Manuscript

A twisty dark comedy about ambition and ruthlessness, with a fancifully elaborate Hitchcockian revenge plot up its sleeve, “Manuscript” advertises its cleverness with an air of self-satisfaction while artfully attempting to mask its implausibility with erudite hipster wit. But there’s no denying the flashy talent of newcomer Paul Grellong, who seems inevitably headed for a screenwriting career. The playwright’s Off Broadway debut is entertainingly served by Bob Balaban’s vigorous, playful direction and by a fine trio of young actors.