Fingernails

A dystopian romantic comedy that merely scratches the surface, Fingernails is a relationship satire by way of a science-fiction gimmick.

It’s a cautionary tale about science and technology, a lighthearted examination of the true nature of love, and a dramatic glimpse into our universal need for connection.

Despite a sharp cast, the film struggles to coalesce its thematic ambitions and intentionally ridiculous contrivances. Meant to playfully tweak imperfections in dating and romance, it comes off rather shallow and emotionally distant.

Set in the near future, or perhaps a parallel present, the story follows Anna (Jessie Buckley), a schoolteacher who figures she’s on solid ground with her partner, Ryan (Jeremy Allen White), because they received positive results that affirmed their mutual fondness on a breakthrough test ostensibly intended to find ideal matches and curb breakups.

However, Anna becomes skeptical, leading her to take a job behind Ryan’s back at a clinic run by a divorced scientist (Luke Wilson) with a new tool to evaluate commitment that involves removing a fingernail.

Anna’s new colleague, Amir (Riz Ahmed), introduces him to the series of preposterous intimacy challenges they will use to evaluate couples who sign up, from swimming to skydiving. They develop an endearing awkwardness, as she seems to be drifting apart in her relationship and he’s reluctant to disclose details about a woman in a photo on his desk.

An affair would mean denying the effectiveness of the very procedures they administer — as well as a realization that lasting connections come down to honesty and transparency more than test-tube silliness.

The idea, of course, feels more oppressive than romantic as it evaluates love through calibrated tests and calculations rather than spontaneous interaction, which fuels the bulk of the sight gags and one-liners.

The English language debut of Greek director Christos Nikou (Apples) generates some big laughs for those on the same offbeat wavelength, using deadpan sensibilities to accentuate the absurdity of such measurements and the corresponding trust of the characters in the outcome.

Meanwhile, contemporary parallels linger in the background with talk about public perception and the ethical rationale of widespread testing.

At any rate, the film winds up painting itself into a narrative corner. As a deep-dive into the foundations of commitment and affection, it winds up muddled and meandering. Fingernails fails to touch the heart.

Rated R, 113 minutes.