Pretend That You Love Me

This unique little film uses its "one man army production" as a strength, and tells its story through a narrative a larger production would not be able to. Joel Haver is able to tackle his emotional longing for love in a most intimate fashion, by making you aware of himself as a filmmaker making a film. After having followed him on a number of different dates that all unfold in a very similar manner. We get a sense that the whole project is not just "some film", but an experimental process Joel endures in hopes of creating something with a lasting value. As the film continues the somewhat constructed love story crumbles, as Joel is met with a most devastating event, now in need of intimate love more than ever. A beautifully sad and profound film about loneliness that never can be replicated. An experience so honest and raw, that left me hopeful about the future of independent filmmaking. And its on YouTube!!!

This movie is truly heart wrenching. It felt so raw. It was so real. I loved every second of it. Highly recommend.

It's hard to differentiate what's fact or fiction in this movie, and that's a good thing. It's genuine. It's raw. It's life. Joel's cinematography and grading combined with the great performances and reactions just make this movie something to recommend. I definitely cried watching this.

This movie was a great watch. I shed a few tears watching it, it got me thinking of my grandad I lost when I was younger. Sometimes you just need someone to be with, and that's a great moral to this story. Growing up I couldn't stand the thought of living alone and I was terrified of having to do so one day, and to me this movie encapsulated that feeling spot on. Wanting to be with your family knowing they'll one day all die, an excellent premise. Although some scenes felt vacant, they still lingered with emotional honesty and sometimes you just need a movie that doesn't have too much going on at all times. Another important thing is that this movie stays true to itself. I give it 7 stars out of ten and I will probably watch it again in six years or so.

Joel Haver consistently proves that you can tell great stories--and make great movies--without millions of dollars and dozens of crew. "Pretend That You Love Me" seems to blend reality with fiction, establishing an interesting perspective on what dating is as well as what a movie is.

The unpolished nature of the film makes the.beautifully framed shots and emotional impact all the more powerful.

Whether you are a Joel Haver fan or have no idea who he is, and whether you enjoy zero-budget movies or have never seen one, this is a film worth watching and I have enjoyed rewatching it with friends who had no idea what they were going to see.

I am a big fan of Joel and a big fan of this movie.