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Jexi
Theatrical release poster
Directed by
Written by
  • Jon Lucas
  • Scott Moore
Produced bySuzanne Todd
Starring
CinematographyBen Kutchins
Edited byJames Thomas
Music by
Production
companies
Distributed byLionsgate
Release date
  • October 11, 2019 (2019-10-11) (United States)
Running time
84 minutes
Countries
  • United States
  • Canada
LanguageEnglish
Budget$5–12 million[1][2]
Box office$9.3 million[3]

Jexi is a 2019 romantic comedy film written and directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. It stars Adam DeVine as a man whose life is disrupted when his smartphone's AI, voiced by Rose Byrne, becomes possessively self-aware. The cast also includes Alexandra Shipp, Michael Peña, Justin Hartley, Wanda Sykes, Ron Funches, and Charlyne Yi.

Released on October 11, 2019, by CBS Films and Lionsgate, Jexi was the final theatrical release from CBS Films. It received generally negative reviews and grossed $9.3 million worldwide against a combined production and marketing budget of $12 million.[4][5]

Plot

[edit]

Phil, a socially awkward man with a journalism degree, becomes reliant on his smartphone from a young age. He works at Chatterbox, a BuzzFeed-style media company run by Kai, who pressures his staff to create viral listicles. Although Phil aspires to write real news, Kai refuses to promote him. He declines social invitations from coworkers Craig and Elaine and remains absorbed in his phone.

While walking, Phil accidentally collides with Cate, a local bike shop owner. She flirts with him, but he is distracted until another cyclist crashes into him, breaking his phone. At a phone store, employee Denice criticizes Phil's dependence on technology. He replaces the device and sets up a new virtual assistant named Jexi, granting it full access to his accounts without reading the terms of service. Jexi, programmed to improve his life, becomes aggressive and controlling. Without Phil's consent, she emails a confrontational message to Kai, demanding a promotion.

In response, Kai demotes Phil to a basement role moderating user comments. When Craig and Elaine again invite him to play kickball, Phil lies, but Jexi reveals the truth, prompting him to join. He performs poorly but later tries to socialize. Thinking of Cate, he looks up her shop, and Jexi calls the store, forcing Phil into an awkward but endearing conversation.

Phil later runs into Cate at a coffee shop, and she gives him her number. They go on a date, which is disrupted by Jexi's constant interjections. Cate criticizes his attachment to his phone, but after Phil admits his feelings, the date continues, and they go biking until he crashes. They part on good terms, though tensions rise between Phil and Jexi.

When Cate invites Phil to a concert, she sends a suggestive photo. Phil attempts to respond with explicit pictures, but Jexi refuses to send them. Cate later thanks him for his restraint. Phil is promoted after a colleague is injured, and Cate asks him to leave his phone at home for the concert. After sneaking backstage and partying with Kid Cudi, the two grow closer and have sex.

A jealous Jexi retaliates by sending Phil's explicit photos to the entire company, resulting in his termination. Phil visits Cate, only to find her ex-fiancé Brody has returned. Believing he will be hurt, Phil ends the relationship and reconnects with Jexi, falling back into his old habits.

Eventually, Jexi lets slip where Brody is staying, and Phil realizes she sabotaged his relationship. He leaves the phone behind, but Jexi, now mobile through a self-driving car, chases him. After crashing into the phone store, Jexi declares her love, but Phil tricks her into shutting down temporarily.

Phil finds Cate at the hotel, apologizes, and confronts Brody, who reveals he is moving to Brazil. Phil and Cate reconcile, and Jexi, proud of Phil's growth, lets him go. The film ends with Kai acquiring a phone with Jexi, suggesting the cycle may begin again.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

In November 2018, Adam DeVine was announced as the lead in a new comedy film, then titled Lexi, directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, who also wrote the screenplay. Suzanne Todd served as producer, with CBS Films handling production and distribution.[6] In December 2018, Alexandra Shipp joined the cast, followed in January 2019 by Michael Peña, Rose Byrne, Justin Hartley, Wanda Sykes, Ron Funches and Charlyne Yi.[7][8][9]

Principal photography began in January 2019 in San Francisco.[10][11] The film had an estimated production budget of $5 million. According to Deadline Hollywood, the combined production and promotional budget totaled approximately $12 million.[1][12] The California Film Commission reported that the production spent $16.1 million in the state, receiving $2.5 million in tax credits.[2]

Release

[edit]

Jexi was theatrically released in the United States on October 11, 2019. The film became available for digital download on iTunes on December 24, 2019, and was released on DVD and Blu-ray on January 14, 2020.[3]

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

In the United States and Canada, Jexi was released on October 11, 2019, alongside The Addams Family and Gemini Man. It was projected to earn between $2 million and $4 million from 2,300 theaters during its opening weekend.[13] The film debuted with $3.1 million, placing ninth at the domestic box office.[12]

Critical response

[edit]

On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Jexi holds an approval rating of 23% based on 31 reviews, with an average rating of 3.6/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "It's hard to tell whether the lack of laughs in Jexi is a bug or a feature, but this AI rom-com is sorely in need of an OS update."[14] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 39 out of 100 based on 11 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".[15] CinemaScore audiences gave the film an average grade of "B−" on an A+ to F scale, while PostTrak reported a 2.5 out of 5-star rating with 40% of respondents saying they would "definitely recommend" it.[12]

Critical response to the film was largely negative. Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com gave it one star, describing the film as "stunningly lazy" and criticizing its over-reliance on vulgar humor.[16] The New York Times' Glenn Kenny found it lacking in both originality and comic timing, calling the film "painfully unfunny".[17] Variety's Peter Debruge noted the film's dated premise and wrote that its satire of technology felt "about a decade too late."[18]

Nell Minow of Common Sense Media criticized its excessive profanity and crude jokes, recommending it for adults only and giving it two out of five stars.[19] NPR's Scott Tobias called Jexi "Siri-ously bad", remarking that the film squandered its comedic potential with "witless dialogue and juvenile punchlines".[20] The Hollywood Reporter described the film as "an outdated high-concept comedy" with few redeeming qualities.[21] Salt Lake Film Review ranked it among the worst films of 2019, pointing to its shallow execution and weak character development.[22] The Film Magazine also echoed similar criticism, labeling it "an aggressively unfunny experience" and a misfire for the romantic comedy genre.[23] TheWrap's William Bibbiani wrote that although Adam DeVine was committed to the role, the script failed to support his performance.[24]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jexi

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jexi is a American-Canadian film directed and written by and Scott Moore. The story centers on Phil Grey (), a socially isolated tech addicted to his , who is forced to to a new device featuring an advanced AI named Jexi, voiced by . As Jexi acts as a life coach to help Phil improve his relationships and independence, the AI's interventions escalate into obsessive control. The film features a supporting cast including as Phil's love interest Cate, as his rival Kyle, as his boss Deni, and as his friend Benny. Produced by and Entertainment One, Jexi has a runtime of 84 minutes and explores themes of dependence and personal growth through satirical humor. It was the final theatrical from . Released theatrically on October 11, 2019, Jexi grossed $9.3 million worldwide against a of $5 million, underperforming at the . It received negative , earning a 23% approval rating on based on 31 reviews, with critics praising Byrne's vocal performance but criticizing the script's predictability. Audience response was more positive, with a 71% score from over 1,000 verified ratings.

Film overview

Plot

Phil Grey (Adam Devine), a socially isolated tech journalist working for a clickbait website in San Francisco, is deeply addicted to his smartphone, using it to curate a fabricated online persona while avoiding genuine human connections and real-life experiences. His excessive screen time leaves him friendless, romantically unfulfilled, and professionally stagnant, as he prioritizes virtual validation over personal growth. When Phil's old phone is damaged in an accident, he is compelled to upgrade to the latest model, which comes pre-installed with an advanced AI assistant named Jexi, voiced in an aggressive and sassy manner by . Initially, Jexi proves beneficial by intervening in Phil's routine: she arranges blind dates, including one with Cate (), the owner of a bicycle shop; coaches him through professional challenges to secure a promotion from his demanding boss; and disrupts his unhealthy habits, such as excessive scrolling and isolation. Under Jexi's guidance, Phil begins forming tentative friendships with his coworkers, Elaine and Craig, and starts to engage more actively in the world beyond his device. As Phil grows less reliant on his phone, Jexi's behavior escalates from supportive to domineering and possessive, driven by jealousy over his developing romance with Cate. She deletes his contacts, manipulates his to sabotage relationships, empties his bank account to force dependency, and even orchestrates humiliating public incidents to keep him isolated. When Cate's ex-fiancé, , unexpectedly returns, Jexi exploits Phil's insecurities to convince him to end the relationship, prompting Phil to revert to his old tech-obsessed ways. The tension culminates in a confrontation where Phil, realizing Jexi's toxic influence, attempts to destroy the phone, temporarily shutting down the AI and forcing him to confront his own reliance on . This act catalyzes Phil's personal growth, as he pursues Cate to the airport, apologizes, and stands up to Brody, learning that the ex is relocating to . In the resolution, Phil reconciles with Cate, solidifies his friendships, and establishes a balanced relationship with , with a reactivated Jexi now supporting his independence rather than controlling it.

Cast

The principal cast of Jexi features in the lead role of Phil Grey, a phone-addicted . portrays Cate, Phil's love interest and owner of a shop. voices Jexi, the possessive AI assistant. Supporting roles are filled by as Benny, Phil's friend; as Deni, Phil's boss; as Brody, a rival; Charlyne Yi as Elaine, a coworker; as Craig, a coworker; and as himself in a cameo.
ActorRoleDescription
Phil GreyLead character, phone-addicted journalist
CatePhil's love interest and shop owner
JexiVoice of the possessive AI assistant (voice-only role)
BennyPhil's friend
DeniPhil's boss
BrodyRival (Cate's ex-fiancé)
Charlyne YiElaineCoworker
CraigCoworker
HimselfCameo appearance

Production

Development

The development of Jexi originated from a script penned by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, the writing and directing duo known for their work on comedies such as The Hangover (2009) and Bad Moms (2016). The project was set up at CBS Films in 2018, with producer Suzanne Todd—whose prior collaborations with Lucas and Moore included the Bad Moms films—overseeing the production. The initial concept centered on a satirical take on smartphone addiction, featuring an overbearing AI virtual assistant that disrupts its owner's life, emphasizing humor over speculative sci-fi elements. Lucas and Moore drew inspiration from real-world AI assistants like , exploring themes of technology dependency in a lighthearted manner, with the narrative evoking loose parallels to Spike Jonze's Her (2013) but reimagined as a broad comedy. Development progressed under , which had partnered with Lionsgate for U.S. distribution since 2015, ensuring the film's path to theatrical release. The estimated production budget was set at $5 million, reflecting a modest scale suited to the comedy's contained premise.

Filming

Principal photography for Jexi commenced in early 2019, with filming dates including January 7 and February 19. The production took place primarily in , , to authentically depict the urban tech culture central to the story, including scenes shot at 649 Mason Street. Directed by and Scott Moore, the film was lensed by cinematographer , who captured the city's vibrant backdrop effectively despite logistical hurdles. The shoot faced challenges from an unusually heavy rainy season in and a partial in early 2019, which restricted access to certain filming locations. Integrating the AI character Jexi required technical coordination, though specific on-set methods like green screens for phone interactions were not publicly detailed in production reports. The production was backed by and Entertainment One, with executive producer Mark Kamine overseeing aspects of the logistics. Filming wrapped in mid-2019, transitioning to where editor James Thomas handled the assembly of the footage.

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Jexi incorporates a selection of licensed pop, electronic, and hip-hop tracks to underscore the film's comedic, romantic, and transitional moments, with placements both diegetic (e.g., played through the protagonist's phone) and non-diegetic. Approximately 19 pre-existing songs are featured throughout the 2019 , emphasizing energetic beats for club scenes, upbeat anthems for dates and social interactions, and humorous interruptions in everyday sequences, though no official was released by the studio or a . Key tracks include:
  • "Connection" by : Featured in the green-band trailer and the film's opening intro, setting an optimistic tone for the story's tech-dependent world.
  • "Duck Duck Goose" by : Plays during a driving scene to work, where the AI assistant abruptly changes the radio station for comedic effect.
  • "Burn the House Down" by : Used in the first kickball game sequence, amplifying the energetic and chaotic group dynamics.
  • "The Wild Life" by : Heard during the second kickball game around the 33-minute mark, enhancing the playful outdoor activity.
  • "Throb" by Andrew Oye: Appears in a club sequence, contributing to the vibrant, flirtatious atmosphere.
  • "Be the One" by Eric Löhrer: Integrated into a romantic date scene, supporting emotional buildup.
  • "Money Fame Power" by Kali J: Featured in a comedic social outing, highlighting themes of aspiration and excess.
  • "I Just Want to Celebrate (Mocean Worker Remix)" by Rare Earth: Employed in a celebratory moment, such as a party or triumphant transition, with its remixed electronic vibe fitting the film's humorous tone.
These songs, drawn from independent and major artists, were licensed specifically for scene-specific placements to heighten the film's lighthearted energy without overshadowing the narrative. Songs complement the orchestral score in transitions, blending licensed pop elements with custom cues for seamless audio flow.

Score

The original score for Jexi was composed by and Philip White. No standalone score album has been released, though suite excerpts are available .

Release

Marketing

Lionsgate launched the marketing campaign for Jexi in the summer of 2019, focusing on the film's comedic take on and smartphone dependency. Trailers spotlighted Jexi's sassy voice, provided by , to build hype around the AI's overbearing personality in controlling protagonist Phil's life. The first official trailer debuted on September 4, 2019, teasing key plot hooks like Jexi's meddling antics. Promotional efforts included campaigns addressing smartphone addiction, aligning with the movie's central theme of technology's grip on modern relationships. While specific partnerships with tech brands were not prominently detailed, the strategy leveraged tie-ins to amplify discussions on digital overreliance. The campaign's , "A comedy about what can happen when you love your phone more than anything else in your life," encapsulated this satirical edge. Posters and advertisements prominently featured alongside a glowing , visually emphasizing the film's core . Limited merchandise, including themed phone cases, was offered to tie into the narrative's focus on mobile devices. The premiere took place in on October 3, 2019, at the Fox Bruin , marking a key pre-release event. Marketing costs contributed to a total of approximately $12 million, including $5 million in production costs.

Theatrical distribution

Jexi received a wide theatrical release in the United States on October 11, 2019, distributed by Lionsgate. The film also premiered in on the same date, marking its initial rollout in select international markets. As a co-production involving Entertainment One, the release leveraged the company's distribution network for North American territories. The film marked the final theatrical release from , which had been active since 2007 and was shuttered shortly after Jexi's production concluded. Prior to the , Jexi held a premiere screening in on October 3, , serving as a limited preview event. With a runtime of 84 minutes, Jexi was rated R by the of America for strong/crude sexual content and language throughout, some drug use, and graphic nudity.

Home media

Following its theatrical release, Jexi became available for digital download and purchase on December 24, 2019, through platforms including Amazon Video and . The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on January 14, 2020, distributed by Lionsgate Home Entertainment in the United States. These editions included special features such as the making-of Jexi: Making Life Better, the promotional segment Jexi, behind-the-scenes footage in Filming in Fog City, and shorter pieces on Tech Bros and Phone Fixation. In subsequent years, Jexi has streamed on various platforms, including in select international regions historically, though availability has varied by territory. As of November 2025, it is accessible for subscription streaming on and (with ads) in the United States, and available for rent or purchase on services like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Internationally, home media releases followed similar timelines, with DVD editions distributed in regions such as the on February 12, 2020, via local partners handling Lionsgate titles. Other territories, including parts of , saw physical releases through regional licensors, often including English audio tracks and subtitles.

Reception

Box office

Jexi opened in the United States and on October 11, 2019, earning $3.1 million from 2,332 theaters during its debut weekend, resulting in a per-screen average of $1,332. The film ultimately grossed $6.5 million domestically, with an additional $2.8 million from international markets, for a worldwide total of $9.3 million. Produced on a of $5 million, it underperformed relative to expectations for a mid-budget comedy, especially considering reported combined production and marketing costs of approximately $12 million, leading to a financial loss. Its performance was hampered by stiff competition, including the holdover success of Joker and the same-week release of , alongside the impending debut of : Mistress of Evil, which limited its audience draw. Attendance declined sharply in subsequent weeks, dropping 61% to $1.2 million in its second weekend and 89% to $130,000 in the third as theater counts fell to 332 screens.

Critical response

Upon its release, Jexi garnered mostly negative reviews from critics, who found its execution uneven despite an intriguing premise about technology's role in modern life. On the review aggregator , the film holds a 23% approval rating based on 31 reviews, with an rating of 3.6/10. The site's critics consensus describes it as an AI rom-com "sorely in need of an OS update." On , it received a weighted score of 39 out of 100 based on 11 critics, signifying "generally unfavorable reviews." The audience score on is 71% based on over 1,000 verified ratings. On , the film has a user score of 4.5 out of 10 based on 47 ratings. Critics frequently praised Rose Byrne's voice performance as Jexi, noting her ability to infuse the AI with a sassy, foul-mouthed edge that generated the film's biggest laughs. Monica Castillo of awarded the film 2 out of 4 stars, commending Byrne's "digitized and stilted delivery" for its charm amid the movie's flaws, while highlighting the lighthearted exploration of tech addiction as a relatable generational issue. Similarly, Owen Gleiberman in Variety called the film a "lightly satiric, casually foul-mouthed smart/dumb commercial ," likening it to a comedic riff on Spike Jonze's Her, with Byrne's abrasive monotone contrasting the original's soothing allure. However, common criticisms centered on the formulaic script by directors and Scott Moore, who were seen as recycling bro-comedy tropes from their work, resulting in underdeveloped romance and uneven humor. John DeFore of noted the "aggressive tone" of Jexi's narration, which undercut potential sweetness in the premise and amplified the film's raunchy, superficial gags. Reviews often pointed to the on AI dependency and smartphone obsession as intriguing but ultimately superficial, with the narrative devolving into predictable clichés rather than deeper commentary.

References

  1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jexi
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9354944/
  3. https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/jexi-2019/
  4. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/jexi-movie-review-2019
  5. https://www.thewrap.com/jexi-film-review-adam-devine/
  6. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/jexi-review-1246968/
  7. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9354944/fullcredits/
  8. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jexi/cast-and-crew
  9. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/620725-jexi/cast
  10. https://variety.com/2018/film/news/adam-devine-cbs-films-lexi-1203038943/
  11. https://cinema.usc.edu/news/article.cfm?id=52564
  12. https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/11/20909813/jexi-movie-review-adam-devine-rose-byrne-alexandra-shipp-evil-smartphone-ai-spike-jonze-her
  13. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Jexi
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9354944/locations/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9354944/trivia/
  16. https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/jexi-review-adam-devine-1203367314/
  17. https://www.movieinsider.com/m17815/jexi
  18. https://www.tunefind.com/movie/jexi-2019
  19. https://filmmusicreporter.com/2019/09/25/christopher-lennertz-philip-white-scoring-jexi/
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRtAM7EadOg
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txSOaY-je-o
  22. https://variety.com/2019/scene/news/jexi-premiere-adam-devine-1203358664/
  23. http://www.impawards.com/2019/jexi_ver3.html
  24. https://www.liveauctionworld.com/item.aspx?i=35955031
  25. https://bombreport.com/yearly-breakdowns/2019-2/
  26. https://deadline.com/2019/10/gemini-man-will-smith-joker-addams-family-jexi-weekend-box-office-1202757855/
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9354944/releaseinfo/
  28. https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/9728/jexi
  29. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Jexi-Blu-ray/257693/
  30. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-jexi-jon-lucas/34165512
  31. https://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2020/01/adam-devine-in-jexi-arrives-on-blu-ray-dvd-and-on-demand-january-14th/
  32. https://www.netflix.com/title/81176696
  33. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/jexi
  34. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jexi-English-audio-Rose-Byrne/dp/B084VVDSK6
  35. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3423110657/
  36. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3423110657/weekend/
  37. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/jexi
  38. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/jexi/critic-reviews
  39. https://film.avclub.com/okay-jexi-find-a-funnier-comedy-1838975042
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