The Burnout

Sasha can’t take it anymore. She can’t handle another “urgent” email or her boss’s constant encouragement to be joyful. And forget about sex—she has no desire. Seeking relaxation, Sasha sets off to the seaside resort she visited as a child, hoping to find peace through kale smoothies and yoga. The resort is dilapidated, though, and she finds it hard to be one with nature, especially with Finn, a grumpy fellow guest, hanging around. When mysterious messages start appearing on the beach for them, Sasha and Finn begin sharing their stories, including how they each ended up burned out. Maybe they’ll find a meaningful connection after all. Narrator Bessie Carter’s portrayal of frazzled Sasha resonates. Even so, the story is occasionally over the top and exasperatingly predictable, with the humor falling flat more often than not. Carter’s wry, deadpan delivery adds interest, but even she can’t bring a spark to the forced romance.