If you weren’t aware of it, I write about music over at the lovely Chicago publication Gapers Block. Occasionally the staff receives cool offers to events, and last night a large group of us were able to check out this wonderful independent film that comes out next month called Humpday. Since deep down inside I’m a 14 year old boy, anything with the word “hump” will get my attention, and who doesn’t love free stuff, so I agreed to check it out.

So here are the basics of the movie. It revolves around two friends Ben and Andrew, who haven’t seen much of each other since their close friendship in college. One is living a bohemian lifestyle; the other is savoring married life. During a night of partying with some new friends, one conversation revolves around a homemade film festival called Humpfest, and the idea is born that the two friends should have sex on camera, because there is a lot of gay porn but no porn of straight guys having sex. As sobriety sets in, egos and stereotypical macho mannerisms come into play, and the guys decide to continue with the project.

It sounds like the plot of a farce comedy or the foundation of a campy comedy, but the film delivers an organic and believable exploration of sex, relationships, and life. Director Lynn Shelton explores the difference in the bond between men and women, and how sometimes the ridiculous hurdles in life we jump are actually masking truths we don’t want to admit to ourselves.

I think my favorite part of Humpday was the fact the movie was completely believable. I could see a similar story happening to a handful of people I know, and the actors were true to life, giving the feeling that someone was just following around regular guys in a situation and not actually filming a movie. It’s one of the funniest and freshest films I’ve seen in a long time, and a fascinating look into the odd emotions and choices we make in life.

Humpday is in theatres in Chicago July 24th. The movie will be playing at Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema and in Evanston at CineArts 6. Watch the trailer on the official site, and make sure to check out this amazing movie July 24th.