Austin Abrams Shines in ‘Puzzle’: A Hidden Gem of 2018

In the realm of cinema, certain performances linger in the shadows, waiting to be rediscovered. One such performance is by Austin Abrams in the 2018 film Puzzle, directed by Marc Turtletaub.

Austin Abrams: A Rising Star in ‘Weapons’

Austin Abrams may soon instill the fear of leaving class without a hall pass in a new generation through Weapons, but this upcoming horror film directed by Zach Cregger is not the actor’s first foray into high-profile projects. While many modern audiences recognize Abrams from his antagonistic role in Do Revenge, he also appeared in a criminally overlooked romantic drama back in 2018. Directed by Marc Turtletaub, Puzzle is an underrated tale of personal renewal that centers on Kelly Macdonald‘s character, Agnes, a sheltered housewife unappreciated by her husband and taken for granted by her two sons. Abrams plays the younger of Agnes’ boys, Gabe. Though his role is small, he contributes significantly to one of Hollywood’s most tender journeys toward love.

What Is ‘Puzzle’ About?

Despite receiving high marks from critics and fans on Rotten Tomatoes and attracting attention from various high-profile news outlets upon its release, Puzzle‘s popularity has faded over the past seven years. The film’s deceptively understated plot is a key reason for this decline. After being left to host her own birthday party, Agnes finds herself inexplicably drawn to a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. Discovering a latent talent for assembling puzzles, Agnes decides to elevate her hobby by heading to New York in search of more intricate puzzles. There, she meets Robert (Irrfan Khan), a retired inventor and recently divorced puzzler seeking a partner to help him win the national puzzle competition, leading to an unlikely relationship.

After her first trip to New York, Agnes’ homebound life expands, pulling her between two worlds. In this respect, Puzzle hinges upon its memorable supporting cast. Fans of The Office will be surprised to see David Denman play an even more unlikable husband, Louie, who expects dinner to be ready after a long day at work. Meanwhile, Khan’s magnetic presence offers a subtle charm that contrasts with Agnes’ suburban domesticity, showcasing the Life of Pi actor’s talent while revitalizing Agnes’ dormant potential.

‘Puzzle’ Uses Its Grounded Romance To Deliver a Poignant Tale of Self-Love

Unlike most modern romances from Hollywood, Agnes and Robert’s partnership does not blossom into a passionate affair driven by fiery tropes. Instead, their connection develops gradually over their shared love of puzzles, evolving from awkward dialogue into spontaneous attraction. While this natural slow burn may contribute to the film’s quick fade from public consciousness, it also distinguishes Turtletaub’s work from more dramatic offerings in the romance genre, delivering a realistic portrait of a woman in crisis. Furthermore, Puzzle goes beyond merely defining Agnes by her new partnership, using her love of puzzles to symbolize her growing empowerment.

At the film’s outset, Agnes is a woman trapped in her predictable life, besieged by a husband who makes all her decisions and a son, Gabe, whose contempt for her indecisiveness often translates into disdain. Abrams’ character highlights Agnes’ feelings of helplessness, but as she pursues her passion, her confidence grows. With each puzzle completed alongside Robert, Agnes becomes increasingly emboldened to challenge the restrictive gender roles imposed on her, ultimately unlocking the conviction needed to forge her own path.

This newfound conviction leads Agnes to make a fateful decision in Puzzle‘s climax, which may seem puzzling to traditional romance fans before the film’s final scene. Turtletaub’s film transforms something as simple as a puzzle into a symbol of autonomy and self-assertion, serving as a steady anchor amidst the chaos of Agnes’ crumbling life and contrasting sharply with the shattered pieces of her former existence that she can never piece back together. This makes Puzzle an ideal choice for anyone seeking a romantic drama that balances entertainment with thought-provoking storytelling, as well as for those who understand that some horrors hit much closer to home.