Forgetting Sarah Marshall: The Cathartic Feel-Good Comedy for the Ages

Forgetting Sarah Marshall is one of my favorite films of all time, possibly even my favorite comedy. What started as a fun, entertaining summer movie has since turned into one of my go-to comfort films and one of my most rewatched of all time. 

The premise is simple but absolutely genius for mining comedic gold. Composer Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) decides to take a trip to Hawaii after his girlfriend, TV actress Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell) breaks up with him. Upon arriving, he discovers that his ex is also taking a vacation at the same resort and she brought her new boyfriend, super-star singer Aldous Snow (Russell Brand). Comedy ensues as Peter attempts to wash his worries away on the beautiful island, all the while trying (unsuccessfully) to forget about his ex.  

The premise sets up a hilarious script, written by Segel, that makes full use of Peter’s heartbroken state for comedic effect. One of my favorite scenes from the film is a jump cut to Peter looking out at a beautiful sunset from his room while weeping uncontrollably. It’s a funny juxtaposition that highlights the genius of the premise. Peter is constantly reminded of his previous relationship as he sees other love-struck couples at the resort. He drinks, cries, and stews in the devastation of his breakup.  

I love the way Segel plays Peter as a beat-down and miserable dude just trying to escape his sadness despite his circumstances. Anyone who has had their heart broken can relate to Peter. Segel’s script and performance do a wonderful job showing the extreme range of emotions one goes through after a break-up and the darkly comedic way the situation can be played for the amusement of others.

Peter’s emotional journey during his trip becomes quite cathartic. He eventually steps out of his comfort zone, makes new quirky friends on the resort, and grows feelings for hotel concierge Rachel (Mila Kunis). The supporting cast is excellent and delivers plenty of memorable moments. Comedy legends such as Paul Rudd, Bill Hader, Jack McBrayer, and Jonah Hill appear in supporting roles that help serve as a distraction to Peter and allow him to step out of the bubble he’s been stuck in. 

Every rewatch of this film is just as hilarious as the first, but it’s the deeper themes that have allowed me to appreciate the film on a new level in recent years. As Sarah reminds Peter, part of the reason their relationship ended was that he was stuck living in his comfortable bubble. Peter turned into a couch potato, eating copious amounts of cereal and wearing the same sweatpants every day for a week. It takes the breakup for Peter to realize how unhappy he actually is with his life outside of his relationship. He doesn’t find much joy in his work and is quick to put off pursuing his passion project (albeit a strangely specific dream). With his relationship over, he feels lost in the world and is only set on the right path again after trying new things and letting himself open up to others. 

Seeing Peter become happy again and find new joy in his world is both satisfying and cathartic. It’s what makes this a true comfort film. Regardless of your relationship status or past loves, everyone can relate to someone who has felt lost in the world or stuck in one place for too long. This film shows that getting away from the familiar and doing something new doesn’t necessarily have to be just a way to escape your problems, but rather, a means of reminding yourself of what else is out there in the world and how you can find new inspiration and meaningful experiences beyond just what you know.   

Forgetting Sarah Marshall is currently streaming on Hulu. I also recommend seeking out the extended cut for some hilarious extra scenes. 

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