Maybe Forever

Maybe Forever is an introspective romantic drama, that plays out through a series of intimate conversations between George and Sophie (played by real-life couple George and Ruby Capacete), reflecting on love and their relationship with a vulnerable honesty that resonates through its micro budget origins.

It's clearly a very personal project for the Capacetes, who also write and direct, but manage to steer clear of venturing into self-indulgence. The contemplative pace probably won't be for everyone, but I found it charming, engaging and, at just 71 minutes long, it didn't outstay its welcome.

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.

Maybe Forever is a stylishly told, poetic story of a relationship. It's beautifully shot and told. It feels simple, but there is also great depth to it. The performances are affecting, and the story pulls the viewer right in as the two main characters look back at their history together. The soundtrack is also really nicely done and matches the feel of the film exactly as it should. The natural-feeling chemistry between the leads is also notable.

Kudos to Ruby and George Capacete for what they have made. It's an uplifting, dreamy film, obviously made with a great deal of love. Lovely and well worth watching.

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.

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.