Overview
The story begins when Tyler O'Conner, a young gay author, visits a therapist and discovers that he suffers from an anxiety disorder commonly called "Analysis Paralysis" - an inability to take action without imagining the ways that each possible choice could go wrong. The problem is that, unchecked, the condition will lead Tyler into a state of complete inaction. To confront the disorder, Tyler decides to fight through his anxiety and ask his cute neighbor, Shane, out for coffee. Despite a flurry of imagined disasters, the date goes well, and Shane and Tyler ultimately become involved. Against all odds, the relationship moves forward, but not without every step of the way - sex, moving in together, and meeting Shane's parents - preceded by an avalanche of negative, albeit hilarious, fantasies.
Reviews
This is a movie with a clever premise, very likeable lead character and some very funny moments. It's difficult to settle into as the narrative is constantly rewound to encompass different scenarios and, like lifelong mental illness, doesn't leave one feeling everything is fully resolved. Tyler has a mental illness where he vividly imagines negative outcomes to things that are about to happen. This leaves him in isolation and unable to effectively respond to daily occurrences. He works with a therapist to try to become more functional. Since he is attracted to his neighbor, the jogger Shane, his therapist encourages him to planfully try to get to know him.