Maybe Forever

Most romance movies follow a familiar arc. Two people meet, like each other. Have some very manageable problems that are blow up for dramatic effect. And in very predictable fashion, they end up in love. There's nothing wrong with this formula. It works in rom-coms, in Hallmark movies. But it's at best, a little bland. At worst, it's boring as hell.

Maybe Forever eschews this tradition for a more unconventional, poetic approach to a love story. Two characters, very clearly in love at the outset, look back on their first date. A day filled less with high drama and more with the poetry of two souls finding beauty in each other and life. In that way it's a very simple film. And yet, it's quite profound. In our daily haste, we so often forget that some of life's greatest treasures are very moving and yet, very simple. I was transfixed by these two characters falling for each other, in soothing, soul-connecting harmonies of bliss.

I couldn't help but notice that the co-writers, directors and stars of the film have the same last name. So one assumes, they are a married couple who made this movie together. Which begs the question, was this a depiction of their actual first date? Or did they compress their falling in love into one poetic day to tell their beautiful story? Either way, this is a love story unlike any you have exactly seen before. Well shot and performed, and obviously made with the deepest of affection.

Remember when YOU first fell in love after what seemed to be a kazillion false starts with other people? And how literally everything was the best ever, even the most banal and mundane? Well, this film takes on that journey, where every moment spent with your person can make your heart skip a beat. The plot of this film is deliberate, just spending like a languid day spent in the arms of "The One", which perfectly encapsulates what this movie is about. Directing/writing/producing team Ruby and George Capacete (who themselves are a recently married couple) have put together what seems to be (to me, anyway) a gentle day-in-the-life story that chronicles their own journey of finally finding what we all long for ... to love and be loved in return. O.

Husband and Wife writer and director duo Ruby and George Capacete play lovers Sofia and Greg as they go about their day in a peaceful sun drenched Los Angeles relfecting on their lives.

No huge earth shattering event takes place in this film instead its a contemplative series of moments.

Theres a lot of close ups as Maybe Forever focuses on those small moments that quietly make up life. Theres very few other characters- you see figures in the background or passing through witout a word always in the distance.

Much like a new relationship which becomes an all consuming thing for better or worse makes your love the centre of the universe.

The narrative reminded me of Jim Jarmunschs "Paterson" or Alonso Caurons classic "Y Tu Mama Tambien" which creates a space that draws you into the simple quiet world of the characters and the rhthyms and nuances of everyday life.

Some critics may have resentment towards this film as it lacks the usual conflict narrative which has been taught to us is the basis of all artistic expression. Conflict. Conflict. Conflict.

I for one am happy to see filmmakers try to forge a new path against the worn down conventions we know so well and try something different.

"Maybe Forever" is a slow, tender exploration of love in its most raw and intimate form. The film follows George and Ruby, two lovers reminiscing about their relationship during a lazy, sun-soaked afternoon. There's no dramatic conflict or traditional story structure here-just an opportunity for the audience to observe two people who are deeply in love, sharing their most vulnerable thoughts.

What makes Maybe Forever unique is its simplicity. Instead of relying on plot twists or major revelations, the film focuses on intimate conversations about life, love, and everything in between. These moments feel authentic and relatable, particularly to anyone who has experienced the quiet depth of a passionate relationship. The dialogue is both candid and reflective, allowing the audience to feel like voyeurs peeking into real moments of emotional and physical closeness.

Ruby Capacete, who stars as Ruby, also produced the film, while George Capacete, who plays George, took on the roles of both writer and director. The personal connection between the two leads is evident throughout the film, creating a sense of genuine intimacy. The actors seem to be mirroring their real-life relationship, turning their personal love story into a beautiful, artistic appreciation of one another.

At its core, Maybe Forever is a love letter to relationships that endure-ones that find strength in vulnerability, and beauty in the simplest moments. With lines like, "All of who you are is a dream to me," the film invites us to reflect on our own connections and the special bonds we share with the ones we love. While it may be a slow burn, it's one that gently warms the heart, proving that it's never too late to find that perfect someone.

Overall, Maybe Forever is a heartfelt, subtle film that focuses on the beauty of shared moments and emotional connection. Its unhurried pace and personal narrative will resonate deeply with those who appreciate the quieter side of love.

I didn't know that the two lead characters were a real couple until I read the credits but it was very obvious with the natural connection between them. Following the couple on a day around LA it is rather like people watching and eavesdropping on a couple's private conversation with all of the minutiae and minor details that they talk about. The copious amount of physical touching and hand holding is reminiscent of first dates and early dating with rapt infatuation with one another all day long. Perhaps this is a reminder to rekindle those days with our own partners lest we fall into mediocrity and routine. This film was a nice reminder to cherish the small details.