I wasn’t expecting much from Quiz Lady. However, I was taken by surprise when I found myself roaring with laughter for most of the movie. It shouldn’t work as well as it does on paper. But, it works and whoever decided to cast Sandra Oh and Awkwafina deserves a raise. Their chemistry elevates this to a more than above average comedy. It’s one of the more pleasant surprises from TIFF ’23 and shouldn’t be missed.

The story is, like most comedies, very paint by the numbers. It’s simple, and is kept that way so its cast members can elevate the movie to a higher quality. It follows a socially awkward woman who happens to be obsessed with a Jeopardy-esque game show. Her free-willed sister, who consistently makes bad choices, comes along at the right time when they need to get money to pay off their mother’s loan shark. Okay, maybe it’s not so simple, but you understand the idea. Only talented actors cam make this bonkers plot work and thankfully, director Jessica Yu captured lightning in a bottle on that front.

The cast makes this comedy work. The standouts in particular are Sandra Oh, Awkwafina and Will Ferrell. Oh and Awkwafina okay two very, VERY sisters and their chemistry is up there if the best dynamic duo of TIFF. Their banter is excellent and the emotional beats between them feel genuine. My only complains about these two is I didn’t see more of them. Will Ferrell also plays a role out of his comfort zone and plays this sweet, kind-hearted, and not obnoxiously wacky game show host. It’s refreshing to see him in a role like this and I really loved his performance every time he was on screen.

Quiz Lady should just be a formulaic comedy on paper. However, the chemistry between Sandra Oh and Awkwafina is off the charts and makes this film an absolute blast to watch. I will find myself rewatching this for many years to come.