The One I Love- Review
It pains me to have a watch pile so large, but it also brings me great satisfaction when I'm actually able to tick films off the list and enjoy them simultaneously. This particular film has been sitting in the pile for almost a year and yet I have only just managed to sit down with it.
As I've said before, there's no better feeling than putting on a film without any preconceived ideas or knowledge about beforehand. Going into this film, I didn't read anything about the synopsis and didn't even know what genre it was either. At one point during the film, there was opportunity for it to sway into a genre of choice and I'm sure it could have achieved just as much regardless. Either way, the genre of choice was a pretty safe bet.
A couple who are seeking therapy to treat their ailing marriage are advised to set out for a weekend romantic getaway. However, once they have settled in, they both realise that there's more to an 'under construction' marriage than at first glance.
For some reason I just never pictured Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss working together as a duo. I can't explain that reason but all I can say is that they really achieved something great onscreen. Some people believe that portraying everyday people is easy, but it isn't. Portraying an everyday couple with a struggling marriage seems to be even harder, yet Mark and Elisabeth as the roles of Ethan and Sophie really put their heads together to work hard in creating a chemistry and a dissociation that an audience of people could relate to in some way or another. They're both polar opposite characters; Ethan tries to be uncharacteristically funny and Sophie always looks for an opening to have an argument. They're basic characters, as everyday people are but in no way are they clichéd. It's incredibly interesting how this film relied so strongly on just two actors to shape the way in which the film unfolded and they did very well.
There are so many character transitions and progressions here that become obvious once you've familiarised yourself with this film, so please do pay close attention.
This film is actually the first feature film from the hands of Charlie McDowell. For someone so young, he does a wonderful job in capturing such a twisted story that you would least expect. After thinking about it for some time, this film actually resembles something you'd expect from Black Mirror. It has the mix of a sci-fi and thriller genre and at times, it really makes you consider how a more logical future isn't so far away from where we currently are. Charlie's ideas shown throughout this film are very creative and it was really nice to see something so different.
While there are equal amounts of positive and negative reviews out there, I feel as though this is a film that is still somewhat unknown from the community here and quite possibly just a little underrated. Either way, if you haven't seen it, please do.
The One I Love is an oddly satisfying film that works not only to slightly confuse, but also purposely pick your brain as a Twilight Zone story unfolds right before your very eyes. Go in with an open mind and with minimal knowledge of the plot. Blink and you'll miss it.
Score: 7/10.