In recent years, a sub genre of comedy has steadily grown into popularity: the crude humor romp with a heart of gold. Films like Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, I Love You, Man, and as of late, Bridesmaids have experienced both success with audiences and critical acclaim.

50/50 is the newest film that falls in this category of film. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt of 500 Days of Summer and “brocomedy” regular, Seth Rogen, the film chronicles the life of Adam, a twenty-something writer, after he is diagnosed with a rare cancer. Inspired by its writer’s life, the film seamlessly juggles the serious subject matter and the humor that comes out of two best friends.

Directed by Jonathon Levine of The Wackness and All the Boys Love Mandy Lane fame, 50/50 shows his maturation as a filmmaker. The cinematography shows that of a filmmaker with an understanding of lighting and how it affects the mood of the film. Bleak color palettes and overexposed lights populate the film. When the film transitions to the more light-hearted scenes, there is a warmth that pulses throughout; yet, there is a foreboding fear that lingers, just as Adam knows his cancer is ever present.

When the film was first announced, many film critics were taken aback: a comedy about cancer? But the film is not a comedy. At its core, it is a drama about a man facing his own mortality, finding his true friends, and realizing the love he has for his parents. Yes, there are some absolutely hilarious scenes in the film; but, they don’t seem unnatural. They flow just like the dramatic scenes.

To say that 50/50 is an Oscar Contender could be a huge overstatement, it is without a doubt one of the best films of the year. With a heart of gold and a sailor’s mouth, it perfectly captures the lives of its subjects.