Despite the similarities in main character Carl Nargle’s (Owen Wilson) physical appearance (including beard and kinky ‘fro, questionable fashion sense), writer/director Brit McAdams’ wicked funny “Paint” (IFC) is not about Bob Ross.

Nargle and Ross both just happened to paint landscapes, speak with a soothing lilt, and have programs that aired on PBS.

Now that we got that out of the way, “Paint” is a Wes-Anderson-meets-Christopher-Guest-style comedy that is hysterically funny. Wilson is the perfect choice to play Nargle, a kind of man-child whose sexual prowess is as limited as his artistic abilities. He’s a flim-flam man who isn’t in on his own scam. And yet women keep throwing themselves at him, as if his vintage van, known as Vantastic, is an altar.

The star of “Paint with Carl Nargle,” filmed in Vermont at the Burlington Public Broadcasting studio, Carl has a coterie of female staffers, including jilted director Catherine (an understated Michaela Watkins), devoted Wendy (Wendi McLendon-Covey), indifferent (but hilarious) Beverly (Lusia Strus), and starry-eyed Jenna (Lucy Freyer), at his beck and call. Even his longtime boss, station manager Tony (Stephen Root) thinks he can do no wrong.

All Carl ever wanted was to display his work at the Burlington Museum of Art, but that dream has always evaded him. Instead, he’s worshipped by his large fanbase, including amateur artists, nursing home residents, and day drinkers in taverns. But cracks are beginning to show in his work, and his ratings are starting to slide. That’s when Tony brings in Ambrosia (Ciara Renée), a much younger, more daring painter who paints more than landscapes (you have to see the bloody UFO!).

Not only does Ambrosia threaten Carl’s public television career, but also his love life. First, Ambrosia becomes involved with Carl’s ex, Catherine. The scene in which Ambrosia introduces Catherine to her parents is a comedic highlight. Then Ambrosia begins a relationship with Beverly (another extremely funny family intro ensues).

Meanwhile, Carl is set adrift. Released (not fired!) from the station, he accepts a teaching position at a university, but doesn’t suit him at all. A meeting with Dr. Lenihan (Michael Pemberton), the director of the Burlington Museum, is laced with insults that go over Carl’s head. With nowhere left to turn, Carl destroys his artwork (something that Michelangelo, Georgia O’Keefe, Francis Bacon, and, of course, Banksy, have been known to do) in his barn studio.

This is where “Paint” takes its most unexpected turn. A potential life-threatening event and a surprising romantic reunion, coalesce into a well-earned happy ending. A genuinely original and laugh-out-loud comedy, “Paint” deserves to be seen and is suitable for framing.

Rating: A-

Gregg Shapiro is the author of eight books including the poetry chapbook Fear of Muses (Souvenir Spoon Books, 2022). An entertainment journalist, whose interviews and reviews run in a variety of regional LGBTQ+ and mainstream publications and websites, Shapiro lives in Fort Lauderdale with his husband Rick and their dog Coco.