Well, for one, I've seen 38 films from the 2010s, which isn't that many. So I didn't actually despise Coherence. But I didn't like the amateur camera work and script, it just made me feel dizzy. It was all substance and no style. Also, I didn't like any of the characters.
Fair critiques, all.
I would mention that there actually wasn't a script at all! The film was an experiment in ab-lib and free association. The director and one of the actors worked on the puzzle box structure for over a year. There is a joke about the film: This movie has 391 continuity errors, and 385 of them are on purpose. It was sort of a cinematic experiment focused on the Shroedinger's Cat thought experiment, as well as people's tendency to perceive people through their own personal filters as opposed to seeing them objectively.
The actors would do little group sessions with the film makers, after which they were given cards and separate coaching on how to react to various situations that might arise during each scene. Although the final results are unrehearsed and a little rough around the edges, many of the reactions to events are genuine.
As far as not liking the characters, just remember this quote from the film:
"All night, we have been in here...worrying about what will happen if bad versions of ourselves come here to hurt or kill us. What if we are the bad version?"
Some of the characters are not great people, and although many of the characters are replaced, sometimes many times over, by various different versions of themselves, most of the versions we are exposed to are less than likable, and some are downright evil. After all:
WARNING: "Coherence" spoilers below
The final girl ends up murdering a better version of herself, and stealing her life.
The final girl ends up murdering a better version of herself, and stealing her life.
Coherence is idea based, low-budget science fiction at its best. Perhaps give it another chance, this time approaching it as more of a guerrilla style indie flick that is more concerned with thought provoking ideas than flashy shots or academy award winning acting.