh? Everyone knows everyone, and the stakes feel both tiny and enormous at the same time. This film captures that quirky, almost farcical energy. It’s like a fika at your favorite café—comforting, familiar, and with just the right amount of drama over who took the last kanelbulle.

Stewart’s script manages to skew both sides of the political aisle in a way that’s, well, witty and sharp. But truth be told, I was left a bit perplexed by the sudden twists. Maybe it’s just me getting lost in translation from Swedish to English humor? There were moments I laughed out loud—Carell bewildered by rural America is a treat—but I think the movie sometimes tried to juggle too many themes at once and left a few juggling balls crashed on the floor.

If you love a good political satire mixed with some genuine human moments, this one’s worth the ticket. And who knows, maybe you’ll see a bit of our own Valbygdens kommunalpolitik reflected in it. Grab some popcorn and enjoy!

Check the trailer below