Let’s be honest. If you’ve ever sat through a movie just because the cast seemed too good to fail, you’ve probably seen That Awkward Moment. It’s that 2014 R-rated comedy that tried really hard to be the male version of Sex and the City, but with more bathroom humor and a very specific type of mid-2010s New York City energy.
The movie stars Zac Efron, Miles Teller, and Michael B. Jordan. Seriously. On paper, that’s an Avengers-level lineup for a romantic comedy. You have the heartthrob, the fast-talking wisecracker, and the sensitive powerhouse. Yet, when it hit theaters, critics basically ripped it apart. Rotten Tomatoes still has it sitting at a pretty dismal 23% from critics. But here is the thing: if you watch it today, it’s a fascinating time capsule of "hookup culture" before dating apps completely broke our brains.
What Actually Happens in That Awkward Moment?
The plot is straightforward, maybe even a little thin. After Mikey (Michael B. Jordan) finds out his wife wants a divorce, his best friends Jason (Zac Efron) and Daniel (Miles Teller) make a pact. The deal? They all stay single. No commitment. Just vibes. Naturally, because this is a movie, all three of them immediately find women they actually like and then proceed to lie to each other about it for ninety minutes.
It’s called That Awkward Moment because it focuses on that specific beat in a relationship where someone asks, "So... where is this going?"
Jason is the "lead," and he’s kind of a jerk. He spends his time designing book covers and avoiding anything that looks like an emotion. He meets Ellie (Imogen Poots), and their chemistry is actually the best part of the film. It feels genuine. Meanwhile, Daniel is falling for his best friend Chelsea (Mackenzie Davis), and Mikey is desperately trying to win back an ex who has already moved on.
It’s messy. It’s often immature.
The Cast That Outgrew the Script
Looking back, the most shocking thing about the movie isn't the dialogue—it's the sheer amount of talent on screen.
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Michael B. Jordan was fresh off Fruitvale Station when he did this. He was already a serious actor, and seeing him play a guy who accidentally eats too many fiber bars is... a choice. It shows a range, I guess? Then you have Miles Teller, who was about to become a massive star with Whiplash later that same year. And Zac Efron was in the middle of his transition from Disney prince to R-rated comedy staple.
- Zac Efron as Jason: The "rules" guy who can't handle feelings.
- Miles Teller as Daniel: The comic relief who realizes he's in love with his wingwoman.
- Michael B. Jordan as Mikey: The emotional anchor who just wants his old life back.
The chemistry between these three is why the movie works at all. You actually believe they’ve been friends for a decade. They talk over each other, they make fun of each other’s failures, and they hang out in a suspiciously nice Brooklyn apartment that they definitely couldn't afford in real life.
Why Critics Hated It (And Why Some People Loved It)
Most critics, like those at The New York Times or Variety, felt the movie was "shallow." They weren't wrong. The characters can be incredibly sexist at times. They treat women like puzzles to be solved or obstacles to be avoided. There’s a scene involving a "viagra mishap" that is pure slapstick and feels like it belongs in a different movie entirely.
But for a certain demographic of twenty-somethings in 2014, That Awkward Moment felt real. It captured that specific anxiety of being young and terrified that "settling down" means your life is over.
The movie tackles the "So..." moment. You know the one. You’ve been seeing someone for three weeks. You’re at brunch. Suddenly, the air gets thick. One person wants to know if they can change their Facebook status, and the other person wants to jump out of a window.
The film doesn't provide deep philosophical answers, but it does show the transition from "playing the game" to actually caring about someone. It’s about the realization that being "single and free" is actually pretty lonely when something big happens in your life and you have no one to call.
The Imogen Poots Factor
We have to talk about Imogen Poots. As Ellie, she is the secret weapon of That Awkward Moment. She manages to make a fairly standard "dream girl" character feel like a three-dimensional human being. When Jason misses her father’s funeral because he’s scared of commitment, her reaction isn't a "rom-com" reaction. It’s a "you are a terrible person" reaction.
It’s one of the few times the movie lets the female characters have the upper hand emotionally. While the guys are playing games, the women (including Mackenzie Davis) are just living their lives, waiting for the men to grow up.
Visuals and the New York Aesthetic
Director Tom Gormican (who later did the brilliant The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent) clearly loves New York. The movie looks great. It has that warm, autumnal glow. Even if the dialogue is crude, the cinematography makes you want to go grab a coffee in the West Village.
The soundtrack is also a total mid-2010s mood. It’s full of synth-pop and indie tracks that were everywhere at the time. Watching it now feels like looking at a digital scrapbook of a very specific era of filmmaking.
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Lessons from the Movie
If you actually look past the "bro-humor," there are a few real takeaways about modern dating:
- Communication is actually easier than lying. Most of the conflict in the movie could have been solved with a five-minute honest conversation.
- The "So" moment is inevitable. You can’t live in the "casual" phase forever without someone getting hurt.
- Friendship changes as you age. The pact they made was a way to keep their friendship from changing, but life doesn't work that way. People grow up. People get married. You can't freeze time.
Is It Worth a Rewatch?
Honestly? Yes. If you go into That Awkward Moment expecting a masterpiece of cinema, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want a nostalgic look at three of the biggest actors of our generation before they were superstars, it’s a fun ride.
It’s a movie about being 25 and stupid. It’s about the transition from "me" to "us." And yeah, it’s about that awkward moment when you realize you’re the one who messed up a good thing.
The film is currently available on various streaming platforms (it pops up on Netflix or Max frequently). It’s the perfect "Saturday night with a drink" movie. Just don't expect it to change your life. It’s more of a reminder that everyone is confused about dating, even people who look like Zac Efron.
Next Steps for Your Movie Night:
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If you enjoyed the vibe of That Awkward Moment, you should check out 50/50 or Sleeping with Other People. They handle the "friends-to-lovers" and "growing up" themes with a bit more maturity. If you want to see the cast in their best roles, watch Creed (Jordan), Whiplash (Teller), or The Iron Claw (Efron) to see how far they’ve come since this 2014 experiment.
For those actually struggling with "the talk" in their own lives, remember that the "so" moment usually only becomes awkward when there is a mismatch in expectations. The movie’s mistake was the pact; your mistake would be staying silent when you want something more. Just be real. It’s less painful in the long run.
Actionable Insights:
- Watch for the Chemistry: Pay attention to the improv-style riffing between the three leads; it's the most "human" part of the film.
- Context Matters: Remember this was released right as Tinder was becoming a household name; the "pact" is a reaction to a changing dating landscape.
- Skip the Cringe: If you’re sensitive to gross-out humor, maybe keep your finger on the fast-forward button for the bathroom scenes. They didn't age well.
Whether you're a fan of the genre or just a fan of the cast, the movie remains a fascinating footnote in the careers of Hollywood’s current A-list. It’s flawed, it’s loud, and it’s occasionally very sweet. Just like real dating.