A film that has been in the making for over two decades, written by the wonderful Joss Whedon who is really the gift that just keeps on giving in the realms of supernatural, paranormal and romance, this film was an unexpectedly glorious discovery made by myself a few nights ago.
I recently made the decision/ social mistake of getting myself Netflix, and whilst trawling through the many films I either had already seen or had no interest in ever watching, this little beauty fell into my lap.
First premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last year, Whedon then made it available online rather than taking on theatrical distribution. The only explanation as to why I hadn’t heard of it until now.
It’s a love story, plain and simple, only the twist is…the protagonists have never met. It is a story of two minds falling in love, not bodies. Dylan and Rebecca live on opposite sides of the country, and yet somehow, inexplicably, their minds are linked- they are able to see what each other can see, feel what each other can feel, and when they talk aloud, they can hear each other as well.
I know, a little wacky- but considering the mind it came from, it’s a very sweet idea. The two could not be more different if they tried- she a upper class, unsatisfied housewife only married for the safety and comfort her wealthy doctor husband can provide, he a convict recently out of prison trying to turn his life around. It’s cliche and yet fresh. Whedon has done it again, the tragic love story you have to root for (Buffy and Angel anyone?) and want to be triumphant.
Yes, the film lacks the superheroes, magical weapons and action sequences we are used to from Whedon’s work, but the themes are still there- we see a strong woman break from the safety of her life to pursue what will really make her happy, we have the misogynistic husband who controls his wife and talks down to her, more concerned with his career than her. Good triumphs over evil and the bad guy is vanquished.
The score, composed by Tony Morales, left me with goosebumps throughout. It’s a soft, melodic sound that makes you fall in love, just like the characters and the storyline. It’s a perfect fit.
The location is beautiful, a wonderful contrast between the cold New Hampshire and the mountain state of New Mexico. It represents the characters’ perfectly, their situation and their personalities alike. The theme runs right through to the end, when the characters both choose to leave their respected settings and travel to a new destination, showing their growth and change as people.
The two leads, Zoe Kazan and Michael Stahl-David, really get to show off their ability in this film. It’s about falling in love all on your own. They had to dominate the screen visually whilst sharing it- a hard feat I can only imagine. Talking to themselves, whilst really having a conversation with each other occurs predominantly throughout the film, yet you really find yourself believing they are there, in each others heads. They are both a joy to watch and very believable together, both well rounded and damaged characters with flaws and virtues alike. They are well suited, both on and off screen.
My only concern is one of minuscule size- they don’t address why they are psychically linked. We, as an audience, are expected to just accept it as fact and focus on the love story- which most of me is fine with. In other love films we aren’t expected to question why both leads are in the bar at the same time, or any other serendipitous meet cute that might be the reason the couple first meet- why should this one be any different? Perhaps its just me, always wanting to know more.
But it’s sweet, plain and simple. Something you can curl up in front of the television on a cold night and watch, and restores just a little faith in the world. A definite recommendation to anyone who loves romance, Whedon and a little paranormal.
8/10
reelingroses.wordpress.com 