Name: Stutz
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2022-11-13T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Jonah Hill, Phil Stutz

The opening shot of Jonah Hill’s “Stutz” lingers on a framed photograph of Dr. Phil Stutz, his therapist, a man who has spent decades helping others navigate their inner turmoil. It’s an intimate portrait, one that feels like it belongs in a private office rather than a documentary, and this tension—between the deeply personal and the publicly consumable—defines the film.

“Stutz” is Hill’s love letter to his therapist, a man who co-authored “The Tools,” a book outlining Stutz’s unique therapeutic techniques. The film chronicles Stutz’s life and career through candid conversations between the two men, interspersed with visualizations of Stutz’s signature exercises. It’s a documentary that blurs the lines between patient and filmmaker, therapy session and cinematic interview.

What works best in “Stutz” is its unflinching honesty. Hill doesn’t shy away from his own struggles, using his experiences to draw out Stutz’s methods and philosophy. The film’s structure mirrors the therapeutic process itself, with Hill acting as both student and guide, walking viewers through Stutz’s tools—visualizations designed to help patients confront their emotions. These sequences are the film’s standout moments, blending animation and live-action in a way that feels both playful and profound.

However, “Stutz” stumbles when it tries to be more than just a testament to one man’s work. Hill’s directing is often overly sentimental, leaning too heavily on emotional beats without enough critical distance. The film also struggles with pacing, lingering too long on certain anecdotes while rushing through others. At times, it feels like a therapy session that never quite finds its way back to the bigger picture.

The performances—if we can call them that—are largely one-note. Hill is earnest and open, but his direction lacks the nuance needed to elevate Stutz’s stories beyond mere retelling. Stutz himself is charismatic and insightful, but the film rarely challenges him or his methods, leaving viewers with a one-sided portrait.

Ultimately, “Stutz” succeeds as a personal tribute but falters as a documentary. It’s a film that will resonate most with those already familiar with Stutz’s work or Hill’s journey.

Tags: jonah hill, Phil Stutz, Stutz