Amber Benson

In "Race You to the Bottom," Russell Brown’s enervated relationship drama, a pair of thoroughly unlikable 20-somethings explore the possibility of becoming more than friends with benefits. First, however, they must decide what to do about their pesky, live-in boyfriends.

Self-consciously edgy and romantically limp, the movie asks us to believe that the gorgeous Maggie (Amber Benson), a searching postgrad, would be besotted with the immature Nathan (Cole Williams), a self-involved, self-loathing travel writer. As they tour the Napa Valley for one of Nathan’s puff pieces, the couple communicate in forced, snippy dialogue, much of which centers on Nathan’s wavering sexuality. Maggie believes he’s 70 percent gay; judging by his bad hair alone, the opposite is more likely.

While Nathan hits on a waiter and seduces one of Maggie’s male college friends, Maggie alternately snipes and sulks. Ms. Benson is a lovely actress with a vulnerability that can be extremely touching, but she enjoyed more chemistry with Alyson Hannigan on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" than she does with Mr. Williams. In this walking, talking, whining movie, she is charged with teaching us that relationships are complicated. Maybe so, but they’re a lot easier if you lift your gaze from your navel once in a while.

"Race You to the Bottom" is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian). Its characters explore Ecstasy, sexual honesty and one another.

Opens today in Manhattan.

Written and directed by Russell Brown; director of photography, Marco Farnoli; edited by Annette Davey; music by Ryan Beveridge; art director, Doran Meyers; produced by Roni Deitz and Mr. Brown; released by Regent Releasing. At the Quad Cinema, 34 West 13th Street, Greenwich Village. Running time: 75 minutes.

WITH: Amber Benson (Maggie), Cole Williams (Nathan), Jeremy Lelliott (Nicholas), Danielle Harris (Carla) and Justin Hartley (Joe).