Nicole Holofcener’s reunites with the Julia Louis-Dreyfus for a truly insightful study of the complex ebb and flow of encouragement within a relationship. Holofcener has made one of her smartest and funniest films, a movie that understands how partners and even parents can delicately manage the insecurities of the people they love. Don (Tobia Manzies, never better) seems happily partnered with Beth (Louis-Dreyfus, more vulnerable than usual), an author struggling with her latest work. One day, Beth and her sister Sara (an excellent Michaela Watkins) overhear Don talking about the little encouraging lies that Don tells his wife about her writing. He’s read 20 drafts of the new book. None of them are good. To say that Beth spirals would be an understatement. Holofcener’s script is so sharp that it’s easy to take its subtleties for granted.—RogerEbert.com