LFF 2013: Enough Said

James Gandolfini stars as an overweight charmer in the best romantic comedy of the year, written and directed by Nicole Holofcener (Friends With Money). As Albert, Gandolfini – it's one of his last roles, in a film dedicated to “Jim” – brings all his warmth and allure to bear on lively divorced masseuse Eva (Julia Louis-Dreyfus).

When the two meet at an LA party they’re so adorable that we instantly want them to become a couple. At the same party, however, ominous tones reverberate as Eva also meets the fabulous poet Marianne (Catherine Keener). Not only is Marianne fascinating, she mesmerises Eva in a social, girly whirl of wonder, becoming Eva’s client and new best friend. Marianne’s downside is that she also spews a fiery stream of vitriol against her ex-husband, dragging hapless Eva into the discussion. Of course, said ex is none other than Eva's new squeeze.

Beer guts, bad behaviour and lack of appropriate bedroom furniture all play their role in this true-feeling comedy about the damage of gossip, falling for the Mr Right Who Looks Wrong and making adult decisions. Holofcener keeps the laughs light and plentiful, taking us close to the edge only to drag us back, hysterical and breathless. Fresh, hopeful, wise and funny, Enough Said is more than just a comedy: it’s a realistic best-case scenario of a realistic bad-case scenario. Dazzling.

• Enough Said screens as part of the London Film Festival and is on general release from Friday